Just replaced battery and check engine light is on

70-k5 · #1 01-26-2013, 02:21 AM

Search function isn't working tonight, hopefully somebody can help me with my issue.

I was playing with the PA-12 trying to get it working. I had the key on for 20 minutes maybe a half hour. Then the radio stops playing. I think great, I fried it with this new input. I try to start and I get a click and a loud beep similar to locking the doors but louder. I realize that my sister probably never changed the battery so in I go.

Battery out - to the store to get one. Costco doesn't carry them. Stop at Napa and they want over $200. End up at Batteries Plus and they have one for $125 - $10 instant rebate and -$10 mail in rebate. Get home, stick it in and I'm live again. I get the PA-12 to work, awesome!

I decide to clean the engine cover, then get to the side covers. While I have them out I figure since I've got the covers off I'd change the spark plugs I picked up last week.

Yes I have ADD, and I'm focused, tearing things up.

Get the plugs changed, put everything back together and go for a test drive.... somethings wrong, check engine light is on and feels like I'm missing a cylinder.

Get home and find #5, passenger side front plug electrical connection was just a hair from locking in. I lock it in, take it for test drive number 2 and it feels great. More responsive, throttle just feels lighter. Unfortunately the check engine light is still on.

I'm familar with OBD1 engine management systems, I'm assuming that this vehicle is a little beyond sticking a paperclip in a port and watching a light flash... How do I clear the light?

Oh, and I hope I didn't give too much information, I didn't want to be vague....

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TerminatorX5 · #2 01-26-2013, 03:23 AM

you should check the code that came with CEL, just to be on safe side... if the issue has been resolved, the light might turn off on its own, after so many cycles - not all codes are cleared like that, only some...

read the code at autozone, and have them clear the code... hopefully, free of charge...

Bulk · #3 01-26-2013, 08:34 AM

Agree with Terminator - Sometimes these things clear on their own after a few cycles, if you know what the warning was for and you have rectified the problem then give it a few start ups. Make sure you take the key out of the ignition between cycles.

If after a few then you'll need it cleared by someone with the gear

upallnight · #4 01-26-2013, 09:39 AM

Or you can disconnect the battery for about 15 minutes and see if that doesn't reset the SES.

SlickGT1 · #5 01-26-2013, 09:50 AM

Get yourself a cheap obd2 scanner. You can get one for like 40, and you will be glad you have one. Especially with a BMW.

upallnight · #6 01-26-2013, 11:35 AM

If all you want to do is review check engine or service engine soon codes, get a bluetooth scanner that you can attach to the OBD II port and the App Torque for either you Android phone or Eye Phone. I leave the scanner with my car so if I get a SES light I can read it right away on my Cellphone.

70-k5 · #7 01-26-2013, 06:34 PM

I got lucky and the light went away on the drive back from the Portland Auto Show! There were some beautiful rides on hand, wish i could have driven then all!

I did read about holding in the odometer troop button while turning the Kerry to first position. Seemed to do something but didn't reset my light.

Bulk · #8 01-26-2013, 07:51 PM

I've never turned the Kerry to the first position. Glad its sorted

Qsilver7 · #9 01-26-2013, 08:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 70-k5

I did read about holding in the odometer troop button while turning the Kerry to first position. Seemed to do something but didn't reset my light.

Instrument cluster "tricks" nor disconnecting the car's battery will clear a code that has been set by the engine's electronic emissions system...even if you can somehow get the (CEL/SES/MIL) warning light to turn off. If the issue that caused the light hasn't been fixed...it will either return (warning light illuminates) and/or the code will still be stored and readable by any OBD II scanner/reader. This especially applies to areas of the country (world) that has mandated emissions testing for every vehicle.

OBD II is a federally mandated engine & emissions management standard for all ... diagnostic codes are stored in the car's computer memory (thus disconnecting the battery does NOT erase any code that has not been attended to), and a driver's warning is lit on the dashboard.. There are no instrument cluster "tricks" for clearing codes etc...if there were...there'd be thousands of owners (of all car marques) that would be getting around local car emission tests.

The CEL (check engine light) or SES (service engine soon) or MIL (malfunction indicator light) will illuminate to indicate that an OBD fault code has been detected and recorded. An OBD II scanner/reader (as previously mentioned) is a great tool to have so that you can easily read any code that may come up...and know what area of the engine's ELECTRONIC EMISSIONS system that set it. With that reader/scanner...you should be able to "clear" the CEL/SES/MIL light (temporarily) if the issue isn't resolved...or clear it if the issue is fixed but a few drive cycles is required to assess if the originating fault returns or not.

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