Fix It

You can reset the service engine light on your Chevrolet S10 by using an OBD-II scan tool. This on-board diagnostic tool can be purchased from your local auto parts retailer, although many such stores will check the code and reset the light at no charge.



The service engine light will turn on at regular intervals when your vehicle needs routine maintenance. After the maintenance is completed you will need to manually reset the light to turn it off. This is an easy adjustment that will only take a few moments.

Instructions

1

Look for the OBD II port located near the emergency brake on the lower dashboard. The OBD II port will be the receptive end for the connector on the OBD II scanner tool. Examine the connector end of the tool and the receptive port to make sure you have the correct port. Plug the OBD II scanner tool into the port.

2

Close the doors, roll up the windows and turn on the OBD II scanner tool. Put the key into the ignition and turn it to "on," but take care not to start the engine. Turning the vehicle on will start the electrical system which will power the OBD II scanner tool and allow it to do its job. The engine needs to remain off for the scanner to work.

3

Wait for the screen on the scanner to stop flashing. The service engine light will have turned off. Turn the key in the ignition to "off" and unplug the scanner.

4

Restart the engine and verify that the service engine light is still off on the instrument panel. Turn off the car.

You can reset the computer codes on your Honda right from your home garage, saving time and money. The trouble codes are sent to the On-Board Diagnostics computer (OBD) from sensors positioned throughout the car. These codes pinpoint the service needs of the vehicle. Read the codes using a handheld computerized device called an OBD scan tool. Once the codes have been read and the repairs done, clear the codes using the OBD tool. This will reset the computer and shut off the lights.

Instructions

1

Find a port on the underside of the drivers side dash that is the same size and shape as the connective end of the OBD scan tool. Plug the scan tool into this port.

2

Put the key into the Hondas ignition and turn it to the "On" position, taking care not to crank the engine. This will power on the scan tool.

3

Wait while the scan tool reads the codes. Find a command on the scan tool that says "Clear Codes" or something similar. When the main menu reappears, the codes have been cleared.

4

Unplug the scan tool and start the engine. Verify that all warning and service lights have shut off.

The General Motors Oil Life Monitor System first appeared in GM trucks in the 2000 model year. The system measures the remaining service life of an engines motor oil based on several factors, including the number of engine starts, miles driven at operating temperature and total hours of engine operation. The Oil Life Monitor System determines intervals between oil changes based on operating conditions. You should reset the oil light to initiate a service interval after you change the oil.

Instructions

1

Turn the ignition key to the "on" position.

2

Depress the accelerator pedal three times to the floor in rapid succession within five seconds. Turn the ignition key off and wait for ten seconds.

3

Turn the ignition key to the "Start" position, and start the engine. The Oil Life Monitor system has been reset.

Honda introduced the mid-sized complement to its compact Civic -- the Honda Accord in the 1976 model year. The Accord began its life as a feature-packed vehicle for its era sporting high-end elements, such as an AM-FM stereo, rear defroster and a remote hatch release. The 2001 Accord EX came standard with a wide array of features including an AM-FM stereo with a 6-disc CD player. An anti-theft system protected the stereo by locking the stereo from working when it lost power until you entered a five-digit code. If youve lost the code, contact the dealership with the radios serial number to get the code.

Instructions

Entering the Radio Code

1

Insert the key in the Accords ignition and turn it to the "Acc" or "On" position.

2

Turn the radio on by pressing the volume button, if needed.

3

Observe as "Code" appears on the radios display.

4

Enter the five-digit code from the radio code card the dealership provided with the vehicle, by pressing the corresponding preset buttons on the radio. If entered correctly, the radio begins to play. If the radio does not play, turn the Accord off and retry from Step 3. If you do not have the five digit code, see the section titled "Obtaining a Lost Radio Code."

5

Turn the Accord off.

Obtaining a Lost Radio Code

6

Turn the Accords ignition to the "Acc" or "On" position.

7

Press and hold the number 1 and 6 preset buttons and turn on the radio by pressing the volume button on the radio.

8

Observe as four digits appear on the radios screen, make note of these numbers. After five seconds, a second set of four numbers appears on the screen, write down these numbers. All eight numbers make up the radios eight-digit serial number.

9

Take the eight-digit serial number to a Honda dealership to obtain the radio code.

The drive cycle is a process where the vehicle is driven from a cold start and operated for a specific period of time, and at certain speeds, in order to allow the powertrain control module, or PCM, to perform certain diagnostic procedures and gather performance data. In order to reset the process and start from the beginning of the drive cycle, a number of steps must be completed. Failure to follow the specific procedure for resetting the drive cycle can delay the programming and configuration of certain modules, as well as alter previously gathered diagnostic data.

Instructions

1

Fill the fuel tank at least 15 percent full, but no more than 85 percent full. Having the tank too low or completely full will prevent the PCM from properly completing the drive cycle.

2

Park the vehicle and turn off the engine. Turn the ignition on and connect a scan tool to the vehicle. Clear any existing diagnostic trouble codes from the PCMs memory.

3

Turn the ignition completely off and allow the vehicle to cool for at least eight hours. The engine and the vehicle must be at room temperature to ensure a cold start at the beginning of the drive cycle. This can take up to eight hours.

4

Start the engine and confirm that the malfunction indicator lamp, or MIL, is not illuminated. Immediately turn off all accessories, such as the air conditioner and blower fan. The vehicle is now ready to begin a fresh OBD-II drive cycle.

You can reset and turn off the "Service Engine Soon" light on your 1997 Saturn L1. The On-Board Diagnostics computer keeps track of regular service intervals. Its important to always do the servicing first before resetting the light. This will allow the vehicles computer to keep accurate track of when the next service is due.

Instructions

1

Pop open the hood of the vehicle. Find the battery. Behind the batter is a black fuse box. Release the retaining clips and lift off the top of the box.

2

Look for the "Reset" button below a reddish-orange block. Press the button and hold it for five seconds.

3

Put the key in the ignition and turn the vehicle on, but dont start the engine. Wait one minute. The light should have turned off. If not, turn off the vehicle and turn the ignition to the "ACC" setting. Press the "Reset" button again and hold it for 15 seconds.

4

Turn off the car and remove the key. Put the key back in the ignition and start the engine. Let it run for at least two minutes. The computer should now have registered the reset and the service engine light should now be off.

The Mercedes-Benz C class was once known for its reliability, but since the merger with Chrysler in the 90s, Mercedes as a whole has lost much of its engineering reputation. To that end, many of the 2001 C-class cars have endemic electrical and mechanical faults; the SRS fault being one of the leading issues. SRS stands for the supplemental restraint system and is supposed to pre-tighten the seat belts in the event of a crash, but in practice serves only to require periodic trips to the dealership to fix its faulty sensors.There is, however, a way around this.

Instructions

1

Buy a Mercedes-Benz code reader from a website, there are many available. Make sure the code reader has a 16-pin OBDII standard socket port. The 16-pin port is what the diagnostic port on the C320 uses. 32-pin readers can be used, but an adapter and rather complex software is needed. It is simpler and cheaper to just get a 16-pin reader. No batteries are needed, as the code reader draws power from the car itself.

2

Start the car and wait for the reader to flash the name of the code reader, then press the "Read" button. It will be the green button to the bottom left. It will flash the error code three times; after the third time, press the erase button. Depending upon the model of code reader, you may have to press "Erase" after every code or only once for all the codes.

3

Disconnect the code reader and turn off the car. Then turn the car back on and replug the reader to check to see if the erasure took. If it has, you are done; if it has not, you will need to replace the SRS sensors themselves, which only a Mercedes-Benz mechanic can do.

In 1989 Saab was the first car manufacturer to offer a Supplemental Restraint System, or SRS as standard in its 900 model. The system included two airbags, one located in the steering wheel to protect the driver and another in the dash designed for the front seat passenger. Since then, SRS systems have become the industry norm. Because the technology was new, SRS failure lights are a common annoyance for owners of many Saabs made through out the 1990s. While many are false alarms and can be fixed simply, others can be serious and should be addressed by a mechanic only.

Instructions

Disconnecting the Battery

1

Set the hand brake, remove the key from the ignition switch, and open the hood.

2

Disconnect the negative battery lead from the battery terminal using the adjustable wrench first, then disconnect the positive lead. Usually the negative lead is black and the positive lead is red.

3

Put on the rubber gloves. Sand the battery terminals and leads until they appear shiny and there is no noticeable corrosion left.

4

Reconnect the battery leads using the adjustable wrench. Close the hood and turn on the car to see if the SRS light has been turned off. Take the car for a short test drive to see if it comes back on.

After you have retrieved the transmission code on your 95 Dodge Intrepid and had the transmission repaired, the code should reset itself. However, this is not always the case. You might see a warning light on the instrument panel even after the vehicle has been repaired. To reset the transmission code and shut off the light, either disconnect the battery or clear the code using an OBD I scan tool. It is better to use the scan tool because disconnecting the battery will erase all of the computers codes and you will have to reset the radio, clock, alarm and other components.

Instructions

1

Plug the OBD I scan tool into the port under the drivers side dashboard near the steering column. Dont force it in. Just turn it until it fits so you dont damage the pins.

2

Put the key into the ignition and turn it to the "On" position, but dont crank the engine. Wait while the scan tool retrieves the codes.

3

Find and select the "Delete Codes" option. This will clear the transmission codes as well as other trouble codes. The computer is now reset. Unplug the scan tool from the port.

4

Start the engine and verify that all warning lights have shut off of the instrument panel.

In order to remove and reset the air bag light, also known as the SRS light on a BMW, a reset tool is needed. The Service Light Plus airbag reset tool, which is available for purchase at most auto parts stores, is designed to work on the BMW E36 and is easy to use by connecting it to the BMWs data link connector, located under the vehicles dashboard beside the hood release latch.

Instructions

1

Park the BMW on level ground.

2

Attach the air bag reset tool to the BMWs data link connector, under the dashboard.

3

Switch the BMWs ignition on.

4

Anticipate for the tools screen to illuminate and select "BMW" on the screen with the scroll buttons on the tool and press the reset tools "OK" button.

5

Use the scroll buttons to select the "E36" model and press the "OK" button.

6

Use the scroll buttons to select "Reset of Airbag" and press the "OK" button.

7

Wait for the message "Reset OK." Switch the BMWs ignition off and remove the air bag reset tool.

You can reset the code on your 92 Cadillac from your home garage, saving yourself time and money. The computer in your Cadillac generates and stores trouble codes that pertain to the vehicles various systems. You first have to run a diagnostic test using an OBD scanner to pinpoint the problem. After the problem has been discovered and repaired, you must reset the code using the same OBD scanner. Always fix the problem first before attempting to erase the codes or you risk further damage to your vehicle.

Instructions

1

Pull down on the fuse panel cover from the top with your fingers. You can find it on the lower part of the drivers side dashboard. Plug the OBD scanner into the port.

2

Put the key into the ignition and turn it to the "On" position, but dont crank the engine.

3

Select the "Delete Codes" command on the scanner. Wait for the menu to indicate the task has been accomplished. Unplug the OBD scanner.

4

Turn on the engine and verify all service and warning lights have been turned off on the instrument panel.

The Mini Cooper is a small, sporty vehicle made by BMW. The Mini comes standard with a Service Interval Display, or SID, located on the dashboard control panel. The SID lights up to let you know that its time to have your Mini Cooper serviced. After you complete the maintenance on your Mini Cooper, you will need to manually reset the service light, which is easy to do and requires no tools.

Instructions

1

Put the key into the ignition. Press in the trip odometer knob.

2

Turn the ignition key to the first or "I" position while still depressing the trip odometer knob. Look for a message that says "51A" on the dashboard control panel next to the mileage counter.

3

Release the trip odometer knob and wait about three seconds.

4

Depress the trip odometer knob again and wait about 10 seconds. Wait for a message that says "RST" on the dashboard control panel next to the mileage counter. Release the trip odometer knob.

5

Press in the trip odometer knob and wait for "15,000" to appear on the control panel. Release the knob and turn the ignition key to the "Off" position.

The "Service Engine Soon" (SES) light will illuminate on the Fords instrument panel when the vehicle is ready for routine maintenance. The On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) computer receives trouble codes from sensors positioned throughout the vehicle. The "E-450" code corresponds to a service issue. Address the issue that triggered the code, then reset and shut off the light with an OBD reset tool. This tool can be obtained from any auto parts store. Resetting the light yourself will save you money and a trip to the dealership.

Instructions

1

Locate the fuse panel cover under the steering column. Open it by turning the knob and pulling down on it from the top by hand.

2

Plug the end of an OBD reset tool into the port inside the fuse panel. This port will be the same size and shape as the connector.

3

Insert the key into the ignition and turn it to the "II" position. Select the "Clear Codes" command on the reset tool.

4

Wait for the SES light to turn off. Unplug the reset tool and turn off the vehicle.

You can reset the computer on your 2001 Chevrolet Venture right from your home garage, saving yourself time and money. The computer in your Venture, known as an OBD or On-Board Diagnostics computer, stores error codes. These codes can be read using an OBD scan tool. This tool is also used to erase the codes and reset the computer. This small hand-held computerized device can be purchased from any auto parts store. Most stores will even loan you a scan tool for the purpose of resetting your computer.

Instructions

1

Find the OBD port on the left side of the fuse panel. This port is the same size and shape as the connector end of the OBD scan tool.

2

Plug the OBD scan tool into the OBD port. Dont force it into the port or you may damage the pins.

3

Put the key into the ignition and turn it to the "II" position.

4

Wait for the scan tool to stop flashing. When it has, this means it has cleared the codes. Some OBD scan tools require you to press "Reset," "Delete" or other similar command to clear the codes. Consult the manual that came with the scan tool for exact instructions.

5

Unplug the scan tool and turn on the engine. Verify that all warning and service lights have turned off. The computer is now reset.

When one of the sensors on the 1998 Dodge Caravan stops working or senses incorrect information, the computer sends a code to the data link connector and turns the check engine light on to alert the driver that there is a problem. You can extract the codes with a code scanner, which is available at any auto parts store. The code scanner comes with a code sheet that tells the consumer what each code means.

Instructions

1

Repair the problem as dictated by the code scanner. If you try to erase the codes and reset the computer before the problem is fixed, the computer will send the code and turn the engine light on again.

2

Plug the code scanner into the data link connector, which is under the dash and just to the left of the steering column.

3

Press the "Erase" button on the code scanner to erase the codes and reset the computer. Remove the code scanner plug-in from the data link connector.

You can reset the computer on your 01 Toyota Tundra right from your home driveway or garage. The Tundra, like most modern vehicles, is equipped with an On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) computer that reads trouble codes sent to it from sensors positioned throughout the vehicle. These trouble codes illuminate in the form of warning or service lights on your instrument panel. Once you have the Tundra serviced or repaired, you will need to reset the computer so that it can continue to do its work. Resetting the computer will also shut off any service and warning lights on the dash.

Instructions

1

Locate the port underneath the steering column that has the same size and shape as the OBD code scanners connective end. Plug the OBD code scanner into this port. Dont force it in, though, or you could bend the pins.

2

Put the key in the ignition and turn it to the "II" position, taking care not to start the engine. The OBD code scanner will power itself on and read the trouble codes.

3

Locate the "delete" button on the scanner and select it. Depending on the manufacturer of the scanner, it may have a different label, such as "erase codes." When you select it, it will reset the computer and shut off the lights.

4

Unplug the scanner and turn on the engine. Check the instrument panel to verify that all service and warning lights have shut off.

You can reset the ECU code on your Honda right from your home garage, saving yourself time and money. The ECU generates codes pertaining to the Electronic Control Unit, which governs the engine. When the vehicles computer detects an error, it illuminates it on the vehicles instrument panel in the form of a "Check Engine" light.

In order to properly clear this code and reset it, you will need an OBD scan tool. This can be purchased online or from your local auto parts retailer.

Instructions

1

Find the OBD port just to the left of your Hondas fuse panel. The fuse panel can be found on the drivers side, underneath the steering column.

2

Plug the OBD scan tool into the OBD port.

3

Put the key into the ignition and turn it to the "II" position. Wait for the scan tool to retrieve the codes from the ECU.

4

Select the "Delete Codes" command or something similar. Wait while the scan tool deletes the codes and resets the computer.

5

Unplug the scan tool and turn on your Hondas engine. Verify that all warning and service lights have shut off of the instrument panel.

You can reset the check engine light in your Toyota using an On-Board Diagnostics II scanner tool. When the light appears on your dashboard, have a mechanic look at your vehicle and fix any problems. The light can then be reset and turned off. Some people just disconnect the battery, but this will wipe out and reset the memory of other critical functions in your On-Board Diagnostics computer.

Instructions

1

Look to the right side of the hood release handle on the drivers side of the Toyota and find a port. Plug the OBD II scanner tool into this port and turn the key in the ignition to the "II" position.

2

Press the scroll buttons on the scanner to go through the items on the menu. Find a command that says "Erase," and then press it.

3

Watch for the main menu to appear, or wait until you receive a scanner message reading "Command Sent." Unplug the OBD II scanner tool and turn on the engine. Inspect the dashboard to determine if the check engine light is off.

The 1987 BMW 325is has a built-in maintenance reminder light to let you know when you need to take your BMW in to see the mechanic for regular servicing. If the "Service Engine" light illuminates on the instrument panel in yellow or red when you start the engine, then it is time for a servicing. Make sure you have the servicing done before you attempt to reset the light or else it will turn itself back on. The reset requires the help of a reset tool purchased from an auto parts store.

Instructions

1

Put the key into the ignition and turn the vehicle to the "On" position, but dont allow the engine to turn over.

2

Turn off all accessories such as the lights, air conditioner, and the radio.

3

Pop up the hood of the BMW and locate the diagnostic connector on the front left side of the engine as you are facing the vehicle. Plug the BWM reset tool into the diagnostic connector.

4

Find the "Service Engine" button on the BMW reset tool and push and hold it for ten seconds or until the light on the tool flashes and then turns off. Release the button and unplug the reset tool from the diagnostic connector. Lower the hood.

5

Look on the instrument cluster inside the vehicle to see that the "Service Engine" light has turned off.