If your Chevy Cavalier ETS Light and Check Engine light are on but the car runs fine how can you fix it?

Answer 1

Autozone offers a service to read the codes for free with their scan tool and I'd think that they'd be willing to reset it after reading it.

Pull the codes from the computer, match the code to the troubleshooting procedure, follow the procedure to find the source. Repair the source, light will go out if that was the only problem. There are "monitors" or self tests the computer runs the car through a drive cycle, if a problem occurs, it may not run all of the self tests until that problem is taken care. Therefore, another problem may exist. It is emission related. OR hook up a scanner that is capable of clearing codes, and hope that none are still active.

The ETS light comes on usually in responce to a cooling system problem in Cavaliers. The first thing to do is check your fuses. The Check Engine light always comes on when the ETS light comes on. You need to be concerned with this ETS system first. Usually it is your 30 amp fuse that needs to be replaced. On most cav's the fuse box us under your hood, on the right hand side. There are two fuses that are for the coolent system. Check these fuses first. If the fuse is blown, change it and the dash light should go out. If the fuse blows in a week or so again, then try to read the codes like the guys above say. When the fuse it out, the code reader is just going to say that you need to check your fuse. This is what happened in my car, and my mechanic said it was pretty common in these cars.

ETS stands for Enhanced Traction System, and has nothing to do with emissions or cooling. The Check Engine light does mean the emissions system has a problem. Have the computer scanned for the codes by someone who is able to interpret the codes and not just throw parts at the problem. This takes skill and knowledge, so take it to a professional, and don't waste money guessing.