I have a 1997 Camaro that the check engine light will not come on . It should come on when the ignition is turned on before the motor is started , but it never comes on. I took the instrument panel out an put new bulbs in all the ones on the back. This did not help.       What should I check now ?

Sounds kinda like the engine is leaning out. Is it a 1990 or a 1997? Is the check engine light on? For 1990s, an inexpensive key can be purchased at a parts store that you can plug into the ALDL (Diagnostic Port) and then count the flashes of your check engine light to read codes. I would change the fuel filter too, just because it's easy and cheap. You may want to check the fuel pressure. If it's a '90, the regulators go bad easily and is surprisingly easier than you may think. - MUCH easier that rebuilding an old-school carb! Could also be the pump- hope not! Don't let it run low on gas if you can help it. the gas in the tank acts as a coolant for the motor that drives the fuel pump. GOOD LUCK




I NEED TO KNOW IF IT'S A 1990 OR A 1997

There is probably something else going on - a malfunctioning MAF should not immobilize the engine, but trying to clean it is a bad idea as it is very sensitive to failure with the wrong cleaning procedure. Check the power at the starting motor solenoid with the ignition in start position - if missing, check fuses, and wiring back to the ignition switch, and the switch itself.

Factory service information has a diagnostic procedure for thing's to check . Hooking up a factory scan tool (tech2) would be the first step ,Checking for DTC'S - diagnostic trouble code's
DTC P1661 Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) Control Circuit
A voltage is supplied directly to the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL). The powertrain control module (PCM) controls the lamp by grounding the control circuit via an internal switch called a driver. The primary function of the driver is to supply the ground for the component being controlled. Each driver has a fault line which is monitored by the PCM. When the PCM is commanding a component ON, the voltage of the control circuit should be near 0 volts. When the PCM is commanding the control circuit to a component OFF, the voltage potential of the circuit should be near battery voltage. If the fault detection circuit senses a voltage other than what is expected, the fault line status will change causing the DTC to set.
Perform the Powertrain On-Board Diagnostic System Check first, when the following conditions are present:
• When the MIL does not turn ON when the the ignition switch is turned to the RUN position

Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) Inoperative
Circuit Description
There should be a steady MIL with the ignition ON and the engine not running. Ignition feed voltage is supplied directly to the MIL bulb. The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) turns the MIL ON by grounding the MIL control circuit. No MIL with the key ON, engine not running and DTC P1641 set suggests an open in the MIL control circuit.

The diagnostic procedure for this is 17 step's . , the basic thing's checking B+ voltage at the connector for the IPC , checking the control circuit at the PCM connector , using the scan tool to check for bidirectional control of the MIL lamp . Checking wiring circuit for the control circuit . Disconnect the PCM connector that has control side wire for the MIL an ground it an see if the light lights . If it does ,replace the PCM . Check for open wire . ETC........
Check the MIL control circuit for an open.
If the MIL control circuit is open, repair as necessary. Refer to Wiring Repairs .

Finding wire diagrams would be a big help to you .

AWESOME a real camaro problem.
backfire.
strong odor of gas because the gas isn't getting burned
caused from backfire. backfiring because the spark isnt sparking when its supposed to.
problems could be bad spark plug wires , bad plugs , bad ignition parts.
your gonna need to check wires for bad spots, check ignition coils and stuff like that. if all that stuff is ok, then your problems have to do with inside the engine. jumped time etc.

I would check ignition switch. On the starter, check to see if you are getting power to the small terminal on the starter when you turn the key to the starting position.

the car is heated at low speed because less air flows at high speed and does not heat because the air flows more, check if the fan is turning on and check if you have good revolution,, check fuses, check the thermostat temperature, clean radiator use antifreeze coolant and finally check the pulley on the water pump with its setting correct ajustment. and finally if you work on the motor over time, verify that the ignition times are in place,

power locks check fuse and relay.take car to dearlership.they have to check your theft deterrent module.when its in security mode.your problem could be it cant read the chip on ignition keys or the theft deterrent module is failing.not a home fix.

change fuel filter .if its okay check fuel pump pressure.make sure your ecm is getting power. you should see check engine light no when you turn ignition the on position.

i would start with the TPS ( throttle positioning sensor ).