I have an all stock 1995 C2 with 84,000 miles. Recently, after the car idles for a long traffic light and some traffic, the check engine light comes on. Once I resume normal driving within 10 to 15 seconds the check engine light goes out. At first I thought it was the dreaded SAI system needing a cleaning. But after talking to a mechanic he said that if it was the SAI it would take much longer then 15 seconds for the check engine light to go out, if it would go out at all.

He said that my car has the old pulleys and there is an update with larger pulleys. He said that the smaller pulleys slip and cause a check engine light (its reads as a misfire). He said also that a misfire check engine light would clear very rapidly and might explain the fact that my light goes out so fast. He recommended that I replace the pulleys with the updated larger ones and that should solve my problem.

Anyone heard of the pulley update and have this problem. It is much easer to replace pulleys then clean the SAI system so I am looking for any recommendations on what route I should take

 

I'm not sure how OBD1 works compared to OBDII, but it makes more sense to have the codes scanned before throwing money at the problem. Hopefully, you may see a clearer path to begin your investigation of the issue.

 

95 won't throw a code for SAI problems. The pulley update did not change the size of the pulley, just the way the split pulley is made.

Use the instructions at this link to read your code (my bet is 1224 )

 

More than likely it is the oxygen sensor.
OBD 1 is self scanning, search here for the obd1 scanning procedure.

 

The code does not store once it clears So I can’t read the code unless the check engine light stays on, which it does not.

 

Well I was wrong, my mechanic told me that OBD1 does not store codes if the check engine light goes out!!!! I used the procedure “retrieving codes” and guess what I got, code 1224. So I guess I am replacing the O2 sensor (is there only 1 ?) and looking for a new mechanic!!!!

I guess I should have posted my problem before I talked to my wrench!!!! Thanks for all your help. I would have replaced the pulleys and still had the problem. Is the pulley update something I should be taking care of or can I wait?

 

Only one O2 sensor on 95's, very easy to get to, right in the middle of the cat, the upper wire clamp bolt is a bitch to get restarted but not that bad. I think mine was less than $100 and takes 15 min or so to change.

The pulleys have been on for 16 years, probably OK until you need a belt change IMO.

Good Luck with it!