CRAP, SES light is on

Yesterday I installed my 104 plugs, new AC Delco coils, and got the front wires done before running out of time. Rear wires planned for this afternoon. I did drive the Riv to pick up kids at school yesterday, and all seemed fine. This morning I have the dealer doing an alignment. Just before I get there, the SES light comes on... Of course I don't have my LS1M with me and no time to go back home to check out the code. So just in case it's something I can't work on, I'm having them read it, about $50. I'm not happy. But it's better than having to make a 2nd appt and go back again later.

What are the odds this is related to the coils/wires/104's? Parts are all OEM 'cept the plugs, gapped at .054. Right now I'm at home waiting for them to call with the code info.

My guess is, it's probably related to the ignition work, since you just did it yesterday. The worst part is the $50 it cost you. I would've waited to see if: a) the code goes out, and b) what the DTC is. Could be something totally unrelated, or it could be a misfire from something related to the install. 104s, coils, wires should not cause any codes unless the product is defective. Since the car seems to run fine, I would have waited, but it's your car & your $, so I can understand the decision.

Have you ever had a code before? Maybe this will help us understand the mysterious KR problem you're having.

First code since I bought it over a year ago. I also did drive several miles yesterday afternoon after doing that work, with no issues. That's what leads me to believe it could be something else.

Is a code set if a plug wire comes loose?

It's very likely to throw a code if a plug wire came loose, but it's also likely you would feel this. I had loss of power & vibration once due to bad wires, but no codes or SES light. Might be something intermittent, will be interesting to see what the DTC is.

Code 0442 EVAP control system. Tech says it's a sticking EVAP canister vent valve. Another $70 and we're done...

Heh... that is becoming a common problem on many newer cars. My GF's '99 Toyota Corolla has the same code, but costs over $400 to fix. From what I've read it comes from filling the tank too full (on the Toyota at least). The code seems to come and go depending on the seasons. I've reset hers at least 4 times. Not sure what causes this on the Riviera.

Glad it's getting fixed!

The service manual lists several items that could cause it, mostly vacuum system related. Vac leaks are no fun to chase down. In this case, it's actually a failed vent valve in the system, supposedly. I believe the old open gas cap problem causes this code also.

Got 'er back, but they were unable to completely eliminate the tendency to drift to the right. It's not bad, but can't say I'm totally satisfied with the alignment. They spent most of the day trying to get it right...

The mechanic also mentioned the steering wheel wobble, and the tech said about $120 to fix it. Might be worth the $$ for the hassle the column seems to be. No time to do it today though. Tune #3 gets loaded in a couple hours.

Good news! As for the wobble, I'd be afraid to let them do it even for $120. If they brake part of the dash on the inside, you might not know except for the new rattles and squeaks...

Good point, I'll most likely tackle the wobble again, but next time I won't try removing the WHOLE lower dash section...

Get this: the service tech didn't know wtf directional tires were. She told me the mechanic tried swapping tires side to side to see if the drift would be affected, but made no diff. I told her you can't do that, they are directional tires. I got a blank stare, had to explain what that meant, and told her to get them put back where they belong. Then I see a mechanic sneaking out of a group and heading back to the shop... I may have to try out an alignment elsewhere if it bugs me enough.

Hey Aaron, I have another WOT scan this afternoon after getting the 104's in, O2's look a bit better, but KR is still up there. I'll post it on the KR thread.