CEL keeps coming on

[illmatik]

Hey,
My check engine light keeps coming on and the code is 1494. I was told the scanner says that the solenoids are loose but the connections are fine. Will i have to replace my computer because it has a glich? i can't figure this out. Any help is appreciated. thanks
illmatik

 

[luv2rallye]

I list no code of 1494 - sure this is right?

 

[Doug99RS]

P1494 is a leak detection pump switch or mechanical fault code.
http://dsmtuners.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=54447&highlight=Evaporative+Emissions

Check out that tech article there. Chances are that you've actually got a true problem and it's NOT your computer. Most of the time when that code is present, the leak detection pump will need to be replaced. However, I strongly encourage you to clear the codes and drive it again. If the code keeps coming back then I'd recomend doing some sort of diagnostics and repair to correct the condition. However, these systems are still pretty new and have a few problems. Clearing the codes sometimes gets rid of the code for a decent amount of time.
Doug

 

[illmatik]

hey,
i've cleared the codes a couple times now and within 2-3 days it comes right back on. How much do you think this is going to run me to fix??? and how serious is it? thanks for all your help.
illmatik

 

[Doug99RS]

Without the car in front of me I can't give you a definite "this is your problem" response just to cover my butt there. However, in most cases when the code refers to a leak detection pump mechanical or electrical fault then the pump itself is at fault. There are dealerships and some independants that are qualified enough to be able to diagnose the actual cause. My best recomendation is to let them diagnose it and repair it if need be.

But if you chose to work off no diagnostics and the most likely cause for that particular fault code then you're looking at about $100.00 give or take. The component that is having a problem (and the entire system it's tied to) will NOT damage your engine and it is ONLY a pollution controlling device.

I know on my 99 the pump itself is located to the rear of the gas tank, on the exterior of it, and may require the lowering of the gas tank in order to access it.
Doug

 

[illmatik]

hey,
thanks a lot for your help here. So its most likely that i can just get away without replacing this? I hate taking shit to the dealer because they charge up the ####ing ass. Anyways would you recommend me ignoring this and if you do i won't hold you to it if your wrong i'm just looking for some honest advice. thanks agian.
illmatik

 

[Doug99RS]

Honestly, it's not going to hurt the car to let it sit there and not work. The main thing is that if you chose to ignore it, have the codes retrieved once a month or something to make sure other (unrelated) problems don't sneak up on you. The check engine light is a nuisance to those who don't WANT to know why it's on and it's a life saver for those who are willing to fix the problem. Just keep track of the active codes and ignore the ones you know won't hurt anything.
Good luck with it,
Doug

 

[illmatik]

hey,
just one more question.....How do you distinguish what the cuase of the problem really is??? how can you tell that it is the leak detection pump or if there is a whole in the gas tank etc??? is there any tests you can do so that we don't replace the wrong thing. Thanks for all your help on this its been a big help.
Illmatik

 

[Doug99RS]

The code itself will tell you that the problem is not the gas tank. If it were the gas tank then you'd have a heavy gas odor while driving and you'd hvae a different set of codes. When it comes to to a scenario similar to a hole in the gas tank you'd have codes that refer to an evaporative emissions leak. This comes in the form of three different codes. Large, Medium, and Small Leaks. These refer to the size of the leak based on how much of a pressure drop there is in the Evap system.

The code you listed refers to a mechanical or electrical fault of the pump itself. There's basically two scenarios that will cause this code. Each has sub-scenarios but the main ones are this. Open or shorted wires leading to the Leak Detection Pump for it's operation or the leak detection pump switch itself is bad. This switch is integrated with the pump.

So while you are asking good questions and thinking things through, in this case, the problem lies more towards electrical and mechanical failures directly associated with the pump. Unfortunately, most of the test procedures used to check the pump require the use of a dealership scan tool capable of actuating Leak Detection Pump related components.
Doug