HELP! Can some OBD2 scanner detect if someone has reset the check engine light?

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May 29, 2020 | 11:26 AM

714is300

Thread Starter

Driver School Candidate

Joined: Feb 2017

Posts: 37

Likes: 3

From: ca

HELP! Can some OBD2 scanner detect if someone has reset the check engine light?

So last night I was arguing with my mechanic friend with 10+ years experience that I've seen videos on youtube (I believe ChrisFix) that when purchasing a vehicle, you can use some OBD2 scanner to see if an owner has reset their check engine light before purchasing. That way the owner can't just reset the battery every time before a potential buyer comes to check out the car and having to drive miles to engage the cars computer to turn on the engine light. He argued that if it's been reset, it's not able to detect until its been set off. I know anyone who's been in any trade for awhile have their since of pride, and don't want some online DIY dweller to correct them but that shouldn't discredit me any less if I learned things he didn't.

https://www.youcanic.com/article/was...e-light-erased I don't want to just give him one source and be like here, end of argument so I wanted more people's opinion on this and if there are any credible sources you can link. Thanks

Jun 2, 2020 | 01:52 PM

PauloFR

Pole Position

Joined: Jun 2020

Posts: 317

Likes: 49

From: QC

Yes, my BlueDriver for one tells you when was the last time codes were cleared.

Jun 3, 2020 | 10:43 AM

jnelson101

Driver School Candidate

Joined: May 2020

Posts: 8

Likes: 1

From: Texas

This can be easily checked by looking at the emissions readiness s/DTC statuses. I use Torque Pro on my phone but I am sure most other decent scanners have the same capability. When the battery is unplugged it will set all the emissions readiness statuses to "not ready" that is why you cant get away with pulling of the negative terminal before getting an inspection.