Clear Codes While Driving
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 352
Likes: 11
From: Glendale AZ
Clear Codes While Driving
I read somewhere that you can clear and/or access codes on the DIC by turning the ignition key while driving. I tried this and did in fact reach the codes but I am not sure if I cleared them or just was made aware of them. I have a 2000 MN6.
Can someone explain what actually is happening when you turn the key, while driving, that makes the DIC display the codes. Is this an "undocumented" feature. Do you think it in anyway could damage the ignition or starter?
David in Arizona
Can someone explain what actually is happening when you turn the key, while driving, that makes the DIC display the codes. Is this an "undocumented" feature. Do you think it in anyway could damage the ignition or starter?
David in Arizona
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 352
Likes: 11
From: Glendale AZ
Just for piece of mind I guess. If you are driving along and the Service ABS / Traction / Active Handling messages come on along with the two yellow lights including the little picture of a car swirving, you bump the ignition key and something happens to make the messages go away and the yellow lights go out.
David in Arizona
David in Arizona
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,720
Likes: 3
From: East Hampton CT
I've had to do clear codes a few times...works perfectly. You do the OPTIONS and Fuel 4 times, NOT turn the ignition key. When you hit a big bump and get the dreaded reduce engine power/abs/traction control message when you're coming out of a toll plaza, you have no choice. I cleared the codes and laid the hammer down...car ran perfectly after with no further codes.
These cars a finicky when it comes to throwing codes...clearing them while driving is totally acceptable in my mind and never has caused a problem.
These cars a finicky when it comes to throwing codes...clearing them while driving is totally acceptable in my mind and never has caused a problem.
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 4,933
Likes: 30
From: San Rafael CA
Just for piece of mind I guess. If you are driving along and the Service ABS / Traction / Active Handling messages come on along with the two yellow lights including the little picture of a car swirving, you bump the ignition key and something happens to make the messages go away and the yellow lights go out.
David in Arizona
David in Arizona
A) That's not a good thing to do while driving on city streets ... on a race track that MIGHT be a way to "clear" a temporary problem with the EBCM ... but I wouldn't do it on the street.
B) You need to follow the procedure outlined in Tech Tips to display the actual DTC codes posted in the various computers in the car.
C) Based on the DTCs, you can get help on this forum in diagnosing and fixing whatever problems the car is having.
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 1,727
Likes: 19
From: Carson City, NV
I have a '98 that ocassionally sees the ABS, TC, AH lights on the dash after hitting a bump or sometimes just triggering traction control when I get a little spirited on the throttle. I used to pull over, turn off the ignition and then re-start the car again and the EBTCM would go through it's self-test diagnostic and clear the lights. Once these errors exist though, I don't think you can do the DIC reset procedure (Option, Fuel 4 times) to clear them. Now I simply turn my key momentarily to the start position and it clears everything while I'm driving. Been doing this for over a year now and especially during a track event where I can't just pull over and no issues ever encountered as a result. Your car is smart enough to know it's running and not to engage the starter. But to each his own...do what you're most comfortable with.
Cheers,
John
Cheers,
John
Last edited by Cscokd; Mar 21, 2007 at 03:23 PM.
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Racer
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 262
Likes: 3
From: Tempe AZ
Just a little hint - if you press fuel 5 times, it will go to manual mode and you can just flip through to the codes you want rather than waiting for it to automatically scroll. Press the EM button to get out after clearing.
Jon
Jon
Racer
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 453
Likes: 1
From: gilford nh
Just for piece of mind I guess. If you are driving along and the Service ABS / Traction / Active Handling messages come on along with the two yellow lights including the little picture of a car swirving, you bump the ignition key and something happens to make the messages go away and the yellow lights go out.
David in Arizona
David in Arizona
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 5,267
Likes: 40
From: Phoenix AZ
I have done it a few times after a header install.
It works great.
And for all you cry babies out there that might crash your car........
I see more people eating, putting on makeup, drinking, talking, reading the paper, yelling at their kids in the back seat, messing with the radio, not paying attention, sleeping at the wheel. If you learn how to clear the codes and you pay attention to the road while doing it,
.
:o
It works great.
And for all you cry babies out there that might crash your car........
I see more people eating, putting on makeup, drinking, talking, reading the paper, yelling at their kids in the back seat, messing with the radio, not paying attention, sleeping at the wheel. If you learn how to clear the codes and you pay attention to the road while doing it,
. :o
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 5,987
Likes: 18
From: DuBois PA
St. Jude Donor '11-'12-'13-'14-'15
I have done it a few times after a header install.
It works great.
And for all you cry babies out there that might crash your car........
I see more people eating, putting on makeup, drinking, talking, reading the paper, yelling at their kids in the back seat, messing with the radio, not paying attention, sleeping at the wheel. If you learn how to clear the codes and you pay attention to the road while doing it, .
:o
It works great.
And for all you cry babies out there that might crash your car........
I see more people eating, putting on makeup, drinking, talking, reading the paper, yelling at their kids in the back seat, messing with the radio, not paying attention, sleeping at the wheel. If you learn how to clear the codes and you pay attention to the road while doing it,
. :o
I did it on a back road tracking down a delivered torque code I would intermittently get. Works great and saves a lot of time…
