Is there a reliable way to clear the Check Engine code and make it stay off?

Question

I've read a lot about how you can go to Auto Zone and have them clear the code to turn the light off. But often the code just comes back on when using the vehicle in the near future.

For all the smart alecks out there, I've read enough about the Check Engine light to know that it will often come on without there being anything wrong with the car. I have reason to believe this is the case with my car, and I'm trying to avoid having the dealership gut me as they have in the past. So please don't be condescending and tell me the car must be fixed. I just want to know how to shut it off.

Answer 1

The only way you are going to be able to keep the check engine light off is to fix the problem that is causing it to come on. You can have the codes cleared as many times as you want, but it will only keep the check engine light coming on again until you fix the problem that is causing it. The next time it comes on, have it checked and get the code. I have a reference to give you what the problem is, also I will need the make, model and year of your car to give you the correct code reading.

ADDITION TO ABOVE: I have read your additional details my friend, yes you have made it clear that you want the check engine light off and you want it to stay off. As I stated before, you MUST fix the problem that is causing it to come on. The check engine light will not come on just because it wants too, there actually has to be a problem for it to come on. when it comes on, you have a problem, it could be something as simple as a sensor which may only cost you a few bucks and you can put it on yourself, it could be something else. The first step to solving the problem is to find out what is causing the light to come on. I offered you my help, if the light is on now, go to autozone and let them read it with their scanner, BE SURE TO GET THE CODE. Post the code in your discription and I will be glad to look it up for you, please be sure to give the make model and year of your car along with the engine size. Then I can look up the code and tell you what the problem is that is causing the check engine light to come on. I say again, if your check engine light is on, you have a problem. They dont come on because they want too. The only way for it to be turned off and kept off is that you MUST fix the problem. If you car is a 1996 or later, the computer is a OBD II system and the check engine light can only be turned off with a code scanner. disconnecting the battery WILL NOT correct the problem, it will only reset the computer and the light will come back on after usually 100 miles.

Answer 2

Most of the codes will affect emissions, but not all. The machine you are looking at is a code READER, it doesn't necessary clear the codes. If you have a temporary failure, the code can be reset but the machine doesn't necessarily clear them. Now clearing the codes will not stop the bad emissions. What the reader is for is so that you can avoid the $50 or so charge most shops will charge to put the meter on (but most will waive the charge if you have the repairs done there). Once you read the code, you can look up and see what it is complaining about and fix the problem yourself. So, you can either have it done at the shop or do it yourself, and probably save more than what you paid for the reader. BTW, you can find cheaper models for about $40. Some of the GPS systems, like Garmin have an accessory that you can read the code and monitor your engine, but it is not as cheap. z

Answer 3

I wish I knew what the code was. If it an emissions thing then clearing it out will keep it off. However since it keeps coming on that means it is being triggered everytime you clear it out. I see you didnt want to be told to fix it but honestly the only way to keep it off is to either fix it or you could pull the gauge cluster out and pull the light out. Which could be more work than fixing the problem. If your car runs fine and has no problems that you can tell by driving. It is probably something small and might only cost a couple of bucks and a few minutes of time.

Answer 4

When you Check Engine light comes on,it's for a reason.If you have the light turned off without making the necessary repairs,the computer will find the reason again and re-illuminate the light.Take the vehicle to a mechanic,not some kid who is currently failing phys ed.

Answer 5

Get a #2 phillips head screwdriver. Carefully place the tip of the screwdriver over the center of the "check engine" light. Using a 3 lb. - 5 lb. hammer, strike the handle of the screwdriver sharply.

I believe that's the only truly reliable way to keep that danged thing off.

Answer 6

Yes. It's called fixing the problem. It comes on for a reason. Ignoring the problem will not make it go away. In fact it will probably just get worse and cost more to fix. Yeah Auto Zone that,s a good place to go for advice. NOT!!!!

Answer 7

A friend of mine had an Olds that had the 'check engine' light keep going on and off. He had the engine checked out and nothing was wrong with it. He continued driving it and one day, lo and behold, the engine seized up. (it was either a bad oil pump or clogged oil ports)..

Answer 8

I bet This Guy Is Trying to sell the car and not tell them they have a bad engine there are some really dirty people out their!

Answer 9

Sure, just turn the ignition key off, And then check the engine. It won't come back on

Answer 10

No problem. Get a big piece of black duct tape and paste it to your instrument panel over the top of the check engine light. Then your won't see it and it won't bother you anymore.