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how do i clear my check engine light

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Old 07-09-2005, 09:50 AM
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Default how do i clear my check engine light

im sure the answer is on here somewhere, i simply cant remember and couldnt seem to find it while searching...i want to reset my computer and see if my check engine light goes away, we replaced the map sensor but its still on...cant you reset it by disconnecting the negative battery cable for 15 minutes or so? thanks
Old 07-09-2005, 10:33 AM
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Yeah. Disconect the battery for a while. I'm not sure of the minimum time, tho. I'd go half hour minimum
Old 07-09-2005, 10:57 AM
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both terminals or just one? my positive terminal is kinda on its last leg anyway, and id like to more or less leave it alone...but ill try it....it seems to be running better now that the map sensor has been replaced...but it still just doesnt seem....100%.....like i was messing with it a little id hold the revs at 1500 for a bit, then just let off the gas...it would stumble a little and the revs would drop below 1000 for just a sec and then it would smooth back out and go right back to its idle of 1000 or a little more...it never used to do that...

on that same note doesnt Autozone scan codes for free? or at least theyre supposed to? my luck around here theyd be jerks about it, but if its company policy to do it for free, then oh yes, they will do it for free.
Old 07-09-2005, 11:04 AM
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You would unplug only the negative battery terminal. Autozone or Advance (or local parts store) should be able to scan and clear the codes for free. Maybe it'* time to head over and buy the next oil change. Have them clear it while you are there.
Old 07-09-2005, 11:13 AM
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Originally Posted by BillBost37
You would unplug only the negative battery terminal. Autozone or Advance (or local parts store) should be able to scan and clear the codes for free. Maybe it'* time to head over and buy the next oil change. Have them clear it while you are there.
Most auto parts stores that scan codes free will not clear the codes. Liability reasons.

"but my motor blew up because you cleared the code!"
Old 07-09-2005, 11:36 AM
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well i went ahead and unplugged both terminals...theyve been off for about 20 mins now, ill go put em back on about 11ish....the Chiltons says that the codes will clear if power is removed from the PCM for 30 seconds or more....so i dunno...is the PCM set up kinda of like a motherboard BIOS? where the settings are stored in a special things like CMOS and then it has its own battery to keep the settings? im sure its probably similar.

but if it still stays on then ill just have to get it scanned...im sure its nothing much, the car runs very well...but then again it could be running well for now.

well i just went back out and hooked everything back up, check engine light is now gone, thanks a bunch you guys...i disconnected both terminals for about 45 minutes...not sure if that was necessary or not, but it worked out in the end.
Old 07-09-2005, 12:31 PM
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glad to hear everything worked out for you. Just make sure to take it easy for a few days while the PCM relearns its peramiters and your driving style. also, just for future reference you only need to take off the negative battery terminal. Once one is removed the circuit is broken so removing two will make no difference whatsoever.
Old 07-09-2005, 12:40 PM
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if its learning my driving style whats the point in taking it easy? jk though, ill behave to some degree or the other.
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