Stomping on the accelerator pedal is for cars that are OBD I (built before 1996).
Disconnecting the battery cable WILL NOT reset a CEL/SES/MIL warning light on an OBD II car (from 1996-up). Because if the issue is still present during the "drive cycle test"...the light will re-illuminate.
If the OBD II system passes the FTP (federal test protocol) "drive cycle"...the warning light will reset itself (without a scanner/reader/etc).
{Explanation of OBD I & OBD II}
{FTP Drive Cycle Chart}
{top half of chart shows time/speed intervals required to engage the drive cycle test on lower half of chart}
