Florida GM Club

boarderbob

Okay ladies and gentlemen, I have reached my limit. Over the past several months, we're talking from June to now, my car has been in and out of the shop. And the hits keep on coming, and I can't figure out why. I picked it up from the shop the other day and before I even hit the main road the "Service Engine Soon" light was on, again. I'll list the current vehicle specs below.

• 2001 Pontiac Grand Am GT1 (LA1)
• ~ 90,000 miles
• Oil changed regularly

Now this is where things get hectic. I'll list everything that's been replaced over the last few months.

• Fuel Pump
• Fuel Pump Relay
• Fuel Pump Harness
• PCM Reset (several times)
• EVAP Canister Valve
• Oil Pressure Switch

I've also had the following items upgraded recently, so I'm not sure if they play any part in the problem though they shouldn't.

• Brake Lines (stainless steel)
• Brake Fluid (ATE Typ 200)
• Fuel System Cleaned

I drove it to Autozone so they could read the PCM for me and it came up with two stored P0442 codes (If I remember correctly a P0442 code is referenced to the emissions control system).

Now one problem that I am aware of is that the upper intake manifold is cracked. The last individual that worked on it overtightened the bolts and as a result cracked it. I realize that this bleeds air into the system and may cause problems so as a precautionary measure I've sealed the cracks with epoxy.

Does anyone have any ideas as to what could causing the PCM to throw codes like this, or what could be causing the codes? Again, any information would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

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cmtapanes

Ok.. this may sound stupid but try this out... get out of your car wal around and go to the gas tank.. open the gas door open the gas cap to let the fumes out and close the gas tank with the cap, make sure to turn it until you hear 3 clicks. If the code keeps comming out after doing this disconnect the battery for 20 min to reset the code. If after dooing al this steps you keep having the same problem replace your gas cap with a new one; maybe the rubber seal on the cap is bad already. I had the problem before; dont know if it was the same code because I never took it any where to see if there was a code on the pcm. But I did have the problem of Service Engine Soon light and it was driving crazy until I replace the gas cap.

Hope that solve the problem. Did you check the O2 sensors?

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My CarDomain

cmtapanes

If you are comming to the Friday meeting I can brin an extra cap I have and see if that fix the problem.

P0442 = Evaporative Emission System Leak Detected (small leak)

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My CarDomain

JonintheRedZ28

lol interesting
I feel your pain Mr Bob. My car's having issues too.

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|Jon - JonintheRedZ28|1998 Chevy Camaro 5.7l LS1|FLGM Moderator|

SuperSport

have you changed your brand of gas lately or the grade? Had a code thrown after changing a brand. Changed back and code cleared itself... after some time, of course. Also had a code thrown when i didn't replace the gas cap correctly.

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Brian
'02 Camaro SS Convertible: The Details...

boarderbob

I've tried the gas cap repeatedly and it continually throws the code, as well as disconnecting the battery terminals. I've not had a chance to replace the gas cap and I've also not had a chance to check the O2 sensors, so I'll put those on the list.

I'm sure you do. lol

I've been running the same octane level gas for over a year now, though I do on occasion have to change brands.

Thanks for the suggestions guys, keep them coming.

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MeowZ28

O2 sensors are always problems....good luck bobby let me know if you need a ride to track night

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boarderbob

Well I may have the problem solved. The tank had to be dropped and smoke tested, but it appears that the culprit may be the gasket for the fuel pump. I'll update when I know more. Thanks again for all the help.

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