1. Disconnecting the Battery: This is the simplest method and often sufficient for minor issues.
* Procedure:
1. Disconnect the negative (-) battery terminal first. Use a wrench to loosen the clamp and pull it off the terminal. Important: Do this *before* disconnecting the positive terminal to avoid accidental short circuits.
2. Wait for at least 10-15 minutes. This allows the computer's capacitors to fully discharge. Longer is better, up to 30 minutes.
3. Reconnect the negative (-) terminal.
4. Reconnect the positive (+) terminal.
5. Start the engine. Allow the engine to run for several minutes to allow the computer to relearn your driving habits.
2. Using an OBD-II Scanner: This method is more precise and clears all diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs). You'll need an OBD-II scanner capable of clearing codes. Many inexpensive scanners are available from auto parts stores.
* Procedure:
1. Locate the OBD-II port. This is usually found under the dashboard, often near the steering column.
2. Connect the OBD-II scanner to the port.
3. Turn the ignition to the "ON" position. Don't start the engine.
4. Follow the scanner's instructions to clear codes. The exact steps vary depending on the scanner's interface, but generally involve selecting an option like "Clear Codes," "Erase DTCs," or a similar command.
5. Turn the ignition off.
6. Start the engine. Allow the engine to run for several minutes to allow the computer to relearn your driving habits.
Important Considerations:
* Check Engine Light: If the check engine light remains on after resetting, the problem that triggered the code likely persists and needs to be addressed. The OBD-II scanner will help diagnose the underlying issue.
* Adaptive Learning: The engine computer will relearn your driving habits over time. Expect slightly different performance immediately after a reset.
* Safety: Always disconnect the negative terminal first when working with car batteries to prevent accidental short circuits or electrical shocks.
While both methods will clear the computer's memory, using an OBD-II scanner is preferable because it gives you information about the codes that were stored, allowing you to diagnose and fix the problem. The battery disconnect method is a quick fix, but it won't provide any diagnostic information.
