Autozone and Clearing Codes

[Parshal]

I saw some message in the forum that Autozone could clear codes from the computer. I called a local Autozone and was told that they could read them but it was a $10,000 fine for clearing them? What?!

 

[MCummings]

He must have bought a get-rich quick scheme from a info-mercial after midnight.



On my '98 I can clear codes by unhooking both battery cables, then touching the + and - together. This will clear "soft-set" codes, not permanent ones, ''hard-set".



This won't fix your problem either

As an example,,



If you have a bad crank sensor, and you erase the bad crack sensor code,, you will still have a bad cranksensor.

 

[DPKetchum]

Fine from WHO and for WHAT. I might could understand if Emissons releated but if so as well as many other faults they would reset. But theres lots of CODES that are set for lots of things. I know at dealer level we used to reset,create bu accident etc. Many/Many codes. We tried to keep a DRP(scan Tool)on the service drive and if possable did a quickie look at codes for customers etc. Reset them too. Sometimes you reset them and explain if they return it needs to come in shop to be looked at. Some never would return. Such as a cold misfire code and it might have been a piece of carbon or a who knows kinda thing. I like to know the skinny on a fine and for what etc.

 

[Parshal]

I asked the same question! I said "so Congress passed a law that you can't reset codes?" He just stuck to his story.



I just took it to a different Autozone and they cleared the codes for me and they haven't come back. When in doubt, try another store!

 

[KCanepari]

in some states, yes there is a fine. it's the new emission laws. you can't pass if you have check engine light on. people clear codes and then go straight to inspection station.

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

Smarty can read and clear codes.

 

[JEstes]

The guy at Autozone told me that you can clear them yourself, but he isn't allowed to do it or let you use his equipment to do it. His reasoning was that Autozone had been sued after clearing a code to put a problem "out of sight, out of mind" and then the problem got worse and caused some major damage.

 

[AGrubbs]

Scan Gauge

This thing will read the code and clear it too. . kind of fun to watch the

read outs.



ScanGaugeII - Scan Tool + Digital Gauges + Trip Computers



I put it on the dodge for a while, but now it is on my VW.

It takes a couple of tanks to get the MPG readout calibrated. . and with

my VW at around 7-800 miles per tank this thing is taking a while!



Although IF you are going to spend money, the Smarty is more fun to drive!

 

[HGreen]

Yes, you can clear code to get yourself into the emission station, but here in Virginia, you won't pass unless you have been through a set run sequence of events that should set the CEL is an emission problem exists that the OBD tool can read. I know on my 06 CTD, there is data on miles, minutes etc since reset and weather the OBD emission cycle has been met. I have the Auterra software that uses the Palm Tungsten E2 from my Banks Ottomind system and an and adapter cord for my OBD/CAN scan tool. The interesting thing is that the Auterra software reads data available in the ECM like the rail pressure that Banks does not display. Only problem is that you can't have both open at the same time. And the Auterra won't read off the Banks interface to the OBD port.