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    dbteeitup's Avatar
    dbteeitup Posts: 23, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #1

    Aug 20, 2008, 07:28 PM
    Reset "Service Engine Soon" light
    Just bought a 1998 GMC truck. The "Service Engine Soon" light is illuminated. Is there an easy way to reset it myself rather than take it to a shop?

    Thanks,
    dbteeitup
    Credendovidis's Avatar
    Credendovidis Posts: 1,593, Reputation: 66
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    #2

    Aug 20, 2008, 07:55 PM
    Hello dbteeitup

    What normally works fine is :

    Remove the power by disconnecting the positive wires from the car battery for a couple of minutes. After reconnecting the light will not come on again.

    UNLESS...

    The fault that causes or caused that light is still present.
    In that case you better have it checked properly.

    Example : in many cars the light comes on when you pass the replace date of the motor belt or oil filter.

    Success !

    :)
    CaptainRich's Avatar
    CaptainRich Posts: 4,492, Reputation: 537
    Cars & Trucks Expert
    		  
    #3

    Aug 21, 2008, 05:29 AM
    Rarely, if ever, does disconnecting the battery clear diagnotic trouble codes.
    This light should be diagnosed, either by the dealer or any qualified repair shop.
    Something on the vehicle is failed or out of range and allowing excessive pollution. It may be as simple as a poor fitting gas cap.
    Mapleleafpete's Avatar
    Mapleleafpete Posts: 125, Reputation: 4
    Junior Member
    		  
    #4

    Aug 28, 2008, 08:32 AM
    Try the easy way 1st,disconnect the battery and if lite remains on or comes back on the like rich said get it checked.
    alittlehelpneed's Avatar
    alittlehelpneed Posts: 3, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #5

    Sep 1, 2008, 06:07 PM
    All cars built after 1995 have what is called onboard diagnostics 2, which require a scan tool to access the code.

    Unhooking the battery will not reset it


    If you live near an Advance auto parts store you can bring it in there and they can check it out **for FREE**.They can also clear it if it is something simple , such as a loose gas cap.

    The whole process only takes less than 5 minutes, and you can get some info as to if it is a simple or complex issue.
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