Check Engine Light - how to turn off?
 

Yesterday we had some very hard rains and I went thru some deep water and the car died (I have a Vortex on it btw). Car didn't want to run for a while but got it re-started shortly after drying out for a couple minutes. It's running fine now, but my "check engine" light remains on.

Is this something I can clear myself by clearing a DTC code? (Never done that before but see there are some Tech Tips on the topic). Or, do I have to take it into the dealer to have the computer reset?

Someone told me I could disconnect the battery for 10 minutes and that should fix things but I'm not so sure I want to do that just yet.

Any info would be appreciated. Thanks.




[Modified by Y2K+1 Vette, 9:29 AM 5/23/2003]

Re: Check Engine Light - how to turn off? (Y2K+1 Vette)
 

It is simple to do. If I remember correctly...you hold the "Option" button down and then pres the fuel button four times. The Codes that have been set will show up on the DIC. After it has cycled through all of the codes it goes into a manual mode that allows you to page through each section individually. While in the manual mode you can pres the reset button to clear the codes in each category. When the code has been cleared the turned on the Engine warning light the light turns off.

I hope this helps.


[Modified by Charley Hoyt, 12:04 PM 5/23/2003]

Re: Check Engine Light - how to turn off? (Y2K+1 Vette)
 

http://www.stengel.net/diccodes.htm http://www.c5forum.com/ayc/2000dtc.php http://www.c5-corvette.com/IPC_Display.htm

and many others. Just dial in http://www.google.com or search the Archives on this forum

Re: Check Engine Light - how to turn off? (RWhite)
 

Thanks for the info, I just wasn't sure if resetting the codes would turn off the check engine light. I'll probably try this before taking it in to the dealer.

Re: Check Engine Light - how to turn off? (Y2K+1 Vette)
 

You are lucky it is just a check engine light your dealing with. And I agree with everyone who has said to scan for codes on the DIC. If they are all history codes, have Autozone reset the check engine light for free. They did so on my Fiance's 99 Neon with OBDII. :yesnod:


[Modified by batsallover, 5:38 PM 5/23/2003]

Re: Check Engine Light - how to turn off? (batsallover)
 

You can reset the codes quite easily by yourself just by hitting reset!

Re: Check Engine Light - how to turn off? (Richin Chicago)
 

I agree you can reset codes but not the check engine light.

Re: Check Engine Light - how to turn off? (batsallover)
 

Reset the code that turns on the check engine light should do it. For example, P0300 ( engine misfire) , reset it and the light goes out

Re: Check Engine Light - how to turn off? (batsallover)
 

Sure it does.

The only codes that trip the check engine light are emissions related...but you clear those the same as you do any code. Once you reset the PCM code that tripped the light, it goes out.

:cheers:

Re: Check Engine Light - how to turn off? (Y2K+1 Vette)
 

Thanks to everyone with the info / suggestions.

When I started it up on Fri. night the light went out on its own - must have finally reset itself - so I didn't have to mess with the codes. She's running fine now so I guess I'll just have to be a little more careful with standing water from now on. Thanks again!

Re: Check Engine Light - how to turn off? (Y2K+1 Vette)
 

You should really clear any current codes. :yesnod: Even if the check engine light went off. :thumbs:

Re: Check Engine Light - how to turn off? (Y2K+1 Vette)
 

There are two type of codes, History and Current. History codes are intermittent problems that went away, Current Codes are hard faults that are always there. Sounds to me like you have a History code.

You should definitely check out what codes you got and clear them out. This way if the Check Engine light comes on again in the future you will not have to worry about figuring out which History codes are old and which History codes are new.

Some History codes will leave the light on for a while even if the fault no longer exists. Clearing these history codes will turn off the Service Engine Light immediately. If the fault still exists you will have a Current code, the code will come back right after you clear it, and the light will stay on.