? Engine light ?
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Joined: May 2006
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From: Kingsport, TN
? Engine light ?
I do hte miinor (routine) service on our 2000 Explorer. The engine light came on a week ago. This weekend I'll change the plugs, oil, filter, etc. How do I turn off the blasted light. I'm assuming there is a "button" to push or ? Where isis ? I can get a friendly 'Auto Zone' or 'Advance Auto" person to run a diagnostic scanner for me, but in the mean time that little light is driving her CRAZZZZY. 
Anyone - help ? 
Anyone - help ?
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 4,819
Likes: 83
From: Cedar Rapids, IA
The check engine light comes on when a problem is identified, and remains on until the system determines the problem is no longer present, or is reset. However, if you reset the light and the problem is still present, the light will come back on. Maybe not right away, but it will come back on until you fix the issue.
You should have the friendly parts store read the code(s) for you so you can tell if you'll be on the right path by changing the spark plugs and plug wires. While it's good to perform the routine maintenance, that's not always going to fix the issues.
Entry level scan tools are getting pretty reasonable in price now. You might consider picking one up so you can read your own codes and clear them as you make repairs. Quite honestly, you can purchase a scan tool of your very own for less than what a shop would charge you to reset the light.
-Rod
You should have the friendly parts store read the code(s) for you so you can tell if you'll be on the right path by changing the spark plugs and plug wires. While it's good to perform the routine maintenance, that's not always going to fix the issues.
Entry level scan tools are getting pretty reasonable in price now. You might consider picking one up so you can read your own codes and clear them as you make repairs. Quite honestly, you can purchase a scan tool of your very own for less than what a shop would charge you to reset the light.
-Rod
Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 19,768
Likes: 1,082
From: St Louis
If all you want to do is reset the MIL, pull fuse F6 from the underhood fusebox for 5-10 minutes. The PCM will be completely reset as if you disconnected the battery but without having to reset the clock or radio.
Of course, if you do this without identifying the underlying fault, all you're doing is delaying the inevitable need to actually gather data to diagnose the fault or reason that turned the light on in the first place.
Of course, if you do this without identifying the underlying fault, all you're doing is delaying the inevitable need to actually gather data to diagnose the fault or reason that turned the light on in the first place.
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