Just Answer Just Answer

Ask Your Car Question. Car Experts Answer You ASAP
(Not a Car Question?)

Question

light engine pontiac


Sent to Car Experts September 16, 2005 5:52 p.m.

1997 Pontiac Bonneville
Check engine light was flashing, engine was running rough. Found and replaced defective coil tower. Check engine light stopped flashing but remained on How do I reset the light?
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Status: Closed   Value: $5   
Answer
September 16, 2005 6:19 p.m. (27 minutes and 15 seconds later)
ACCEPTED Check Mark

Stored fault codes may be erased from memory at any time by using a suitable scan tool, or removing power from the ECM for at least 30 seconds. It may be necessary to clear stored codes during diagnosis to check for any recurrence during a test drive, but the stored codes must be written down when retrieved. The codes may still be required for subsequent troubleshooting. Whenever a repair is complete, the stored codes must be erased and the vehicle test driven to confirm correct operation and repair.

View Full Image
WARNING The ignition switch must be OFF any time power is disconnected or restored to the ECM. Severe damage may result if this precaution is not observed.
View Full Image

When using a scan tool to clear the codes, make sure to follow all of the instructions provided by the manufacturer.

Depending on the electrical distribution of the particular vehicle, power to the ECM may be disconnected by removing the ECM fuse in the fuse box, disconnecting the in-line fuse holder near the positive battery terminal or disconnecting the ECM power lead at the battery terminal. Disconnecting the negative battery cable to clear codes is not recommended as this will also clear other memory data in the vehicle such as radio presets.



Edited by enginboy on September 16 2005 at 6:20pm


1 Other Expert Agrees with this!

PictureMarc  -- Technician,Auto -- 98% Positive Feedback on 1017 Car Accepts
32 years exp. automotive repair NYS emisisions repair cert.
Reply to Marc
Sent September 16, 2005 6:47 p.m. (28 minutes and 9 seconds later)

I tried disconnecting the battery for one minute. According to your answer it seems that this should have reset the light . ??
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Reply
Sent September 16, 2005 7:53 p.m. (1 hour and 5 minutes later)

Marc,

This is my second reply to you. Thank you for your quick reply to my question. I'll file it for future ref. The problem cleared itself after operating a while. Perhaps a sensor fouled while engine was misfiring.

Bob
Customer (name blocked for privacy)

Think you can answer this question?
 Login or  Become an Expert









DISCLAIMER: You acknowledge that any information you may obtain from individuals you contact through use of the Just Answer service comes from those individuals, not from Just Answer!, and that Just Answer is not in any way responsible for any of the information these third parties may supply. The site and services are provided "as is" with no warranty and no representations are made regarding the qualification of an Expert. Responses and comments on Just Answer! are for general information and are not intended to substitute for informed professional advice (such as medical, legal, investment or accounting) and do not establish a professional-client relationship. Just Answer! is not intended or designed to address EMERGENCY QUESTIONS which should be directed immediately by telephone or in-person to qualified professionals. Please carefully read the Terms of Service.
   Just Answer! > Car Questions & Auto Repair Information > Check Engine Light Questions