I've owned my 1997 "S" since Christmas. Yesterday an engine shaped dash light came on and stayed on even after stopping and starting the truck several times. The truck is running fine and a brief under the hood inspection did not reveal anything that has come loose, however I'm assuming my truck has set a code that I'll need to get a code reader to read. I would just like to varify that this engine icon is the SES lamp that is refered to in the diagnostic code summary that I found here. I've done a search and I have not been able to find any mention that the engine icon is the SES alarm. I see there is also a STS (service throttle soon) lamp on my dash that is not illuminated,, is it also part of the code reporting system? Thanks.

Safe to say, that icon is for non-reading population, of which you are not a part of. Service throttle soon lamp is a code indicator by itself. But that icon means there's one of about 4,000 items it could be.

Time to get the codes read.

Autozone will read them for free but they don't explain what it means. We can help with that.

Yup, thats the SES light.

Thanks for the replies. I my way to Canadian Tire, which had a decent looking reader on sale 2 weeks ago for $150, the light went out. The store was out of the readers and the guy behind the counter wasn't sure if I could still get one for that price (manager wasn't in yet) so I might go the eBay route. If I do get a reader, will the code still be stored even though the light has now gone out?

Save your money on the reader, most part stores own the same tool, and will read codes for free, $150 for a read only tool sold in most part stores is poor investment IMO. Several laptop tools around for that price wich will do a better job for you. Read what is written on the store tools box to see what function it offers before buying, post back here what tool it is, several may already have one and can better advise you.

The light will go out on it's own if conditions setting it clear after 50 code free starts IIRC; a T2 or MT2500 will read codes stored in the PCM history log, store tools generally will only display active codes (SES-On codes).

Unfortunately in Canada we don't have Autozone or similar autoparts stores who will read the codes for you. I ended up buying the code reader from Canadian Tire, it was still on sale. It is an Innova 3100. It seems like a good product, just finished reading through it's manual. Lots of info there about the various codes and how they are set. The code that my truck set was P0101 Mass Air Flow (MAF) System Performance. As I mentioned the SES light has gone out by itself and so far after about 30 miles has not come back on. Any suggests as to what this code might mean?? Thanks.

Where exactly are you in the Great White North?

Diesel Texas Guy - I'm just north of Kingston, Ontario which is about 250 Km east of Toronto on the 401.

Oh, I'm just west of Toronto.

I suspect a dirty MAF sensor or intermittent connection at the plug you did not say in your sig, but I suspect from that code you are S truck check 8th digit of VIN to confirm this. MAF sensor is between air filter, and feed tube to turbo. I see you have a K&N air filter, you install that yourself, or was it installed by somebody else, is the filter clean. Also possible the connector on MAF got stressed when filter was installed. Keep an eye on it to see if it comes back.

Turbine Doc, yes it is an "S", I'll update my sign. The K&N filter was there when I bought the truck back in December so it is an old install. I removed and cleaned / re-oiled the filter using the kit from K&N. I've only put about 3000 miles on the truck since then, so I think the filter is still probably OK. I'll keep an eye on it. Thanks.

i'm pretty sure your '97 won't have the MAF sensor.
The code reader will read history codes, but a local automotive garage or dealership will be able to help you more than a code reader, and cheaper.

I know with the Camaros & Firebirds, if you over-oil a reusable filter, the excess oil can mess up the MAF. This may be causing your problem as well.