I had my check engine light come on. I had it scanned and replaced the MAP sensor. I tried clearing the engine light by diconnecting the battery but it remains on. It stays on even before I start the car after hooking up the battery. Is there another way of clearing the light besides having a scanner do it?

Thanks.

BTW- I have a 96 bonny.

Light is on for a reason. You need to get it scanned and find out what is wrong. Once whatever it is is fixed, the light will go away... no real way around that.

got to Autozone or Advance, and get the code scanned, make sure you write it down, so you can let us know what it is so we can diagnose the problem

I got a scantool over here in Pitt. If your down this way let me know.

Thanks for the help. I had it scanned and replaced the MAP sensor. Two other things came up onthe scan as well. i will post the scan this afternoon with more detail.

Can we use a jumper, like the old days? I need mine scanned, and there isn't anyone close to me with a scan tool, so, I would like the convenience of doing it the old fashioned way, if possible. Otherwise, I'll see if my local Autozone does it for free, like many others do.

Thanks.. Sam

no 93 was the last year to pull codes yourself by jumping the connector. For the OBD1.5 and the OBD2 you need the scanner. Autozone and Advance will scan it for free. Autozone is OBD2 only

1993 SLE,
Thanks for the quick reply.

I have seen small code "readers" in the local tool store ad for anywhere from 29-49 dollars. What does it cost to get a decent scanner that can also reset the check engine light? I've seen something in the 300-400 dollar range too, but I don't know what one does or doesn't do. Is it a waste to buy one?

Thanks again.

Scanners are great if you have a problem and depending on what you purchase informational when you don't have a problem.

I am lucky enough to have a good buddy who'* a mechanic. And occaisionally can take his scanner for the weekend. It'* a $4,000 snap on that can do it all. So I've got a pretty good idea of what'* available.

Lower cost scanners are going to tell you what the code in the computer is when the light comes on.

Mid range (guessing here) prolly can tell you and clear codes.

More expensive ones will tell you codes, allow you to clear and also show you real time information from the computer. That snap on told me everything!!! Boost soloniod percentage, tps numbers, if cylinders misfired and which ones....KR...litterally tons more info than most need. But it was nice to know baby checked out ok.

OK here'* everything...

History DTC P0420
Catalyst efficiency below threshld (bamk 1) MIL requested since IGN not run since clear P/F

History DTC P0705
Trans range sensor circuit malfunction (PRNDL input) MIL not requested since IGN PASS since clear P/F

History DTC P1106
MAP sensor intermittent CKT high voltage MIL not requested since IGN not run since clear P/F

It also shows on the print out that vehicle scanned is 1998 Bonneville K=3.8L. I have a 1996 but advance auto said it shows a 1998 anyway. I think that is just an excuse for entering the wrong year to start with. would 96 vs. 98 matter?

The light came on when I was in traffic and the tranny just locked up when I wanted to excellerate and then it unlocked and kicked down to pass. Just then the light came on. I changed the MAP sensor and tried to clear the codes to see if anymore would come back but after unhooking the battery for 30 minutes and then hooking it back up and just turning the key to on not start all other lights go out but the check engine. I didn't even start it yet. How would it know there is a problem if it didn't even run? I also have a spoof due to no cat and have had no problems. Could that be the problem for P0420? I now have 210K and the car runs great. I wouldn't know anything was wrong except for the light.

Thanks for all the help.