Clearing Trouble Codes

[tyhuck]

when I was looking at buying my truck, it had a check engine light on. The dealer told me that it was a code for some kind of valve on the gas tank for the fume evap. system. They replaced the gas cap thinking that might fix the problem but it didnt. So, they replaced the valve the day I bought the truck, and I didnt see the light again for a few weeks. Then it came back on and I pulled the same code using my Hypertech programmer. I assumed it was from the gas cap since the dealer replaced it with a cheap aftermarket one. I cleared the code and retightened my gas cap. No more light until last Sunday. I have since sold my Hypertech programmer and have no way to read the code. I assume its the gas cap code again since I filled up Sunday afternoon and I noticed the light when I got home that evening.

 

Is there any way to reset the SEL without a handheld code reader? My 96 used to reset itself after about 100 miles or so or retightening the gas cap. I am planning on getting a factory replacement cap next time Im at the dealership, but I want the light gone now. Can someone plese help?

[[email protected]]

disconnect the battery for 5 minutes, some might say that doesn't work anymore, but it does.

[RyanbabZ71]

go to autozone or other auto store they do it for free

[[email protected]]

go to autozone or other auto store they do it for free

 

This is very true, I didn't even think of that. I suggest this^^^

[tyhuck]

Well, my local mechanic will do that as well, but I usually ride with my wife to work, and she would rather take her Tahoe since there is more room for the car seat. So, I was just wondering if there was a way I could do it at home. I guess Ill have Jason clear them for me next time I drive my truck to work.

[Mzobrist]

Yep, disconnect battery for a few minutes. Should clear out the code. Then you just have to reset the clock.

[az'03Silverado]

Auto parts stores won't usually clear the codes. They'll only read them for you so they can sell you a part. I was told once that it's for liability reasons.

[tyhuck]

Im not sure what I did, but the light is gone now. I just retightened the gas cap when the light came on and its been sitting in the garage all week. I got in it to go to work this morning, and it was gone. I guess it clears that particular code automatically when it rund the leak test and show no leaks.

 

I thought it would clear itself, but I was sure it would take a few miles. Wierd.

[RyanbabZ71]

After so many start ups I believe it will clear the code but not permanently. Had this happen on my Impala a few times. It would throw a code then after a few days it would go away then a few days later it would be back. It would only go away if I had it cleared out at autozone. Disconnecting the battery only temporaily cleared it also.

[redvett]

Evap test is a random test and can occur if you have a bad habit of filling up while leaving engine running or cap leak, you can clear current codes by unhooking the battery but history codes must be cleared with a scanner.