Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) reset check engine light

[phoekema]

Quick question - I have been told that only the 'stealer' can reset the check engine light on my 1998. 5 24v truck. I have tried the disconnect battery trick and a trip to Auto Zone to no avail.

Can anyone verify that only the dealer can perform the reset?



Paul H

 

[Alan Reagan]

Usually, if the fault is gone, the light will go out after three successful starts. Either the dealer or someone with an OBDII scan tool can clear them. Most shops have the tool. My dealer has cleared mine for free. It only takes a couple of minutes to hook up.

 

[B.G. Smith]

Check engine

Mine is a 99 but I put mine out as stated above by cycling the switch on and off three times. I had started it up with the map sensor unplugged. bg

 

[chuck3]

The light will usually go off after a few starts, but the code will still remain in the computer, had mine come on and go off a couple times and had to have the CKP sensor replaced.

 

[sag2]

Just cycling the key with the fault no longer present will not always reset the light. The computer has to see two or three good trips. A trip is defined as the conditions required to set the light. Some codes look for a fault as soon as you turn the key (map sensor noted above), and some have a time/temp/etc. requirement (pump overheat, coolant temp change too slow, etc. ).

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

My driveway slopes down into my garage, and I occasionally park in front of the garage to do some small maintenance or checks on the truck - and then simply turn on the ignition key to unlock the steering, and coast into the garage rather than start it again just to go the 30 feet into the garage...



OOOOPS! Seems the computer sees the ignition on, and vehicle motion, but no appropriate sensor operation - and lights the SES light and sets the notorious P 1693 code... Only driven normally twice since the code, so hasn't cleared yet - and I really HATE the battery disconnect bit, because then I hafta reset radio memories, etc...