Reset Check Engine Light Available Options
Posted: Saturday, April 21, 2007
by Mark Gittelman
certifiedmastertech.com
Why are they making it so hard to reset your check engine light? If you disconnect your battery, you may do more harm than good.
First, why is your check engine light on? The check engine light or service engine soon light is directly connected to your car's computer and monitors the emission system. This warning light was federally mandated by our government to notify the driver that the vehicle may be polluting the atmosphere.
This is why the first step in the solution to the problem is to clear the code and retest the vehicle to see if the light returns. The problem with this is that the fastest way to reset the check engine light is to disconnect the battery. But there are many systems in your vehicle that require constant battery power.
Most people don't realize that your vehicle computer adapts to your driving habits. Your vehicle computer stores memory functions such as shift points, idle speed and throttle position for the primary driver. When you disconnect the vehicle battery you wipe out this memory and the computer returns to a default mode, which may make the vehicle run in a manner that you are not accustomed to.
Other complications that may arise from disconnecting battery power to your vehicle may include that the radio will not work after you reconnect the battery. Most vehicles today have theft protected radio systems. When you disconnect the battery the radio thinks that it is being stolen. Re-activating the radio can be a lot of trouble, and in most cases includes obtaining the code from the vehicle manufacturer to reactivate the radio.
Another common problem you may run into by disconnecting power from the vehicle is that many vehicles today have a factory installed alarm system. When power is removed from the system. The vehicle can go into a lockdown mode to prevent engine startup in case the vehicle is being stolen.
It is a very common problem today to have your check engine light pop on for little or no reason. Every vehicle owner should learn how to reset the check engine light for this reason.
The best way to handle the reset of the check engine light is to purchase an auto scan tool and clear the code without disturbing the battery connection. Automotive scan tools have really come down in price and make this the best way to approach the problem of resetting the check engine light.
Turning off the check engine light with an auto scan tool requires no technical experience and is very easy to accomplish. After the reset check engine light procedure is performed if the light stays off you have just fixed car in less than 10 minutes. If the light does come back on you now have the knowledge necessary to get the problem repaired quickly and easily.
For more information on the operation of the check engine light, and how to use an auto scan tool, visit my website at auto-facts.org
Mark Gittelman has more than 24 years experience in the auto repair business. He holds 16 ASE certifications and is a Master Technician in cars and heavy-duty trucks. Visit his automotive and car questions website for more valuable do it yourself auto repair information. Or learn more about how to reset the check engine light in any car or truck.
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Top-level comments on this article: (1 total)I had my malfunction light come on two different occassions. the first time I was on the road and stopped at a crysler dealer and he put it on a diagnostic and found that it (as he put it. the sensor did not like the way the car warmed up and displayed a the malfunction light). He erased it at no charge and I was on my way. about a month later it came on again. this time I was home and took it to my dealer for help. they said that it would cost at least $70 dollars just to do diagnostics. The more I thought about it the more I came to the conclusion that both times that the light came on, I had just started my 2005 crysler and took off without any warm up. after doing some reasearch on the NET I discovered that this would happen sometimes if your car is not warmed up for at least 5 to 10 minutes prior to driving. anyway while on the NET, I also found out that by removing the #11 fuse for 30 seconds you would erase the light. I did it and it worked, which was better then disconnecting the Battery. hope this was helpful.P.S. I saved $70 dollars.Great information! I was not aware that this would work on Chrysler's and I am wondering what other vehicles it will work on. I will set a code on my 04 Chevy and pull just the ecm fuse to test this out. Thank you for posting this for readers!
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