HELP: Check engine light just came on! what could it be? how 2 reset?

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Apr 7, 2008 | 12:40 AM

sc400 2nv

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From: ca

HELP: Check engine light just came on! what could it be? how 2 reset?

my check engine light just turned on. the car is running fine. what could have caused it to turn on. its a 98 sc4 w 200k....maintenance reminder??????

how do u reset it or turn it off???? im cheap and was thinking of just pulling out the bulb... any other solutions???

thanks guys

Apr 7, 2008 | 04:25 AM

TheMole

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From: SoCal

If its the check engine light, use an obd2 reader to scan the code. If its the maintenance light (MAINT), it will light up at certain mileage intervals.

Apr 7, 2008 | 06:02 AM

RyanV

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From: Texas

have fun

http://www.troublecodes.net/Lexus/

Apr 7, 2008 | 07:00 AM

Lextreme

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From: SGV

You gotta find out what cause the CEL. Simply resetting WON'T work. The simpliest way would be unplugging the battery, but that is just temporary.

Apr 7, 2008 | 07:48 AM

StiCk3

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Quote:

Originally Posted by sc400 2nv

Whatever it is, dont reset the computer until the issue is resolved. Take it to Autozone, they scan the ECU trouble codes for free so then you can explain to us what the REAL problem is. If you reset the ecu or ignore it, you could cause serious damage to you're engine. Don't go ghetto, not going to help.

Apr 8, 2008 | 04:35 AM

sc400 2nv

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From: ca

bump bump! where is this moved to?

Apr 8, 2008 | 04:36 AM

sc400 2nv

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Driver

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From: ca

^^^^^ never mind.. thanks guys!

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Apr 9, 2008 | 05:50 AM

Dx3

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From: Tulsa, Oklahoma

Quote:

Originally Posted by sc400 2nv

the check engine light just turned back off after a day.... it fixed itself! haahaa =)

What could have caused it to suddenly turn on for a little bit?????????????

You are showing a soft code which will go on and off. Could be anything - O2 sensor going bad, etc etc.

You are in an OBDII car - most people would kill to have a CEL on an OBDII car than and OBDI.

Go to Autozone or your local parts store and ask them to pull a code for you. They do it for free, it takes 30 seconds, and it will tell you exactly what the problem is.

Now explain to me why in the world you would pull the bulb. Not only is this a terrible idea that serves no merit, it would also take 10 times as long to do as going to get your code scanned.

On the same basis, if you woke up one morning and had a gaping hole in your leg, would you go get it checked out or would you stick a band aid over it and hope it miraculously goes away?