1998 Malibu, stored code

[otis24]

I have an intermitten check engine light on my 1998 Malibu. I just added Gumout with Regane and a new gas cap. I plan on stopping b y AutoZone the next time I am in and get it scanned. Will there be stored codes? This is a beater car with 190k plus miles. If something simple like an O2 sensor will help it perform better, it is probably worth the cost.

 

[yonyon]

There probably will be one or more stored codes, but a basic OBDII code reader won't likely read it for you when the light is off.

DTCs can be stored as Active, Pending, or History. Active DTCs indicate a fault has been detected and will turn the light on. Pending codes indicate a fault has been detected but will not turn the light on until the fault is detected a second time promoting the DTC to Active status. History codes indicate that a fault has been detected but that it's gone now (criteria for "gone" vary) and the PCM is storing the code number to help the technician find an intermittent fault.

OBD code readers will all read active codes. Many will also read pending codes. To get History codes that are left after the light turns off you'll likely need manufacturer specific software or a tool a bit more advanced than an auto parts store is likely to lend out.

 

[[email protected]]

My Equus 3130 will read historical, current and pending codes as well as live data.

Best $175 Ive ever spent.... every automotive DIY'er should have some form of a scan tool that can read live data as well as historical/pending/active DTC's.