Turn off check engine light?
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Turn off check engine light?
I've had the check engine light on in my truck for a long time. I've had the codes check and it's a sensor that can be one of a million, and all the mechanics I've taken it to tells me that they wouldn't bother fixing it cause it's a O2 sensor or something. I hate the orange "check engine" light always shining in my face. Is there a way I can disconnect the "check engine" light without disrupting my electrical system? Or, how hard would it be for me to get into my dash and simply put some electrical tape over the light? I have a 96' Ford Ranger XLT, 2 WD, 4cyl, 2.3. Thanks for the help.
Tom
Tom
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Joined: Jul 2005
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From: Durant, OK (SOSU)
Umm...replace the O2 sensor. They aren't expensive or hard to replace, you can do it easily. Dunno what your mechanics are smokin'.
Disconnect the battery cable (negative) for 10-20 minutes to let the entire computer reset itself. It's not going to hurt your electrical system. Write your radio presets down, that's all that matters. And drive it normally for a while afterwords so the computer gets used to your driving again.
Don't tape over the light, that's just downright stupid.
Disconnect the battery cable (negative) for 10-20 minutes to let the entire computer reset itself. It's not going to hurt your electrical system. Write your radio presets down, that's all that matters. And drive it normally for a while afterwords so the computer gets used to your driving again.
Don't tape over the light, that's just downright stupid.
Last edited by Ken00; Nov 4, 2005 at 08:55 PM.
Elder User
Joined: Oct 2005
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From: Blytheville, AR
Tape would look bad. At least go into the back of your cluster and just pull out the bulb. I would suggest fixing it instead, but whatever floats your boat. Pulling your cluster isn't that tough, but neither is replacing an O2 sensor. If you can pull the dash apart, you can replace an O2 sensor. Remember that half the crap a mechanic can do, you can do yourself. All you need is a trusty Haynes manual and a general handyman's knowledge. (screwdriver, ratchet, end wrench, etc...)
Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2003
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From: Alvin, Texas.
Originally Posted by tomtank77
I've had the check engine light on in my truck for a long time. I've had the codes check and it's a sensor that can be one of a million, and all the mechanics I've taken it to tells me that they wouldn't bother fixing it cause it's a O2 sensor or something. I hate the orange "check engine" light always shining in my face. Is there a way I can disconnect the "check engine" light without disrupting my electrical system? Or, how hard would it be for me to get into my dash and simply put some electrical tape over the light? I have a 96' Ford Ranger XLT, 2 WD, 4cyl, 2.3. Thanks for the help.
Tom
Tom
With mechanics like that, who obviously are soooo well off not to need the business, who needs stealerships?
There aren't a million sensors to look at AND let's say the engine is running lean. Well, what do you know, one day you will have at least one burned valve by blowing this off!
So, in short, NO you can not wish the light away.
Fix the problem or hide. Or check the codes yourself and learn to diagnose and fix said issue. ALDL and OBD1 and 2 have been around most of 2 decades. Get with the times.
Guesses are no good. Maybe the O2, more than likely not. IF you ever have to reset the computer, one quick pull of the ECU fuse in the underhood fuse box for a few seconds will do it. Don't stand around longer than you have to and then have to reprogram the radio presets. That blows.
(Yes, I am disappointed that the first thought was "change the O2 sensor" from our forum members, instead of tried and true diagnosis.
)
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 9,748
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From: Connecticut
Post the code(s) so we can help you fix the underlying problem. Autozone pulls codes for free.
I agree that blacking out the CEL is not the way to go about things. For example, what if your engine begins to severely misfire and the CEL starts blinking? Such a condition usually means that in short course your cat(s) will be toast. And they ain't cheap. With the CEL hidden, you might never even know until it's too late.
The same can be said for other issues. With the CEL constantly on and/or hidden from view, you will never know if another problem has cropped up in addition to the alleged 02 sensor issue. That's leaving too much to chance.
I agree that blacking out the CEL is not the way to go about things. For example, what if your engine begins to severely misfire and the CEL starts blinking? Such a condition usually means that in short course your cat(s) will be toast. And they ain't cheap. With the CEL hidden, you might never even know until it's too late.
The same can be said for other issues. With the CEL constantly on and/or hidden from view, you will never know if another problem has cropped up in addition to the alleged 02 sensor issue. That's leaving too much to chance.
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