new guys needs some help

**redliner89** · 07-29-2009, 02:25 AM

hey guys, new here and also just got a truck, was in the honda scene but found a good deal on a truck so decided to try this out. well i just bought a 99 5.3 silverado yesterday and it drove fine but today when i was drivin it home the service engine light came on, now is there a way to see whats wrong without getting it scanned by a tech or do i have to pretty much take it there to get it checked? just wondering cause i wont be drivin for a while. thanks

**Jimmiee** · 07-29-2009, 08:31 AM

Originally Posted by redliner89

hey guys, new here and also just got a truck, was in the honda scene but found a good deal on a truck so decided to try this out. well i just bought a 99 5.3 silverado yesterday and it drove fine but today when i was drivin it home the service engine light came on, now is there a way to see whats wrong without getting it scanned by a tech or do i have to pretty much take it there to get it checked? just wondering cause i wont be drivin for a while. thanks

Welcome to the GMTC! You can take your truck to Auto Zone and they will scan it for free.

**5speedsilverado** · 07-29-2009, 12:54 PM

**zubbiez** · 07-29-2009, 01:47 PM

Sounds like you got had! I had the same thing happen when I bought my truck the previous owner cleared the code just to unload it and then it became my problem, like previously posted Autozone will scan your truck for free they do this as a courteousy hoping, you then buy the parts from them. another suggestion would be to ask a friend who has a progammer most of the better ones will pull codes and clear them. I didnt even know that until one day when my brother in law pulled out his superchip and resett mine. I now have a diablo predator that I use to check and clear my codes.once you get the code(s) post it here and Im sure someone will be able to help you out.

**phoebeisis** · 07-29-2009, 02:26 PM

Welcome

Yes, the PO might have gotten tricky with you.But on the bright side most "check engine" turn out to be relatively cheap and easy enough to fix- O2 sensor or such.

I would get the code and see what it is.If the truck is running well, it probably isn't anything to bad.

Luck
Charlie

**redliner89** · 07-29-2009, 05:28 PM

yeah its running a lil different now, when you barely press the gas it kinda studders and revs up abiut 100 rpm then back and does its until it downshifts. but the tranny is good on it and shifts fine, i would take it to autozone but it wont be out on the road for a while, so i was wondering if there was a way to check it besides that, thanks

**tattooed4life** · 07-29-2009, 09:31 PM

Go to the zone and buy a obd II scanner, you can find them on sale all the time for less than a 100 bucks. Nice to have in your toolbox to check and clear your codes without waiting on the store to open.

**spottweld** · 07-29-2009, 10:02 PM

get yourself a computer programmer from hypertech or various other comanies. There will be differnt ones and you will need a good one probably about $300, you will also need this anytime you make a mod to the engine or drivetrain. it can better your gas milage and give you more power at the same time

**redliner89** · 07-29-2009, 11:12 PM

yeah i have wanted to look into the programers, i know they can do some crazy power for the deisels but is it the same for mine? its just a 00 5.3, stock, just wonderin what all they can do.