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Anonymous Posted on Jul 18, 2012

How do I "clear a code" out of my "OBD2" system, MYSELF ?

OBD2 code indicated it had a misfiring #3 cylinder, ...I replaced plugs and wires. This fixed the problem . NOW ...I need to get the code removed/cleared , so my "check engine light" will go off . How do I accomplish this , without having to pay a dealership or a mechanic for it ? I've already removed the ground wire to the battery for an hour , and replaced it, now the light itself is off, but I KNOW the code remains in the OBD2 system. I'd like to have it cleared/removed before I have to have the vehicle inspected again . HOW do I do this ?

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alex metro

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  • Ford Master 364 Answers
  • Posted on Jul 18, 2012
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If you go to a local autozone, they will scan/clear ODB2 codes on your vehicle for free.

  • Anonymous Jul 18, 2012

    Tried that , ...I was told the "EPA" had cracked downon Auto Parts Stores , and mandated that they "Not clear out anymore codes, and NOT tell customers how to do it themselves anymore !" You see my problem, now ? I'm sorta stuck between a rock & a hard place . A tech. told me there was a trick , built into the ignition switch, that would clear out any old codes on an OBD2 system !

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2 Related Answers

cansmo

Reynaldo Andico

  • 2431 Answers
  • Posted on Mar 14, 2012

SOURCE: need to change spark plugs & wires. my car jerks sometimes as i press the gas. check engine light sometimes comes on steadily and sometimes goes out. what could be the problem. although i've b

Do one sparkplug one cylinder at at time.Match up the length of the plug wire with the replacement one.one cylinder at a time

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Anonymous

  • 453 Answers
  • Posted on Jul 13, 2009

SOURCE: Have a 1998 F-150 XLT, 4.6 (6) Windsor Engine.

Could be the coil pack should be read in ohms about 7 to be good

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2008 Cadillac CTS returning P0303 after replacing spark plug and coil pack

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Trouble Code: P0303

Cylinder 3 Misfire Detected

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Have you tried clearing the code and go from there? Also maybe try unhooking the negative battery cable for awhile and that will reset it as well then see if it comes back to cylinder one. It's usually best to do all plugs and wires at the same time. Coils get expensive so I can see only replacing them when needed
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DTC 43 indicates a cylinder misfire, but does not specify which cylinder is misfiring. To pinpoint which cylinder is misfiring, you need a scan tool and get the "P" code, as you can see in the chart below. So it is quite possible you're barking up the wrong tree.
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If you go to an Autozone they will scan the codes for you, if the CEL is currently on, and tell you the DTCs they find. That will get you closer to the problem.
I'm fairly confident that if you do a complete tune-up, spark plugs, spark plug wires, distributor cap and rotor, that the misfire codes will be taken care of. Be sure you read this, Dodge Ram 1500 Running Rough before replacing the spark plug wires, or if you have already replaced them.

Hope this help (remember comment and rated this)..
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My 1996 cavalier wont pass inspection as the analyzer cannont communicate with my vehicles computer, what does that mean, autozone computer wont work either . i have no idea what to do, mechanic said it...

Testing your OBD2

Before You Begin
Since all vehicles are not the same please refer to the manual supplied with the OBD2 code reader for vehicle specific instructions.
Is your vehicle compliant?
All cars and light trucks manufactured since late 1995 should be OBD2 compliant. Two factors will show if your vehicle is definitely OBD2 equipped:
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april08_img1.gif
Pin 2 - J1850 Bus
Pin 4 - Chassis Ground
Pin 5 - Signal Ground
Pin 6 - CAN High (J-2284)
Pin 7 - ISO 9141-2 K Line
Pin 10 - J1850 Bus
Pin 14 - CAN Low (J-2284)
Pin 15 - ISO 9141-2 L Line
Pin 16 - Battery Power
Where is the connector located?
The connector must be located within three feet of the driver and must not require any tools to be revealed. Look under the dash and behind ashtrays.
Important info about OBD2
  • Can diagnose/check engine problems in all CAN and OBD2 vehicles (1996 and newer) and many of the most popular OBD1 (1981 to 1995) vehicles
  • Features unique patented all-in-one screen display and LED display for quick emissions check
  • Automatic refresh updates data every 30 seconds when connected to the vehicle - an easy way to verify repair completion
  • Code definition can be displayed in English, French and Spanish
  • Can be Flash updated with a standard Windows® PC
  • Features memory/battery backup for off-car review and analysis
Connecting
Connecting the OBD2 Code Reader is as simple as locating the DLC connector. The DLC connector is usually found under the driver side (left side) of the dash. The cable attaches only one.
Reading the LCD Display
april08_img2-small.gifClick to enlarge
Before you start testing, take a good look at the LCD display. The illustration above explains what the various icons mean and how the DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Code) will be displayed. The unit is self-powered by three-AAA batteries and will let you know when they are running low. When connected/receiving power from the vehicle, the CAR Icon will display.
The OB2 code reader is a very simple tool to use. Once it is connected, turn the power on. Once the ignition is switched to the on position, the code reader is checking the system for any stored DTCs.
The meaning of each DTC can be found in the manual supplied with your code reader.

Example: the code reader displays a DTC PO309, Cylinder 9 misfire was detected.
P0298 Engine Oil Over Temperature P0300 Random/Multiple Cylinder Misfire Detected P0301 Cylinder 1 Misfire Detected P0302 Cylinder 2 Misfire Detected P0303 Cylinder 3 Misfire Detected P0304 Cylinder 4 Misfire Detected P0305 Cylinder 5 Misfire Detected P0306 Cylinder 6 Misfire Detected P0307 Cylinder 7 Misfire Detected P0308 Cylinder 8 Misfire Detected P0309 Cylinder 9 Misfire Detected P0310 Cylinder 10 Misfire Detected P0311 Cylinder 11 Misfire Detected
Once you know what the problem is, you have to determine what's causing it. In this case the intake manifold gasket was faulty. Once the repairs have been made, it is time to clear the DTC and check the system to verify the repair.
Clearing the Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC)
Clearing the DTC is very simple. Press the ERASE button on the code reader. A message will display on the screen; "SURE" for conformation. If you wish to clear the DTC press and hold down the ERASE button again until a message appears on the screen "DONE". If you did not wish to clear the codes and hit Erase by mistake at the screen message "SURE" simply press the link button to return without erasing any DTCs.
When you clear the DTC(s) from the PCM (Power train Control Module)you also clear ALL of the other gathered information that the PCM has collected, including Freeze Frame, Drive Cycle data, manufacture specific enhanced data end everything stored in memory is erased - just like if you cleared the Cache files on your PC.
The vehicle's PCM will need to re-learn the information that was erased. Don't be alarmed!! This is easily accomplished just by driving the vehicle. All you have to do is get driving.

Good luck and check the OBD 2 connection port.
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