The Check Engine Light Is On in My 1999 Lexus GS300
The 1999 Lexus GS300 was equipped with a 3.0-liter V-6 engine. The "Check Engine" light appears when a trouble code is stored in the vehicle's OBD-II computer. OBD-II stands for onboard diagnostics II, and is a system provided in some vehicles to monitor the emissions, exhaust and even the transmission of some vehicles. The codes can be removed from the computer once proper repairs have been made to eliminate the source of the "Check Engine" light. The OBD-II computer is responsible for monitoring several aspects of your vehicle and keeping it safe for operation.
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Instructions
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Open the driver's door of the Lexus and kneel next to the driver's seat. Locate the OBD-II plug port underneath the dashboard, and insert the plug end from the code reader into the port.
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Sit in the driver's seat of the car. Turn the key to the accessories position without starting the engine. Press the power button on the OBD-II code reader. Follow the screen prompts to select "Read Codes." Select your specific vehicle using the "Up" and "Down" arrow keys and pressing the "Read" button to accept your answers. Begin the OBD-II code scan of your vehicle, and allow the reader to communicate with your vehicle until it says otherwise.
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3
Gather the OBD-II code information from the code reader. Some readers provide a generic definition of the code, while more expensive readers provide you with an elaborate definition. Use the information provided by the code reader to make the appropriate repairs to your vehicle. The OBD-II code stored in your vehicle could be something minor like a circuit malfunction, or a more serious repair requiring new engine parts.
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Install the OBD-II reader back onto the port in the Lexus, and repeat Step 2 to scan the vehicle. Press the "Erase" button at the end of the code reading procedure, or cycle back to the main menu and select "Erase Codes" from the main menu. Start the vehicle once the code reader indicates it is done scanning the vehicle and that there are no codes remaining. Drive the vehicle as you normally would. If the "Check Engine Light" lights back up shortly, then the proper repair was not made or there were multiple problems.
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Tips & Warnings
For the ultimate automotive enthusiast, specific software manufacturers have created an OBD-II interface for your laptop computer. With these software and hardware packages, you can scan the OBD-II system by basically plugging your laptop into your OBD-II equipped vehicle. These programs also allow minor modifications to be made to the engine for those who like to super tune their rides.
Never erase an OBD-II code without performing the appropriate work on the vehicle first. Failure to adhere to this warning could result in complete vehicle loss.
