I'm in the process of buying a 93 SC300, but the 'check engine' light is on. Because its got an out of state title, it needs to go through emissions in order to have it registered, which it cannot do when the check engine light is on (or disconnected we've discovered)

I know it slips out of 1st on the initial start, which I will have serviced, but we've agreed on a dirt cheap price of $2500 for its 101k miles and near mint condition. It runs great, leaks nothing, and everything works.

Is there any way to reset something to make the light go off. Something a Meineke or Lexus garage can do. I know many cars have the light pop on at routine maintenance times. Maybe routine service, a 100,000 mile check, replacing some computer data... whatever. I'm kinda stuck.

Thanks
Shamus

 

A lexus service center, dealer or independant, should be able to readout the diagnostic error code. It should indicate where the problem is related.

Someone disconnected the error lamp? Yes, they do check if the lamp comes on...

 

There is a diagnostic port under the hood. if you open it there will be a group of nine pins (3 over and 3 up). Take a small wire with a point on it and jump two pins, E1 and TE1 (top one by the clasp and the middle pin). With the key one count the flashes of the "Check Engine" light. It will flash one number pause and flash another. That is your DTC. To clear the code remove the 30amp EFI fuse under the hood(with the key off) for about 10sec. that will clear it. If it is not a "HARD FAULT" the light will be out for a while. Hope this helps.

 

Hmm, a used car dealership disconnecting the 'check engine' light. Big surprise. The $2500 deal I had with this guy for the car took a surprising twist to him when he discovered he was legally obligated to get it through emissions. Funny how weeks of him saying 'I can't imagine what the problem is' was discovered in @ 30 seconds when I had him bring the car to my house.... What a snake.

 

Thanks 2JZ

You said: "With the key one count the flashes..."

Not sure what that means. I'm assuming you meant 'with the key ON. Should the car be running, or just the auxilary stuff (heater, radio).

Thanks

 

its easy, pull the neg. battery terminal and keep it off for like 1 min. then put it back on. and there should not be a light on. it will reset it. BUT if there is something really wrong then it wont go away.

 

Key turned "ON" and the motor NOT running. Yes.

 

Thanks guys. This slimey dealer has been spending weeks dealing with this check engine light situation. Gone in 2 minutes. Theres's nothing better than message boards for car guys. Its right up there with free internet p0rn. Thanks again.

 

The error lamp condiction may come back, indicating a problem still exists. Reseting is usually just temporary.

Don't let them off the hook yet ...