I've reset the check engine light in the past using a button combination on the dash in my 2005 but now I can't remember how. Can anybody help me out?
With the car off press and hold the ODO button. Step on the brake and hit the power button to go into READY (may work with IG ON too?). Keep holding the ODO button and watch the dash where the odometer readout usually is...you'll see dashes then the prior odometer reading will return and you can let go of the button. Now the maintainence light will flash on briefly upon start up in 4500 miles then will come on and stay on in 5000 miles
To "refine" these instructions a bit: Make sure you're set to ODO, not "Trip A" or "Trip B", or it won't work (drove me nuts for a few minutes until I figured it out). Turn it on, make sure you're on ODO, shut it down, then follow the directions above. As Danman said, it's in your manual, page 120 I believe (I just did it tonight after an oil change).
Or part of it put in the KB. As I posted elsewhere, we seniors should get together and organize the KB forum.
I know this is old but: the owners manual is wrong. It says to be on trip "A" and that does not work as stated above.
Back to the OP, can you reset the CEL without going to the dealer or a mechanic? NOT asking about maintenance light reset.
I didn’t realize the thread was that old, but sometimes these threads start off as one thing and get completely sidetracked. Thanks for the info. I think Patrick Wong in another thread mentioned disconnecting the negative terminal of the 12 V battery will also reset the check engine light?
Both methods will work, providing you have fixed the error that caused (is causing) it to light up. It is also a good idea to read the codes and record what they are before dismissing them.
