Clearing OBD II Code

[jberbrich]

I have been getting a check engine light for a few days on my 03 LS 3.9L. No misfiring, as I have plenty of experience with those nasty coils. I just changed my front two O2 sensors just for grins, to see if he check engine light would stay off. I unplugged my battery assuming it would reset the check engine light. It only stayed off for one day, now it is illuminated again. Is there a different way to reset the check engine light and clear the OBD II code without using an OBD II reader?

Thanks guys. I tried searching for the answer but gave up after 30 minutes.

 

[M4rk]

Autozone. They will read them free and clear.

 

[gcwimmer]

I have been getting a check engine light for a few days on my 03 LS 3.9L. No misfiring, as I have plenty of experience with those nasty coils. I just changed my front two O2 sensors just for grins, to see if he check engine light would stay off. I unplugged my battery assuming it would reset the check engine light. It only stayed off for one day, now it is illuminated again. Is there a different way to reset the check engine light and clear the OBD II code without using an OBD II reader?

Thanks guys. I tried searching for the answer but gave up after 30 minutes.

Get it read and find out what code you are throwing and fix it.

 

[joegr]

I have been getting a check engine light for a few days on my 03 LS 3.9L. No misfiring, as I have plenty of experience with those nasty coils. I just changed my front two O2 sensors just for grins, to see if he check engine light would stay off. I unplugged my battery assuming it would reset the check engine light. It only stayed off for one day, now it is illuminated again. Is there a different way to reset the check engine light and clear the OBD II code without using an OBD II reader?

Thanks guys. I tried searching for the answer but gave up after 30 minutes.

You did clear the code. The fault that it is indicating is still present, so after a day or so the diagnostics tripped again and turned the light back on.
If you correct the real fault, the light will turn itself off after a day or so. There's no real need or advantage to manually clearing the light. You still won't know for sure if it's fixed or not for a day or two.

This one light can mean any one or more of over a thousand different faults. You'll have to get the code(s) read to have any idea what's going on.

 

[jberbrich]

Thanks guys.

I tried the obvious by replacing the front sensors, but it was not the problem. I will buy a code reader and do it right this time. I didn't know code readers were so inexpensive. Do you prefer any brand over another for the LS? Do any spell out in english what the problem is? Where do I obtain a list that describes the codes?

Thanks again.

 

[joegr]

Thanks guys.

I tried the obvious by replacing the front sensors, but it was not the problem. I will buy a code reader and do it right this time. I didn't know code readers were so inexpensive. Do you prefer any brand over another for the LS? Do any spell out in english what the problem is? Where do I obtain a list that describes the codes?

Thanks again.

The low cost ($50) code readers will only read the most generic OBDII emissions codes. It takes one that is around $300/$400 to be able to read all the manufacturer specific codes for engine, brakes, transmission, electronic modules, and so on. That said, most of the time that the check engine light is on, the low cost readers will give you the code. If you have a gen II, the reader needs to be CAN compatible or it won't read anything.

 

[112 LS]

I brought my LS to two local shops once who told me my car's computer must be toast. They said there top of the line reader couldn't communicate with it. I researched and bought one of the orange scantron readers that specifically works on the LS and it works like a charm. Forget how much on amazon but it was relatively pretty cheap.

 

[jberbrich]

Thanks for the good info guys. By the way, at least in communist California, Autozone can not rent or read any OBD II codes. California is forcing us to buy our own or take our vehicles to a repair shop/dealer. Thanks Arnold!

 

[LS4me]

Thanks for the good info guys. By the way, at least in communist California, Autozone can not rent or read any OBD II codes. California is forcing us to buy our own or take our vehicles to a repair shop/dealer. Thanks Arnold!

Was it Ahrnold or Moonbeam?