Went to have my 97 skylark smoged and was was told my check engine light was not working. Tech said it has something to do with code p1406. Any suggestions?

you have to drive at least 125 miles to reset and cycle computer some try the drive cycles they dont always work but the following links show you how to perform them
http://www.lyberty.com/car/drive-cycle.html
Drive Cycle and Emissions Readiness Monitors

have an auto parts store scan the computer for you.
They most often do this for free (oreilly auto parts and autozone)

Write down the code they give you. Should start with "P" (po442, P1406, etc)

That will be the problem, and they will most likely offer you the part right there.

Toyota is big about EVAP system trouble codes (chech engine lights)

But it could be anything, so this should be an easy fix.

You can even ask them at the parts store where the trouble part is located.

let me know once you find the problem code and I can help more.

eric

do you mean # 6 cylinder? check #6cyl. plug wire first. then ignition coil.

DTC P1406 IS EGR VALVE PINTLE POSITION CIRCUIT MALFUNCTION CONDITIONS.POSSIBLE CAUSE EGR SOLENOID CONTROL CIRCUIT IS OPEN SHORTED TO GROUND OR TO B+ -CHECK EGR VALVE FUSE - OR THE EGR VALVE AND PCM HAS FAILED.

I have a 97 buick skylark with 3.1 engine, car turns over but wont start, replaced crankshaft sensor, coil module pack and checked fuel pump, but still won't fire, no spark at plugs, has anyone went through this problem and what is the cure

check the fuel presure. n fuel presure regulator.spray some brake cleaner inside the air filter en star the engine.has no codes???

I too have a 97 buick skylark custom, that hasn't been cranking. Heres what I have figured out so far, so you may have the same problem. Heres the first question - Is the theft system light flashing when you try to crank the car? Cause if it is, it means the car isn't wanting to recognize your key as the correct key which is causing the car to go into tamper mode which disables fuel to the engine, in which case you have to turn the key back to the start position and wait for the light to stop flashing then try to crank it again.

P.S. i'm not sure why this other thing would be a problem but i lost my gas cap right before this started happening and someone told my that might trigger the sensor, do you have yours?

had my check engine light cleared to get it smoged. was told by smog company that the panels take 100 miles to reset. seems that the fix was not really a fix after all. they must have cleared the code and it took your computer the 100 miles to identify the same problem your mechanic was supposed to fix, but didn't. good luck fighting the same thing.

Normally you can disconnect the battery for a few minutes and this does the trick. If the light comes back on, you may need to read the codes again. And, if it faults the MAF...you know it is not that and may be something else.

If you have a 1997 Skylark w/ a four cylinder engine, then you have the same one I do, a 2.4L dual overhead cam. It is not a quad 4, different beast altogether. I believe your problem might be the plug boots, did you replace them? It's a relatively cheap solution, about $17 at AutoZone if I remember right.