I am trying to not buy the OBD1/OBD2 scanner for my car, and the check engine light has been on for a long time now. Car runs fine, but it is nagging at me. It is a 1995 Buick Lesabre with the 3.8L.

The only symptom I have is: the light will sometimes go off when it is very hot out, and I am coasting down a hill. Then it will come back on after 30 seconds or so.

I'd appreciate any ideas - I just don't want to spend the cash on a scanner right now.

Thanks.

Sorry but there are so many possiblities that without a scan it'* almost impossible to say. Where in Virginia are you?

You can go to Advance Autoparts and have them read and tell you what the DTC'* are, then have them clear them. Come back with the codes and post them here, and we can help.

The reason that I asked for your location is because whenever I tried to get my 94 or 95 scanned at a parts store they said they could only scan 96 or higher. The 94 and 95'* are ODB 1.5. ODBII connector and ODBI system. If they have the right scanner and connector they can read the DTC'* but my local parts stores never could. I thought that if you were close enough someone might be willing to scan you engine. I am in Richmond if that helps. But of course you should check with Advanced first.

Thanks for the support. I did go to a few local stores up here in DC area, but no luck. They only had OBDII scanners.

Check Amazon. They had the CP9145 the other day.

I finally pulled the codes on the 1995 Buick and they are P0325 Ign Sys Problem Elec Spark control failure, P0565 CC servo position sensor signal circuit problem.

In history P0361 (Ign Sys Problem Elec Spark timing est not toggling) also comes up with the other two. The check engine light will sometimes turn off completely when I am coasting down a slight hill.

I am thinking that it is the knock sensor, but I will head out today to check all connections, and even remove/clean/apply dielectric grease to the ICM. I'll report back with updates.

Thanks.