Tuesday, April 22, 2014
How to Reset the Service Engine Light on the 2003 Buick
Resetting the Service Engine Light (SEL) on a 2003 Buick should only be performed after the diagnostic trouble code or codes (DTCs) have been properly diagnosed and repaired if necessary. Some codes can be as simple as a small vacuum leak from a loose gas cap, but others can indicate more serious problems. Resetting the light without determining the source of the code(s) can create future problems with other components on the Buick and lead to more expensive repairs.
Instructions
- 1
Open the drivers side door on the 2003 Buick and locate the diagnostic link connector (DLC) underneath the dashboard. On a LeSabre and Park Avenue, the DLC is located under the dash to the left of the steering column. On the Century and Rendezvous models, the DLC is under the dash directly beneath the steering column. On the Buick Regal, the DLC is located under the dash to the right of the steering column.
2Plug the OBD II scanner/eraser into the DLC. Because of the DLCs shape and the shape of the plug, there is only one correct way to plug it in.
3Place the key of the Buick into the ignition and turn the key to the accessory power position. This position illuminates the lights on the instrument cluster and powers all the accessory components without the engine running. It will also provide power to the scanner from the Buicks battery.
4Press the erase button on the faceplate of the scanner. If the scanner is not equipped with an erase button, follow the onscreen menu and use the scroll or enter button(s) to the erase codes or DTCs option and press the enter button.
5Allow the onscreen menu of the scanner to default back to its main menu or display a "command sent" message.
6Start the engine to the Buick and check the instrument cluster to ensure the SEL is no longer displayed. If it still is on or comes back quickly, the code(s) should be diagnosed properly and repairs made if necessary.
Tuesday, January 21, 2014
How to Reset the Service Engine Light on a 2006 Chevy
The service engine light illuminates on your 2006 Chevrolet when it is time to have a regularly scheduled oil change or tune up. The OBD, or On-Board Diagnostics computer, stores the codes from the vehicles sensors. An OBD scanner tool can be used to read the codes and tell you exactly what is wrong with the vehicle. You can purchase an OBD scanner and do this yourself at home or you can take your car to your local auto parts retailer and they will scan and diagnose it for you for free. Either way, make sure you have the servicing done to your vehicle before you reset the service engine light. If not, the light will just keep coming back on.
Instructions
- 1
Pop the hood of the Chevy and loosen the nut that keeps the negative battery cable clamp in place on the negative side of the battery. This is known as the retaining nut. Remove the cable clamp from the terminal.
2Wait at least 15 minutes. Put the clamp back on the negative side of the terminal. Always take care to never allow the negative cable clamp to touch the positive side of the battery terminal.
3Put the key into the ignition and start the engine. Look on the dash board to see that the service engine light has turned off. If not, repeat the above steps again. Sometimes you have to do it several times for the light to turn off.
Monday, January 20, 2014
How to Manually Reset the Service Engine Light in a BMW 3 Series
The Service Engine Light on your BMW 3 Series is monitored and controlled by the Engine Control Module or ECM. It keeps track of all routine maintenance and servicing requirements of your BMW. When this light illuminates, you should have your BMW serviced before attempting to manually reset the light. The best way to reset it is to use a computerized scan tool obtained from your local auto parts retailer. This tool can be purchased or borrowed for free from most auto parts stores.
Instructions
- 1
Put the key into the ignition and turn the vehicle to the "on" position but dont start the engine.
2Find the diagnostic port under the drivers side dashboard near the pedals. Plug the computerized scan tool into this port. The battery from the vehicle will automatically power on the tool.
3Find arrows on the faceplate of the scan tool and use them to scroll through the menu until you find the "Read All Codes" command. Select this command.
4Scroll through the menu again and find "Clear All Codes." Select this option then wait for the service engine light to shut off.
5Turn off the vehicle and wait five minutes. Start the engine and verify that the check engine light is still off.
Friday, November 29, 2013
How to Find Service Records on an Auto
If you have bought or are about to buy a used car, its in your interests to find out as much about the vehicles history as you can. Its impossible to be completely sure of what youre paying for when you buy a second hand car, but if you can piece together as much of the cars service history and records as you can, youll at least know if theres been any serious issues such as a major collision or mileage fraud.
Instructions
- 1
Ask the dealership or individual youre buying the car from if they have the service history of the vehicle. Professional dealers should be able to provide you with this as a matter of course. If youre buying the car from an individual seller, ask if they have its manual as this will often contain its records.
2Contact the manufacturer of the car with the vehicle identification number. You might find this in the corner of the dashboard below the windshield, on the inside panel of one of the doors or on the chassis underneath the hood. Most manufacturers should be able to provide you with the cars records, especially if its been serviced by their technicians.
3Run a Car Fax search. Car Fax works in a similar fashion to a credit reference agency with background information on cars. Youll need the vehicle identification number and it will cost you $34.99, to access the records of one car, as of November 2010. Car Fax has information on all cars and light trucks manufactured after 1981.
Tuesday, October 22, 2013
How to Reset the Service Engine Soon on a 2002 Suburban
To reset the "Service Engine Soon" light that appears on the control panel of your 2002 Chevrolet Suburban, you need to buy a scan tool from your local auto-parts store. The light should only be reset after you have serviced your engine, unless it goes on for some other reason such as from a loose gas cap. The scan tool is very affordable, quick and easy to use. It interacts with the vehicles computer to read the error codes helping you to diagnose other problems and reset and turn off the light after you have read the codes and fixed the problem.
Instructions
- 1
Look for the diagnostic connector port under the drivers-side dashboard between the center console and the steering wheel.
2Affix the scan tools connector to the diagnostic connector on the vehicle.
3Turn the ignition key to start the car. Select "Read" on the tool and wait for the codes and their corresponding diagnoses to appear on the screen of the scan tool. Write down the codes and their diagnoses on a piece of paper.
4Erase the codes by pressing the button that says "Erase" (different scan tools will employ different words). This will clear the codes and turn off the "Service Engine Soon" light. Turn off the car and remove the scan tool.
