Scanner to clear codes

[flyboyron]

I see there are scanners or "code readers" out there that do not erase or "clear the code".

 

So what would you do to erase the code?

 

I thought that if you fixed whatever problem the vehicle had, the light would go out and after 50 starts it would go away.

But reading the manuals for my Silverado and my wife's Pontiac Vibe, both say to have the code cleared by the code reader.

They don't mention anything about going away after a certain amount of starts, or how to clear the code any other way.

[MikeNH]

They won't clear automatically. Any code reader can also erase codes.

[vkjohnson]

disconnect the battery for a while and reconnect. It should reset everything. If the code comes back the problem still exists.

[ruggedlife]

i have yet to see one that reads and doesn't clear. even the cheap auto zone ones clear

[flyboyron]

This one I was looking at was called Car MD.

 

I don't think this is the one I want to get. It says it purposely doesn't clear the codes because after you fix the problem the light will go out.

 

I guess they don't want you to use it to turn the light off.....which is stupid because if the problem still exists, it will come back on......Hello!!!

 

I am afraid that if the code is still there, and you take it to the shop some time later for something else and they find the old code, they will try and charge you to fix the old problem again.

 

You can't give some of these guys an inch or they will take a mile.

[MikeNH]

Just go to autozone. They're like $70-$100 probably. I haven't looked in years though so they may be less.

[Wires]

I don't believe the PCM ever auto-clears codes (unless it's something non-critical like leaving the gas cap loose).

 

When a code gets tripped, it takes a snap-shot of the engine at that time (sensor readings, RPM, temps, etc). If it auto-cleared then you'd lose history on a intermittant failure.

 

I bought one for my laptop from Harrison R&D (google OBDScan, it's the first hit). Works slick, you can see everything that comes from the PCM, and clear as necessary.

 

It's $140, but worth every penny.