98 ford taurus sho check engine light?

Question

how do you turn it off briefly to pass emissions test?

Answer 1

You cannot "turn it off" per se. There is a diagnostic trouble code stored. If you attempt to "reset" it by disconnecting the battery, the light will only re-illuminate if the problem causing it, isn't fixed.

Edit: After reading your other question regarding the same matter, there is nothing you can do to "reset" your "check engine" light other than to fix what's causing your cylinder #5 misfire. A misfire code will almost immediately return, if you attempt to reset it. Not only that, but your HC and CO readings will probably exceed the passing limits. If the problem is traced to anything other than plugs, wires or fuel injectors (meaning it's a mechanical engine problem), you are better off selling the car, or sourcing out a used engine, if you can find one for reasonable cost (those 3.4L SHO Yamaha V8s are more expensive than even a rebuilt 7.3L Diesel engine believe it or not).

Answer 2

Rakel and some others are right.. you can turn the light off easy but to pass emissions, it depends upon the state.. some just scan the engine computer (and all test except one or all tests usually have to pass to pass inspection), others sniff the tailpipe and a misfire will be real noticeable in high numbers.. also not allowing you to pass (and there are ways the inspection guy will know if you took the bulb out..sorry

I can't remember if the yamaha motor is numbered different than most of the fords... but still you need to get it fixed as you can do damage to the motor as well as failing the inspection.

There are those magic potions you can buy that claim to help pass emissions (by usually cleaning the fuel injectors and plugs for a bit) but in your case.. if the misfire is happening forget it... fix it, or sell it cause if not, you may be parking it...

Answer 3

It depends on what state you are in. Some states like NY for example access the cars computer and it the light has been turned off with out fixing the problem the car still will not pass. If you disconnect the battery to "clear" it the computer will read back to the dmv computer "monitors not ready" You really should take it someplace to find out why the light is on. It might be a inexpensive fix and save you ags besides. I have seen a loose gas cap trigger the light or even someone filling the car with fuel while it is running can also trigger the lamp. Many places, like AutoZone offer free scaning and they will tell you the trouble code. The code can often then ben looked up on the internet. 98 Taurus are known for having "O2" sensors going bad. Rather then spending money guessing take it someplace to scan it. Sometimes fixing the problem will save you gas.

Answer 4

there are two ways you can have this done. 1. someone w/ a portable scanner that can communicate w/ cars on board computer, then see what code set the check engine but, only someone w/ some experience should do this. there are many functions on these cars these computers monitor that will put a chck engine light on, even the transmission will do this .but, clearing the code as they say : meaning turn off check enine light might come back on .but, what ever you do i suggest you do not disconnect the battery,and reconnect it this may cause other problems. the bottom line is even if you turn off check engine light a code may still be stored in computer which inspection will not pass, look for professional help @ local repair shop, it just may be some thing simple #2 is disconnecting the battery to clear chk engine light but as i said earlier do not recommend.

Answer 5

Disconnect negative battery cable, turn on lights to drain voltage from computer. Wait one minute turn lights off and reconnect battery. Then turn key to on (not start) wait three minutes for computer to reset you can now start car. You will need to reset clock and radio. This is a short time reset because what ever is causing it to come on will happen again maybe while test drive for inspection.

Answer 6

actually the best way is to take the bulb out or break it :-)