Sunday, May 4, 2014
How to Reset a Cars Warning Light
Warning, or "Check Engine," lights in vehicles usually turn on for a reason. On rare occasions, however, a warning light will come on as a result of a fuse or something equally simple and cheap to fix. The warning light signifies a problem somewhere in the vehicle and indicates the need to run diagnostics. In most vehicles, you must plug a small computer into the car, usually below the steering wheel on the drivers side, which provides codes for any detected problems. After addressing the codes, you must reset the warning light.
Instructions
- 1
Purchase a car code scanner, or visit a local auto parts dealer; large chains will often have a car code scanner they use to check codes for customers. Car code scanners run approximately $50 and up as of 2010 and are available through websites or large auto parts stores. If you have a relatively new vehicle, you dont need to invest in a scanner; simply visit a local shop and ask the clerk to check the error code causing the warning light on the vehicle.
2Consult the vehicles owners manual to locate the port where the code scanner plugs in. This port is usually on the drivers side, below steering-wheel level. Plug the scanner into the port, and follow the on-screen prompts, if any. Some scanners automatically detect the error code and provide it. Auto parts store clerks can record the code and look it up in their database or a book of error codes to find out the problem. Costlier scanners will present the error code and the problem, saving the extra step of looking up the code.
3Reset the engine or warning light by pressing the "erase" button on the code reader.
Friday, March 21, 2014
How to Reset the Mercedes Sprinter Van Service Warning Light
An on-board diagnostics system tracks when regular maintenance should b done on the Mercedes Sprinter Van. The system triggers a "Service Soon" light that appears on the Sprinters dashboard display when the vehicle needs to be serviced. The great thing about the Mercedes is that you dont need any special tools to reset the warning light. However, you do need to have the Sprinter serviced or do the work yourself before you can manually reset and turn off the vehicles warning light.
Instructions
- 1
Put the key into the ignition and turn it to the "On" position, but dont start the engine. Look for the display between the tachometer and the speedometer on the instrument panel.
2Press the button on the lower left part of the steering wheel. The display panel will tell you why the vehicle needs servicing.
3Find and press the reset button on the left side of the instrument panel. Hold this button for three seconds.
4Press the reset button again and hold it until the display says it has been reset. Turn off the vehicle and wait 60 seconds.
5Turn on the engine and verify that the service light has turned off.
Monday, January 13, 2014
How to Disable the Airbag Warning Light in a PT Cruiser
When the airbag warning light or Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) light illuminates on the PT Cruisers instrument panel, it is because a trouble code is being sent to the On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) computer from a sensor in the SRS. Trouble codes are used to help you pinpoint and troubleshoot problems with your PT Cruiser. You can reset these trouble codes using an OBD scan tool after you have had the airbag system examined and repaired. This hand-held computerized device can be purchased from your dealership or any auto parts retailer.
Instructions
- 1
Locate the OBD port on the drivers side dashboard underneath the steering column.
2Insert the OBD scan tools connector into this port.
3Put the key into the ignition and turn it to the "Run" position. Dont allow the engine to start.
4Wait for the scan tool to interact with the OBD computer. When the codes display on the scan tool, find and select the "Delete Codes" command. The scan tool will return to the main menu or display "OK" when it has finished deleting the codes.
5Unplug the OBD scan tool and start the engine. Check to make sure that the SRS light has shut off on the instrument cluster.
