Vehicles have unique ways they inform users about underlying problems. They can use the check engine light, codes, symbols, and chimes whenever they need your attention.
Sometimes, the check engine light can pop up, indicating an issue with the vehicle. And after using the OBD scanner to retrieve the code, the 7EA might show up. Unlike other engine fault codes, this code starts with a number and contains three digits.
So, what does this engine code indicate, and how can you fix it in your Chevy? Herein we dissect the 7EA engine code, why it occurs, and how to fix it.
Question: What Does Code 7EA Engine Mean?
The 7EA code displayed on the OBD scanner means that your scanner can’t retrieve the fault codes and requires more information. It’s not a fault code and should not cause panic when you see it. It usually shows up when your scan tool can’t indicate the current issue causing the check engine light to pop up.
Besides the 7EA code, you might see the code 7EB on the diagnostic tool. These codes indicate your scanner requires more information about specific engine control units. For example, the 7EA code means your scanner needs more info about ECU #3.
On the other hand, the 7EB code means your scan tool needs more info about ECU #4.
If you have an older Chevy with a manual transmission, your OBD scan tool will immediately indicate this engine code. These cars have one ECU and don’t require you to navigate the submenus to scan different ECUs.
Chevys with automatic transmission have multiple ECUs and require navigating the submenus to access the code. If the OBD scanner can’t scan your Chevy’s ECU #3, you might see an engine code indicated as 7EA, $7EA, or 7E8 7EA.
Question: What Causes 7EA Engine Code Chevy?
The following might cause your OBD scanner to fail to retrieve info from your Chevy’s ECU:
- Incompatible OBD scanner: Older car models manufactured before 1996 are compatible with OBD-I scanners. If you have a car manufactured in 1996 and after, you’ll need the 0BD-II scanner.
- Blown OBD fuse: When the OBD fuse in your car blows out, your scanner won’t retrieve information from the ECU. In this case, you must diagnose the vehicle and replace the blown fuse.
- Wrong use of the scanner: You’ll need to connect the scanner to the correct OBD port in your Chevy. Failure to do this and your scanner won’t retrieve the information.
Answer: How To Fix the 7EA Code
The $7EA engine code Chevy has nothing to do with your car. So, ensure you have a compatible OBD scanner. You can contact a professional to recommend a compatible scanner for your Chevy model. After accessing a compatible scanner, use these steps to fix the 7E8 7EA engine code:
Step 1: Plug in the OBD Scanner’s Cable
Before you plug in this cable, you’ll need to locate the OBD port in your Chevy dashboard. You can find this triangular port on the left side of your car’s dashboard. If you can’t locate the OBD port, consult a professional or the owner’s manual.
After locating the port, plug in the OBD scanner cable. You must firmly connect the cable to ensure smooth info transmission from the ECU to the scanner.
Step 2: Turn on the Ignition
Turn on your Chevy’s ignition without starting the engine. Turning the ignition on allows communication between the OBD scanner and the vehicle’s ECU.
The scanner should light up and establish a connection after turning the ignition on. If it fails, recheck the connection between the OBD scanner’s cable and the OBD port.
Step 3: Fill in Your Car’s Information
This step is applicable depending on the OBD scanner you’re using. In this case, you should enter your Chevy’s VIN (vehicle identification number), engine type, and vehicle model/make.
Step 4: Access the Codes
Locate the codes menu and press the “Scan” button. If the 7E8 7EA engine code appears, use the button indicated “Scroll” to select it.
After scrolling to this engine code, press the “OK” or “ENTER” button. The buttons have varying symbols depending on the type of scan tool used. Pressing this button will take you to the 7EA submenu.
Step 5: Open the Submenu
Open the 7EA engine code submenu to see all the engine fault codes associated with ECU #3. The fault codes displayed indicate the underlying problems with your Chevy.
You can record all these fault codes. Each fault code indicates a specific problem with your car. So, understand what these codes mean and fix the underlying issues. If you can’t understand a code’s meaning, consult an experienced mechanic.
In most cases, you’ll need to repair or replace various components. Your mechanic should also help in repairing or replacing the defective parts.
Step 6: Erase the Codes
You must fix the underlying problem or erase the fault codes to turn off/clear the check engine light. If you erase the codes without resolving the underlying issues, the check engine light will pop up after driving for a while.
So after addressing the issues, the check engine light should turn off by itself. But remember to erase the codes on your scanner as they may trigger this light again.
You can clear/erase the codes by plugging the OBD scanners into the port. Access these codes and press the “Erase” button.
If the check engine light reappears, there might be issues you didn’t address appropriately. Repeat the process to access the fault codes and fix the underlying issues.
Question: Can You Drive With a $7EA Engine Code Chevy?
The $7EA code is not an error code and doesn’t necessarily indicate an issue with your Chevy. So, you can drive your car if you get this code on the scanner too. The only problem is that this code might come with a check engine light.
Most drivers will notice this engine code after seeing the check engine light. Usually, a check engine light indicates an issue with your vehicle. You must address this issue to clear this check engine light.
If you see the check engine light and the $7EA engine code Chevy, stop the vehicle and check the underlying cause. First, ensure you’re using a compatible scanner tool. Then connect the scanner’s cable to the car’s OBD port appropriately.
If the 7EA code appears, your car might have several issues that need fixing. Failure to address these problems could trigger more serious issues that can be costly to fix.
Wrapping Up
The 7EA engine code appearing on the scanner tool is not an error code. This code means your OBD scanner can’t communicate with your Chevy’s ECU. Luckily, we’ve provided steps for fixing this engine code.
Remember to scan the system to get the codes that trigger the check engine light. Then fix the underlying problems and clear the codes to turn off the check engine light. You can also take your car to a certified mechanic to address the underlying issues.