Showing posts with label light. Show all posts
Showing posts with label light. Show all posts

Wednesday, October 15, 2014

How to Reset the Change Oil Light on a 2005 Chevrolet Monte Carlo

Occasionally, even after changing the engine oil on your 2005 Monte Carlo, the "Change Oil" light will still stay on. If this occurs, you must reset the light manually through one of two methods. The first method involves the accelerator pedal, and the second involves the radio. If you have an aftermarket radio, you will not be able to perform the second method.

Instructions

Accelerator Method

    1

    Turn the Monte Carlos engine off. Leave the keys in the ignition in the "Run" position.

    2

    Press and release the accelerator pedal three times within five seconds. The "Change Oil" light will flash twice and then turn off.

    3

    Repeat this procedure if it did not work the first time. The accelerator pedal must be fully pressed and released each time, and it must be completed three times within five seconds.

Radio Method

    4

    Turn the Monte Carlos engine off. Leave the keys in the ignition in the "Run" position.

    5

    Press and hold the "TUNE" button for five seconds. "SETTINGS" will now appear on the radio display.

    6

    Press the "SEEK P-TYPE" button to scroll through the options on the display. Stop when "OIL LIFE" is displayed.

    7

    Press the "1 PREV" button to scroll through the sub-menu. When "RESET" is displayed, press the "TUNE" button to confirm. A beep will emit from the speakers, confirming the reset procedure. "DONE" will appear on the display.

    8

    Press the "TUNE" button to exit the program. One more beep will be heard to confirm the exit.

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Saturday, May 10, 2014

How to Clear the Check Engine Light on a 1995 Escort

You can clear the Check Engine light on your 95 Ford Escort using a computerized tool called an OBD I scanner. Retrieve the engine trouble codes using the OBD I scanner and make the necessary repairs before clearing the Check Engine light. If you clear the Check Engine light before repairing the Escort, you can damage the engine, the emissions system or the cars on-board diagnostics (OBD) computer.

Instructions

    1

    Locate the Diagnostic Link Connector (DLC) port on the drivers side dashboard under the steering column.

    2

    Plug the OBD I scanner into the DLC port.

    3

    Put the key into the ignition and turn it to the "On" position. This will power on the scanner.

    4

    Select the "Clear Codes" or similar option. Wait for the scanner to return to the main menu. This will indicate that the task has been completed.

    5

    Unplug the scanner and start the engine. Verify that the Check Engine light has shut off.

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Tuesday, May 6, 2014

How to Reset the Traction Control Light on the 2000 V70 Volvo

The Volvo V70 wagon is equipped with an advanced traction control system that actively monitors the wheels to ensure proper traction. When the system senses a loss of traction, it retards the engine timing until traction increases. The entire traction system is monitored and controlled by the ABS computer. When the ABS computer detects an issue with the traction control system, it turns on the traction control light. In addition to turning on this light, it records a trouble code that corresponds directly to the problem. Automotive technicians can retrieve this trouble code with an automotive scan tool in order to diagnose and repair the system. In order to reset the traction control light, this code must be erased from the ABS computers memory.

Instructions

    1

    Stop the engine and turn the ignition forward to the RUN position so that the dashboard lights are illuminated.

    2

    Find the V70s communications port under the dashboard on the drivers side of the passenger cabin. This port is a 16-pin receptacle that is mounted just out of view, under the leading edge of the dashboard.

    3

    Plug the scan tools connector into the communications port. Turn on the scan tool and wait while it starts up. Most scan tools run an automatic check of their memory, similar to home computers, before arriving at the menu screen.

    4

    Look caully at the scan tools screen. Use the menu button on the scan tool to navigate to the ABS menu. Select the option to clear the trouble codes from the ABS computers memory. Watch the screen for a confirmation message that the codes are cleared.

    5

    Use the menu keys to navigate back to the home screen and power down the scan tool. Disconnect the cable from the communication port and start the engine. Verify that the traction control light is not on or blinking. If the light is off then the traction control system is reset.

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Tuesday, April 29, 2014

How to Reset the Brake Light on a BMW 528i

How to Reset the Brake Light on a BMW 528i

The On-Board Diagnostics computer, or OBD, on your BMW 528i stores trouble codes that come from sensors positioned throughout the vehicle. These sensors keep track of the mechanical functions of your vehicle. When you see the ABS or Antilock Brake light flash on your instrument panel, you know there is a malfunction with your braking system. This needs to be looked at and repaired as soon as possible by a qualified mechanic. Once the repairs have been made, you need to reset the brake light to ensure the vehicles computer will continue to properly monitor the braking system.

Instructions

    1

    Locate the fuse panel cover on the drivers side dashboard, near the foot well. Use your fingers to pull down on it from the top.

    2

    Find a large port on the fuse panel. Plug the connective end of the OBD reset tool into this port.

    3

    Put the key into the ignition and turn it to the "on" position. Dont turn on the engine, though. This will power on the OBD reset tool automatically.

    4

    Wait for the codes to flash on the OBD reset tool screen. Use the arrow keys on the reset tool to find and select "Delete" on the menu screen. Some OBD reset tools have a "Delete" button on the face of the tool. Either way, select "Delete" and wait for the ABS light to blink and then turn off on the instrument panel.

    5

    Unplug the tool from the port and replace the fuse panel cover. Turn off the vehicle and wait 60 seconds. Turn the engine on and verify the ABS light is off.

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Saturday, April 12, 2014

How to Fix the Service Engine Soon Light in a 1999 Taurus

You can fix the Service Engine Soon light on your 1999 Taurus yourself at home using an OBD scan tool. OBD stands for On-Board Diagnostics system. This is the computer that stores the trouble codes sent to it by sensors positioned throughout the vehicle. Its job is to indicate what is going on in your vehicle and when it needs routine servicing. When you see the Service Engine Soon light flash on your instrument panel, you should have your Taurus serviced before you attempt to reset the system and turn off the light.

Instructions

    1

    Find the open port that is next to the fuse panel on the drivers side of the dashboard.

    2

    Plug the OBD scan tool into the open port.

    3

    Put the key into the ignition and turn the car on. Do not start the engine.

    4

    Look for the "erase" button on the scan tool and press it. Look on the instrument panel for the Service Engine Soon light to go out. Once it does, remove the scan tool from the port and turn off the car.

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Wednesday, March 19, 2014

How to Reset the ABS Light on a Ford

How to Reset the ABS Light on a Ford

An ABS (anti-lock braking system) light will illuminate on your Fords dashboard when there is a problem with the braking system that need to be addressed. Take the vehicle to your mechanic to have it looked at and fixed. To clear the code from the On-Board Diagnostics computer, you need to reset it manually. This will just take a few moments. Make sure you fix the problem before you reset the light in order to ensure the light remains off after the reset.

Instructions

    1

    Put the key into the ignition and turn it to the second position. This is the position just before the engine starts.

    2

    Open the hood of the Ford and loosen the nut on the negative battery cable clamp. You can do this with a 10mm wrench.

    3

    Slip the clamp off the negative side of the battery and wait about 5 minutes.

    4

    Put the clamp back in place and tighten the nut. Look on the dashboard to make sure the ABS light has turned off. This resets all lights in the car and the clock as well.

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Thursday, December 26, 2013

How to Find the Check Engine Light Code for My 1994 Toyota

Back in the days before check engine light codes could be retrieved by using an OBD scanner, technician had to actually know how to retrieve the codes so that engine problems could be accurately diagnosed. Although technical advances have made it simple to retrieve check engine light codes on current model vehicles, the older cars such as in 1994 Toyota can still be accurately retrieved.

Instructions

    1

    Remove the rubber covers on the connectors diagnostic connectors. The diagnostic connectors are located in the engine compartment or by the kick panel under the dashboard on the passenger side. Refer to the manufacturers repair manual for the exact position of the diagnostic connector for your particular model 1994 Toyota.

    2

    Connect either the TE1 and E1, or the T and E1 terminals in the diagnostic connectors by using a jumper wire. Refer to the manufacturers repair manual to ascertain which terminals should be jumped in and the location of the terminals to be jumped within the diagnostic connector on the particular model being diagnosed.

    3

    Turn the ignition key to the "On" position. Any available codes can be determined by observing the flashing of the check engine light. For example, if the engine code is "41" the check engine light will flash four times and pause followed by one additional flash. If there are any additional codes they will be displayed after a 2.5-second pause.

    4

    Refer to the 1994 Toyota manufacturers repair manual to decipher any codes that are retrieved.

    5

    Disconnect the jumper wires and replace the rubber covers on the diagnostic connectors by pushing them back over the end of the diagnostic connector.

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Thursday, December 12, 2013

How to Reset the Air Bag Light on a 2005 Frontier

How to Reset the Air Bag Light on a 2005 Frontier

You can reset the air bag light on your 2005 Frontier right from your home garage in just a few moments. When the SRS, or air bag, light illuminates on the instrument panel, it means there is a malfunction in the air bag system that needs to be looked at and repaired immediately. If not, you risk the air bag deploying while you are driving. Once you have addressed the problem, just reset the light and it will turn off. You should reset it as soon as you have fixed the problem, so it can accurately alert you to any future problems that may arise.

Instructions

    1

    Get inside your Frontier and close all doors. Put the key into the ignition and turn it to the "on" position. Make sure you dont start the engine, though. Once the air bag light flashes, turn the key to the "off" position immediately.

    2

    Wait 10 seconds and turn the vehicle on, wait for the air bag light to flash, then immediately turn off the vehicle.

    3

    Repeat Step 2 one more time. This should reset and turn off the air bag light.

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Monday, December 9, 2013

How to Reset an Airbags Warning Light

How to Reset an Airbags Warning Light

Usually the only time the airbags warning light turns on is when there has been an accident and the airbag has deployed. But sometimes the airbag light, also called the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) light, goes on because the On-Board Diagnostics computer receives a trouble code from a sensor in the SRS. This is to alert you of a malfunction in the airbag system. In either case, you need to have the airbag system replaced before you reset the airbags warning light. Once you do that, it is an easy fix taking only a few moments of your time.

Instructions

    1

    Find the fuse panel cover in the foot well on the drivers side of the vehicle. Pull down on it to open it.

    2

    Find a yellow connector inside the fuse panel. Pull out this connector. This is the airbag power connector, also called the SRS power connector.

    3

    Insert one end of the paperclip into one terminal of the SRS power connector and insert the other end of the paperclip into the other terminal.

    4

    Put the key into the ignition and turn on the vehicle, making sure you dont start the engine. The paperclip shorts out the SRS light, thus resetting and turning it off. Plug the SRS power connector back into the fuse panel. Put the cover back on the fuse panel and shut off the vehicle.

    5

    Wait a couple of minutes, then turn the engine on. Look on the instrument panel to ensure that the SRS light has turned off. Turn off the engine and remove the keys from the vehicle.

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Monday, November 11, 2013

How to Reset the Check Engine Light in a Toyota Corolla

How to Reset the Check Engine Light in a Toyota Corolla

Any Toyota Corolla made in 1996 or later will come with an On-board Diagnostics II computer (OBD II). When the check engine light illuminates on the Corolla, it is coming from an error code sent from a sensor to the computer in the car. It indicates a problem that needs to be addressed by a qualified mechanic as soon as possible or you may risk further damage to the vehicle. After the problem has been diagnosed and repaired, you can reset and erase the light yourself at home with just a few moments of your time.

Instructions

    1

    Find the Diagnostic Link Connector (DLC) on the lower left side of the dashboard on the drivers side of the car. You can find it near the hood release.

    2

    Plug an OBD II scanner into this port and put the key in the ignition. Turn the key forward about two clicks, taking care not to start the engine. This will power the scanner.

    3

    Scroll through the menu on the scanner using the arrow keys until you find the command that says "Erase Codes." Press "Enter." (Some scanners have a separate "Erase" button that you can press instead.) Wait for the main menu to appear or until you see the message on the scanner that says "Command Sent."

    4

    Unplug the OBD II scanner and start the vehicle. Look at the instrument panel to make sure the check engine light has turned off.

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Thursday, November 7, 2013

How to Replace the Tail Light Bulb on a 1998 Silverado

How to Replace the Tail Light Bulb on a 1998 Silverado

The taillight assembly on a 1998 Chevy Silverado houses the brake/taillight combination bulb, the reverse bulb and the turn-signal bulb. The brake/taillight combination bulb takes one type of bulb or another depending on when and where the 1998 Silverado was manufactured. Most 1998 Silverados use the 3057 automotive replacement bulb, but some use an 1157 replacement bulb. Getting to the bulbs requires a single procedure regardless of which bulb your 1998 Silverado uses, but there is a slight difference for extracting the different bulbs from their respective sockets.

Instructions

    1

    Ensure the headlight switch inside the passenger cab is in the off position.

    2

    Open the 1998 Chevy Silverados tailgate.

    3

    Locate the two retaining screws on the taillight assembly (the screws were revealed after you lowered the tailgate) that has the faulty taillight bulb. Remove the two screws with the Phillips screwdriver.

    4

    Turn the assembly around and rest it on the bumper with the wire harness still connected to the underside of the headlight assembly.

    5

    Grasp the taillight socket and twist it counterclockwise 1/3 turn to remove the bulb and socket from the taillight assembly.

    6

    Pull the 3057 replacement bulb straight out of the socket and push the new replacement bulb into the socket. For the 1157 bulb, remove the old one by pushing down on the bulb slightly while twisting the bulb 1/4 turn counterclockwise, then pulling the bulb from the socket. Align the dual notches on the base of the replacement bulb to the grooves inside the socket. Push the bulb slightly downward while twisting it clockwise to lock the bulb in the socket.

    7

    Align the notches on the external section of the socket with the matching grooves in back of the taillight assembly.

    8

    Reinstall the taillight assembly and replace the retaining screws. Close the tailgate.

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Tuesday, October 22, 2013

How to Reset the Saturns Airbag Light

How to Reset the Saturns Airbag Light

You can reset your Saturns airbag light right from your home garage, saving you a trip to the dealership or mechanic. The airbag light or "SRS" light (Supplemental Restraint System) illuminates on your instrument panel when there is a malfunction detected with the airbag system. You should immediately have the airbag assembly examined by a qualified mechanic and replaced, if necessary. Once this is accomplished, you can reset the airbag light.

Instructions

    1

    Pop up the hood of your Saturn and locate the battery. Find the negative battery cable clamp and notice the nut attached to it. Loosen the nut with an end wrench and slip the clamp off of the negative battery terminal. Take care not to touch the positive side of the battery with it.

    2

    Allow the vehicle to rest for 30 minutes.

    3

    Put the negative battery cable clamp back onto the negative terminal and tighten the nut with the end wrench. Close the hood of the Saturn.

    4

    Start the vehicle and observe the instrument panel to verify that the airbag light has shut off.

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Wednesday, October 16, 2013

How to Reset an Airbag Light on a VW Transporter

How to Reset an Airbag Light on a VW Transporter

When the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) light illuminates on your Volkswagen Transporter, it indicates a problem with the airbag that should be addressed immediately. If the light is on, it could mean that the airbag will accidentally deploy as you are driving. Or it could mean that the airbag wont deploy at all, even if you get into an accident. You need an SRS scan tool to read the airbag trouble codes and reset the computer. This will turn off the airbag light and enable the VWs airbag to function properly.

Instructions

    1

    Put the key into the ignition and turn it to the "On" position. Verify that the SRS light is illuminated on the instrument panel either as a solid or flashing light. Turn off the vehicle.

    2

    Locate the Data Link Connector (DLC) under the steering wheel. Plug the SRS scan tool into this port. The port has 16 pins. Turn the vehicle to the "On" position again.

    3

    Wait for the scan tool to display an error code. Look up the code in the scan tools booklet to understand what the code means.

    4

    Unplug the SRS scan tool and turn off the vehicle. Fix the problem with the SRS system as identified by the error code.

    5

    Repeat step 2 and then enter the error code into the scan tool to reset the VWs computer.

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Monday, October 14, 2013

How to Change a Light Assembly on an EZ Go Golf Cart

How to Change a Light Assembly on an EZ Go Golf Cart

E-Z-GO makes electric and gas-powered golf carts that, according to the manufacturer, deliver the highest level of durability, reliability and performance. Though golf is generally played during the day, lights sometimes become necessary when driving back to the clubhouse at dusk or the occasional time that the golf cart may need to be driven at night. Changing the light assembly is an easy do-it-yourself task that does not require the services of a mechanic.

Instructions

    1

    Unscrew and remove the hardware securing the lens.

    2

    Hold the bulb by the socket and turn counterclockwise 1/4 turn. Remove the bulb.

    3

    Pick up the replacement bulb with tissue paper so the natural oils on your hands do not touch the bulb. This will increase its life.

    4

    Place the new bulb in the socket and rotate the socket clockwise 1/4 turn until secure.

    5

    Attach the hardware securing the lens and screw it back in.

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Saturday, October 12, 2013

How to Replace the Third Light on a 2000 Nissan Altima

Replacing the bulb in the high mount taillight on the rear of your 2000 Nissan Altima can help to prevent a rear end collision. It allows following drivers to notice your braking sooner. The high mount brake light contains two 921 bulbs and replacements are at any auto parts store, department store or the dealer. Changing the bulbs will only take a couple minutes and does not require tools.

Instructions

    1

    Climb into the back seat of your Altima and locate the third brake light housing on the rear package deck. Grasp the edges of the third brake light assembly and push it toward the rear of the car using light, even pressure. Do not push so hard that you break the glass.

    2

    Lift up on the housing, removing it from the rear deck. There are wires under the housing so do not pull it to far out or you will damage the wiring.

    3

    Turn the housing so you can access the bulbs and pull them straight out of the sockets. Install new 21 bulbs.

    4

    Position the light housing, pushing it slightly forward and down and slide it back. The housing will lock in place.

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Tuesday, October 8, 2013

How to Reset an Air Bag Warning Light

How to Reset an Air Bag Warning Light

The airbag warning light illuminates in your vehicle when the supplemental restraint system, or SRS, malfunctions. When the light turns on, you need to immediately have the vehicle examined and repaired by a professional mechanic. Usually this requires replacement of the entire airbag unit. After it has been replaced, you can manually reset the SRS light yourself using a paperclip. No other special tools are required to do the job.

Instructions

    1

    Locate the fuse panel cover on the drivers side, on the lower part of the dashboard. Pull down on it from the top using your fingers.

    2

    Find a yellow connector that is plugged in the panel. This is called the Supplemental Restraint System power connector.

    3

    Remove the yellow connector from the fuse panel.

    4

    Unfold and straighten out a paperclip and put one end into each of the SRS plug terminals.

    5

    Put the key into the ignition and turn the vehicle to the "on" position. Make sure the engine doesnt start. This will jump the terminals, which will reset and turn off the SRS light.

    6

    Put the power connector back into the fuse panel and close the fuse panel cover. Turn off the vehicle and wait about a minute.

    7

    Turn on the engine. Look on the instrument cluster to verify that the SRS light is off.

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Sunday, October 6, 2013

How to Reset the Engine Light on a 2001 VW Beetle

How to Reset the Engine Light on a 2001 VW Beetle

VW Beetles made after 1996 come standard with an On-Board Diagnostic Second Edition computer (OBD II). There are sensors positioned throughout the vehicle that monitor all the vital functions of the car and report back to the main computer in the form of trouble codes. If the check engine light wont turn off on your New Beetle, it is because it has not been reset or the problem that triggered the check engine light has not yet been fixed. Best thing to do is to buy or borrow a diagnostic code scanner, use it to read the trouble codes, look up what the trouble codes mean in a repair manual, have the Beetle repaired, then use the diagnostic code scanner to turn off the check engine light.

Instructions

    1

    Find the diagnostic port located under the dashboard and under the heating controls. Plug the connector end of the diagnostic code scanner into this port. Dont push it in too forcefully; just turn it until it fits. If you force it, you may bend the pins inside the plug.

    2

    Put the key into the ignition and turn it to "Run," but dont start the engine. This will power on the diagnostic code scanner.

    3

    Press "Scan for Trouble Codes" on the scanner. Wait for the scanner to do its work. When it has finished, press "Clear All Trouble Codes." Turn off the vehicle and disconnect the diagnostic code scanner. Wait a minute or two.

    4

    Turn on the engine and examine the instrument panel to make sure the check engine light has turned off. If it has not, the problem that triggered the light remains and needs to be fixed.

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Sunday, September 15, 2013

How to Reset the Engine Service Light on a 2001 Honda Civic

How to Reset the Engine Service Light on a 2001 Honda Civic

The engine service light will illuminate on your 2001 Honda Civic every 10,000 miles to remind you to perform factory-recommended maintenance such as oil changes and tuneups. After you have the maintenance performed, you can reset the engine service light to turn it off yourself. It is a very quick and easy thing to do, requiring no special tools.

Instructions

    1

    Put the key into the ignition, but dont start the vehicle. Locate the trip odometer button on the dashboard, at the bottom of the instrument panel.

    2

    Press the trip button and hold it in for 10 seconds.

    3

    Keep holding the trip button and turn the ignition key until the Honda starts. The light will reset and turn off. If it doesnt work the first time, start over and try it again. try pushing in the button, turning the key on, waiting 15 seconds, then starting the Civic.

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