How to Turn Off The Check Engine Light

Use these instructions to turn off the infamous check engine light from your automobile. You can either take your vehicle to a qualified mechanic to reset the light, or you can borrow, maybe even purchase an ODB-I or ODB-II code reader/scanner through your local auto parts store. I would recommend leaving complicated repairs to professionals such as dealerships and full-time mechanics but a basic scanner would work for nominal servicing. For you 'do-it-yourselfers' and shade-tree mechanics who has chosen the latter, I've written this article just for you.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Eye Protection
• Rags (or gloves)
• Flashlight
• Digital Camera (optional)
• PC with internet access

1. Safety: Properly park and turn off your vehicle. Allow yourself enough space to work around your vehicle. Perform this task with ample daylight and keep yourself at a safe distance from oncoming traffic While such a mundane task of inspecting your vehicle may appear to not require safety glasses, it is always a good habit to have regardless of the situation.

2. 
    

   Diagnostic interface: If you have a check engine light then that means you have a diagnostic interface. This interface comes in two basic interfaces: 1) OBD-I, or 2) OBD-II. What's the difference? The first type is for vehicles pre-1996 while the second type are for automobiles 1996 and newer. Take your flashlight and look below the steering wheel, under the driver's seat or even the engine compartment for your connector. If needed, take a picture of the interface with your digital camera so that you can make a comparison.

3. Research online: Search online for the appropriate scanner. I've found that most local auto part stores may carry a basic scanner for under $100. Obviously, you can spend more for greater features but before you spend any money why not visit that local auto parts store and ask to see one for yourself. With their permission, you could even ask to connect it to your vehicle to see if it fits and reads as expected. Always consult the user's manual and store personnel for proper usage of these and all computer devices before connecting to your automobile.

4. Reset that light: So you've either borrowed that scanner or purchased it at your local auto parts store. Now your ready to connect it and reset that light. Review Step #1 before connecting the scanner. Once connected, have pen and paper in hand to take notes of any error codes. Browse the menu to the Check Engine Light reset screen and press Erase on the device. Voila, the light disappears! Ok, so it came back. Now's the time to take those error codes and research the (online) manual to reference any issues. Resolve as necessary and reset the light again when complete. Keep in mind to consult with a professional mechanic before performing any complicated, and/or potentially hazardous repairs to your vehicle yourself. Smile, you've just saved yourself some money by doing something normally reserved for the likes of expensive dealerships and mechanics alike.

Tips & Warnings

• The areas around your vehicle will be dirty, keep a rag handy to wipe your hands.
• Always consult the user manual and the professional advice of an authorized mechanic before performing any work on a vehicle.
• Locate and confirm the OBD interface type on the vehicle before making any purchases.
• Keep safety in mind at all times.
• Always protect your eyes by wearing safety goggles.
• When appropriate, use additional safety apparel for protection.
• Before performing any work on you vehicle, make sure you have safely positioned yourself away from any traffic.

Resources

• On-Board Diagnostics

[bewareboyz]

on 1/25/2009 great article 5*