How to Clear a Check Engine Light and Reset the Computer.

You would need to have the computer scanned, which most auto parts stores will do for free.
Then after the problem that turned on the warning light is fixed, the scan tool will clear the code or codes and the light should stay off.

need code scanner but first find what causes check engine light to turn on.you need to code scan find what code you are getting fix bad sensor.then use code scan to erase code.if you dont fix problem will check engine light will stay on.

need to have vechicle code scan. there is a reason when you see check engine light flashing. the pcm has locate a fault in the engine control system. could have vacuum leak, missing or loose gas cap.could be getting engine misfire.you need to have vechicle code scan at dealership or auto zone which will do it free see what causing check engine light to flash.you cant erase code from pcm long as problem remains.the check engine light only can be reset when you fix problem.but you need code scanner to erase code.

YOU CANT RESET ENGINE WARNING LIGHT UNTIL YOU CODE SCAN FIX THE PROBLEM.BECAUSE IF YOU HAVE A BAD SENSOR THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WILL STAY ON.ONCE YOU REPLACE THE BAD SENSOR YOU NEED A CODE SCANNER TO ERASE TURN OFF CHECK ENGINE LIGHT.

The check engine light does not refer to oil changes, this is for emmision and fuel management as well as a diagnostic tool for other engine components. The only wasy to clear this is to have the dealer clear them or repair what ever is causing the light. It will however clear it self after about 20 times of starting the car and the computer not seing any more bad scans from what ever caused the light to come on in the first place. You can have Auto Zone pull the codes from your car and tell you what caused the light to come on in the first place. To clear the aoil change light turn the key on and press the gas pedal 3 times all the way to the floor without the engine running.

Hello rteel....When the check engine light comes on it simply indicates that the vehicle's computer has one or more error code messages for you. To access them you have to have that computer scanned. AAMCO repair shops and many autoparts stores now scan for free.

When you get it scanned tell them to reset it. That will erase the codes so that if the light comes on again you will know that the problem is still occurring. Joe

Thanks for choosing Fixya!

Locate the diagnostic connector. On the 1997 Nissan Maxima the connector is located in the OBD2 standardized location under the driver-side dash, slightly to the right of the steering column. With the ignition key in the "OFF" position, plug the connector of the scan tool into the diagnostic connector of the car. Turn the ignition key to the run position but do not start the engine unless instructed to by the scan tool.

Turn the scan tool on and select "Global OBD2" from the main menu. Select "Diagnostic Trouble Codes" from the first sub-menu, and then "Read Trouble Codes" from the second sub-menu. Write down all listed codes and their descriptions before erasing them. This will save time if you must perform additional diagnostics.

Press the back button on the scan tool until the second sub-menu is displayed, and select "Erase Codes" or "Clear Codes," depending on the manufacturer of the scan tool. A message will appear asking you to confirm your desire to erase the codes and other stored data. Select "Yes". The scan tool will alert you when the codes have been erased.

Test drive the vehicle to verify the repair is complete. The 1997 Nissan Maxima on-board computer will run a series of tests on the systems in the vehicle, including emission control devices. To complete these tests you must take two test drives that include a variety of driving conditions, with a 2-minute cool-down between each test drive. If the service engine soon light does not come back on during these two test drives, you have completed the repairs and the reset.

You should go to autozone or advance auto parts stores & get it scanned, usually for free. To get trouble codes stored. If you just want to clear codes without seeing what is wrong, You need to discharge computer memory. Disconnect battery for 2 hours then reattach. Codes will be cleared. If light comes on right away again or over a period of time you need to scan to see what is wrong.

Take your vehicle to Autozone, Advance, etc...
Have them read ALL of the fault codes. Note: This is a free service.
Keep a record of the faults. The Check Engine Light only comes on after a series of faults continue to send information to the computer.
After reading your codes, the technician can erase the fault codes.

Unless the problems sending information to the computer are resolved, the check engine light will eventually reset.

Please let me know if this helps or how I may assist further.

Disconnect the battery for five minutes, It will reset. If the CHECK ENGINE light turn ON again, you'll need scanning for knowed fault codes.

Good luck (remember rated this).