How to Clear Engine Fault Codes?
4 Answers
There are primarily two methods to clear engine fault codes, which are: 1. Direct method: Start and turn off the vehicle three times consecutively. 2. Indirect method: Disconnect the negative terminal of the engine battery, wait for 30 seconds, and then reconnect it. Here is some additional information: 1. Function and types: An engine is a machine that can convert other forms of energy into mechanical energy, including internal combustion engines, external combustion engines, jet engines, electric motors, etc. For example, an internal combustion engine typically converts chemical energy into mechanical energy. 2. Introduction and history: An engine can refer to both a power generation device and the entire machine including the power device. The engine was first developed in the UK, so the concept of an engine also originates from English, with its original meaning referring to a 'mechanical device that generates power.'
The engine malfunction light is really annoying. Last time my car had the same issue, and after struggling for a while, I found a way to deal with it. As a temporary fix, you can disconnect the negative terminal of the battery for five minutes and then reconnect it. Just find a wrench under the hood to access the battery—this trick resets the car's computer and makes the fault code disappear. However, if the root problem isn’t addressed, the light will come back on in a couple of days. Once, I had a dirty oxygen sensor, and cleaning it solved the issue for good. Keeping an OBD scanner on hand is quite useful—the Bluetooth ones cost around a hundred bucks and plug into the port under the steering wheel, allowing you to read specific faults via your phone. If it’s something like carbon buildup in the throttle body, you can handle it yourself before clearing the code. One crucial thing to note: always take a photo of the fault code number before clearing it, or the mechanic will have to run a new diagnostic, costing you extra.
I've tried several methods to clear engine fault codes myself, and the most reliable one is still using a professional diagnostic tool. The repair shop can get it done in two minutes by connecting the device, but they will first determine whether it's a sensor error or a real fault. For a simpler version, you can use a mobile OBD app. A fault code like P0420 indicates a catalytic converter issue. If the light comes back after clearing the code yourself, you'll need to replace the part. As a temporary fix, you can also drive on the highway for half an hour to let the computer relearn, but don't try this on the highway as it's very dangerous. After clearing the code, it's best to drive for a couple of days to see if it recurs, while also checking the engine oil level and quality to avoid masking new faults.
Dealing with trouble codes depends on the situation. For intermittent issues, you can simply clear the codes yourself. Pulling fuses is more convenient than disconnecting the battery—just open the fuse box and refer to the manual to find the ones related to the ECU. However, if the engine is shaking or noticeably weak, never clear the codes directly. A friend of mine cleared the codes and ended up stranded halfway. Also, be extra careful with the battery in rainy weather to avoid short circuits. A handy tip is to turn off all electrical devices when clearing codes for better results—the onboard computer takes about 30 seconds to recalibrate the fault threshold. Many modern cars support remote diagnostics, but it's still essential to know the basics.
