How to clear a "Check Engine Soon" light?

[TheSmJ]

Recently my dad and I had to replace the ignition coil on my car. Before the coil was fixed, the Check Engine Soon light would flash after running the car for 5 minutes. Since it has been fixed, the light continues to stay lit.

What are some easy ways to clear the light other than disconnecting the battery?

[primesuspect]

Different cars have a different "reset" method - like in older chryslers you had to turn the ignition on and off three times to "clear" the computer. I don't know what it is for newer fords, but disconnecting the battery is the fastest and easiest way that I know of for ANY car.

[Gargoyle]

I think that newer cars require a gizmo that plugs into the computer port. Disconnecting the battery will probably still work though. But if you look up your specific model on the web you might come up with something.

[mmonnin]

Yeah some must be hooked up to some fancy equipment from a car ship to turn that off.

[TheBaron]

what year/make/model is your car? we need for information. for some cars, these guys are right, for other cars, you just need to bridge a connector with a paper clip and see what code your ecu is throwing

[Mt_Goat]

Last time I discomnnected the battery for 24 hrs and it worked.

[TheBaron]

it depends on the vehicle and what that check engine light ACTUALLY MEANS

[TheSmJ]

It's a Ford Escort '97. I think it has OBD2 (the cutoff was 1995, right?) meaning the paper clip trick to show the code ought to work. But the reason it's on is because the light started flashing at me when the coil died, and since it has been fixed, it's never been cleared. Thus, it believes it still needs “service”.

At least that's my understanding.

[VileDaRKNiGHT]

for fords you either use an ODBII tester or you pull the battery cable, press the brake pedel then let it sit for 15 mins.

[Guyute]

Mine came on and it was because the gas cap was loose. I always screwed it back on loose because my wife had trouble opening it, but according to my local Toyota (it's an Echo) dealer that is the single most common reason why people's lights come on. Your Comp detects a loss of vacuum in the tank and thinks there's a hole in a line somewhere...So you HAVE to rachet the hell out of the cap...

[mmonnin]

Honda's will also have the light come on if the gas cap is loose.

[TheSmJ]

Well I know i'ts not the gas cap, I just have to clear the light as a dealer would have had I had them replace the ignition coil.

[dak125]

Turn the ignition on, but don't turn the engine on. Then press the gas pedal down 2-3 times. That's how it clears on my Mom's Lumina.

[profdlp]

I have the same problem on my '97 Tracker. According to the manual, the light comes on automatically at 60,000 miles and indicates that it's time to replace the PCV Valve. (I have done so.)

Supposedly, there is a switch behind the instrument panel to turn the light off. I have removed everything I was confident I could replace while trying to find the sucker. No luck.

Any ideas? :rolleyes:

[TheBaron]

for fords you either use an ODBII tester or you pull the battery cable, press the brake pedel then let it sit for 15 mins.

absolutely correct

[VileDaRKNiGHT]

I know, i used to have a ford that had the CEL on ALL THE TIME and when it was time to go to the dealer i had to do that

[TheSmJ]

So I just have to press the brake pedel once after the battery has been disconnected, let it sit for a few minutes, and reconnect the bat?

[TheBaron]

yeah, give that a try
also, an OBDII tester wouldn't be a bad investment (they're around $100), but then you can avoid the $80 shop fee each time you have to have it tested

whats even dumber is that on OBDI vehicles, all thats usually required is to bridge a connection with a paper clip and watch a the sequence of flashes on yoru check engine light. having to pay technicians sucks :D

[TheSmJ]

yeah, give that a try
also, an OBDII tester wouldn't be a bad investment (they're around $100), but then you can avoid the $80 shop fee each time you have to have it tested

whats even dumber is that on OBDI vehicles, all thats usually required is to bridge a connection with a paper clip and watch a the sequence of flashes on yoru check engine light. having to pay technicians sucks :D


Yeah, I've thought about getting a cheap Snap-On tool every time I had car trouble since I left Highschool (I can't use the $6000 scantool anymore). I should look into it.

[dak125]

Try the gas pedal deal. Works like a charm on my mom's car.

[Crazy Joe]

I know that at AutoZone you can go and they'd check what the light means for free. Since they do this I'm sure you could take it to them and they'd make it go out for you.

[CB]

I just cover it with some electrical tape if it starts to bother me.

[TheBaron]

I know that at AutoZone you can go and they'd check what the light means for free. Since they do this I'm sure you could take it to them and they'd make it go out for you.

I was under the impression they dont do that for OBDII vehicles