04 duramax diesel trouble

farmerjim · May 1, 2007

i've got an 04 duramax diesel 6.6. the check engine light came on today again. the 1st time that happened last oct, it started running rough then cleared took it to the dealer, they replaced some fuel injection sensor. this time was running fine and the light just came on w/ just over 56k on the truck stuff like this just shouldn't happen. my last truck another gm and a ranger b4 that went well over 100k w/ out ever hitting a check light. i hate to take it to the dealer just to have them read the codes, anyone know where to get a code reader cheap or does auto zone or auto palace read them for free? or any thoughts on the cause?

Sandlot · May 1, 2007

Auto Zone will read your codes free.

RollingsFarms · May 1, 2007

farmerjim said:
i've got an 04 duramax diesel 6.6. the check engine light came on today again. the 1st time that happened last oct, it started running rough then cleared took it to the dealer, they replaced some fuel injection sensor. this time was running fine and the light just came on w/ just over 56k on the truck stuff like this just shouldn't happen. my last truck another gm and a ranger b4 that went well over 100k w/ out ever hitting a check light. i hate to take it to the dealer just to have them read the codes, anyone know where to get a code reader cheap or does auto zone or auto palace read them for free? or any thoughts on the cause?

either Auto Zone, or ive known several GM mechanics that have their very own code reading computers set up right in their shop at home. i belive the year model Duramax you have are one of the ones that had alot of problems with injectors. the Duramax they have in the late '06 and 07's are the best theyve produced yet ive been told.

EddieWalker · May 1, 2007

Sandlot said:
Auto Zone will read your codes free.

Is this true at all Auto Zones?

I have a check engine light that comes on for a short amount of time, then goes off. It never lasts very long, so I'm not sure what the problem is.

Eddie

Bird · May 1, 2007

A couple of years ago, the check engine light came on in our van, so I took it to the dealer, cost nearly a hundred dollars and they said the code showed that it had run a little rich sometime, but was now OK.

In other words, they didn't do anything except put it on the scanner. So when the check engine light came on in my pickup, I disconnected a battery cable, then hooked it up again and the light hasn't come on since.

cp1969 · May 1, 2007

I bought a $100 scanner as "check engine light" insurance.

Haven't had one since.

Have loaned it out numerous times, though.

I'm happy with this arrrangement.

gordon21 · May 1, 2007

Most of the chain auto parts stores will loan you a scanner to use in their parking lot. You can't take it home with you to use. In a metropolitan area, expect to leave a credit card or your drivers license at the counter until you come back inside in a few minutes with the scanner.

Depending upon the code, you can either take the car to a mechanic or dealer and get a serious problem fixed or else disconnect the battery for 30 seconds and then reconnect. That will clear most minor warnings that are not critical to engine survival.

Late nodel Fords have a problem with erroneous signals if the gas cap is loose or not vented properly. My wife took her 06 Mustang in three times and every time they said it was a fuel cap/vent issue. If it happened again, they would drop the tank and start replacing parts. 20,000 miles later it has not happened again.

crbr · May 1, 2007

farmerjim said:
i've got an 04 duramax diesel 6.6. the check engine light came on today again. the 1st time that happened last oct, it started running rough then cleared took it to the dealer, they replaced some fuel injection sensor. this time was running fine and the light just came on w/ just over 56k on the truck stuff like this just shouldn't happen. my last truck another gm and a ranger b4 that went well over 100k w/ out ever hitting a check light. i hate to take it to the dealer just to have them read the codes, anyone know where to get a code reader cheap or does auto zone or auto palace read them for free? or any thoughts on the cause?

If you're needing Duramax info, I can turn you on to an internet forum as full of Duramax-heads as there are tractor-heads here. If someone there doesn't know it, it doesn't need to be known.....

I am on my second Duramax. FUel injectors are indeed a problem, however your code may be a different issue. When the injector / fuel system fails, it dumps on you..... you'll know it too. I have had three sets replaced in the 2002 model that I currently have.

Good luck my friend. PM me for the link if you please. It's a premium place for info, as is this place.

George2615 · May 2, 2007

It is my understanding prior to 2004 1/2 the Duramax had fuel system / injector problems. This was taken care of by 2004 1/2 and newer. I think an injector problem is covered under warranty. Check with your dealer about this. Many diesel site have had numerous discussions about this.
Previously mentioned most auto parts stores have code readers and will read codes for free. Most have a decent code reader for around $100 or so if you desire to buy your own.

Highbeam · May 4, 2007

Prior to 1996 most everything fuel injected used OBD1 and the reader for this is cheap, like 100$. The codes are simple too as the computers were simple. After 1996 they went to OBD2 and the computers are still over 200$. The codes are more descriptive and there are more parameters being monitored by your relatively advanced on board computer. Now a solid SES light is not a big deal, no damage is being done and you should unplug your battery and reset the computer. Usually a loose gas cap causes this. If the light stays off then great. If it comes on again then you may as well go to Autozone for the free read. If the light comes on and blinks then the computer is telling you that more running will damage your engine. Time to get it read ASAP. The SES light may go out after a while if you just ignore it but the code will remain stored in the computer's memory for quite some time unless you unhook the battery. So Eddie, even though the light went out, you can still get it read and find out why it came on if you want to know.

The SES light will only come on if the computer detects a fault in the monitored paramters. The computer almost exclusively monitors fuel and emissions systems. Don't expect to get a SES light for low brake fluid. Do expect to fail an emmisions test if the SES light is on.