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Check Engine Light On... sometimes

Posted on 1/2/19 at 11:14 pm
Posted by Korkstand
Member since Nov 2003
29002 posts
Posted on 1/2/19 at 11:14 pm
My wife (no pics) has a 2011 Acadia with 130k, and sometimes the check engine light will stay on for a day, then maybe it'll stay off for a few days, etc. The code is P0008, which I gather is typically a timing chain issue. I don't notice any loss of power, rough idling, knocks, or anything that would indicate engine trouble, so I guess this is an early warning that the timing chain should be replaced? That's what a couple shops said it probably is anyway, and it'll probably cost $2k to change.

We might have time to take it in next week for a closer look, but from what they're telling me this isn't something that they can diagnose absolutely without just going ahead and changing the timing chain. But given that the light comes on and goes off randomly, and there are no power issues or sounds or anything, is there a chance this is just an issue with a sensor?
Posted by OysterPoBoy
City of St. George
Member since Jul 2013
40813 posts
Posted on 1/2/19 at 11:15 pm to
quote:

is there a chance this is just an issue with a sensor?


Yes.
Posted by Titus Pullo
MTDGA
Member since Feb 2011
28567 posts
Posted on 1/2/19 at 11:15 pm to
quote:

My wife (no pics)


My response (no help).
Posted by Spock's Eyebrow
Member since May 2012
12300 posts
Posted on 1/2/19 at 11:22 pm to
I fixed it on my Honda by replacing the gas cap. Less than $10. Seriously.
Posted by LSUTigerDoc
Baton Rouge
Member since Oct 2008
584 posts
Posted on 1/2/19 at 11:48 pm to
Quite possibly a gas cap issue. I would absolutely get a new gas cap before even considering taking it in for a $2k “possible” fix. An incomplete seal by a worn out/cracked gas cap can cause this to happen.
Posted by Korkstand
Member since Nov 2003
29002 posts
Posted on 1/3/19 at 12:08 am to
Thanks for the gas cap tip, guys. It is definitely code P0008, though, which relates specifically to a timing issue, but I will check/replace the gas cap asap anyway.

Posted by Flashback
reading the chicken bones
Member since Apr 2008
8479 posts
Posted on 1/3/19 at 1:19 am to
Posted by CaptainBrannigan
Good Ole Rocky Top Tennessee
Member since Jan 2010
21644 posts
Posted on 1/3/19 at 1:38 am to
quote:

2011 Acadia with 130k,


quote:

cost $2k to change.


Buy you a $15 code reader. Clear the code out and sell that piece of shite.
Posted by Geauxtiga
No man's land
Member since Jan 2008
34381 posts
Posted on 1/3/19 at 2:08 am to
quote:

sometimes the check engine light will stay on for a day, then maybe it'll stay off for a few days, etc. The code is P0008,
Posted by IceTiger
Really hot place
Member since Oct 2007
26584 posts
Posted on 1/3/19 at 2:52 am to
Not a jeep?

Fix that shite quick...
Posted by BHM
Member since Jun 2012
3621 posts
Posted on 1/3/19 at 3:12 am to
Fairly certain a gas cap issue will not trigger a p0008 code. It can make the check engine light come on but it would log a different code.
Posted by fishfighter
RIP
Member since Apr 2008
40026 posts
Posted on 1/3/19 at 3:27 am to
quote:

Fairly certain a gas cap issue will not trigger a p0008 code. It can make the check engine light come on but it would log a different code.


This.
Posted by foshizzle
Washington DC metro
Member since Mar 2008
40599 posts
Posted on 1/3/19 at 4:47 am to
quote:

it'll probably cost $2k to change.


Who cares? Have your butler get a new Bugatti while you fly your private jet to Cannes with hookers and blow.
This post was edited on 1/3/19 at 4:50 am
Posted by Tigris
Cloud Cuckoo Land
Member since Jul 2005
12866 posts
Posted on 1/3/19 at 5:15 am to
Easy to fix with a small piece of electrical tape.
Posted by soccerfüt
Location: A Series of Tubes
Member since May 2013
70453 posts
Posted on 1/3/19 at 5:16 am to
You should trade it in for an Arcadia.

And don’t forget to buy plenty of eggs.
Posted by The Torch
DFW The Dub
Member since Aug 2014
23819 posts
Posted on 1/3/19 at 5:38 am to
These things are bullshite

In Texas you can't get inspected if your check engine light has been on within 90 days.

Of course most of the inspecting places are willing to run the codes and fix the problem for $300 - $400 .
Posted by LanierSpots
Sarasota, Florida
Member since Sep 2010
66688 posts
Posted on 1/3/19 at 5:53 am to
The one in my Tahoe has been on since 2007

Dont care


Posted by Polycarp
Texas
Member since Feb 2009
5673 posts
Posted on 1/3/19 at 5:56 am to
I doubt it’s a chain. I would look for an actuator, typically there is one on the head, on each camshaft, intake and exhaust. They are usually held on by one bolt, and push in.
Posted by biscuit37
The Landmass
Member since Aug 2013
23 posts
Posted on 1/3/19 at 7:06 am to
The chain has probably stretched. I've worked in a GM shop for years and this is common on the 3.6 engine. The thing could possibly run another 100K. Not to pile on, but that is only one of the few expensive issues these trucks have. Look for leaking steering gear, locked front struts and leaking rear evap core( if equipped with rear air). All three of these issues cost over a grand to repair. Never mind the ignition coils and purge solenoids both being shite. If it were mine, I'd entertain the idea of trading. Just a heads up.
Posted by Boudreaux35
BR
Member since Sep 2007
22281 posts
Posted on 1/3/19 at 7:43 am to
Since the light is coming on intermittently, the first thing I would do is reset it. This can be done with a code reader and if you don't have one or know someone with one, try taking it to a place like Autozone and tell them what is going on and see if they will just reset it for you. You can also reset the computer by disconnecting the battery for a few minutes. Drive it around and see if it does it again and gives you the same code.

My opinion: A bad sensor COULD cause this. I really doubt it has anything to do with the gas cap if you are getting a completely different code.
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