Check Engine Light?
GCfromBC
11-17-2008, 10:51 AM
I have a 1997 Dodge Ram 1500 that the "check engine" light keeps coming on. I have taken it to repair shops and they do not find a problem so they clear the light for me. Is there a way to clear the light without taking it to a shop? Is there a way to disable it? Thanks.
denisond3
11-18-2008, 07:10 AM
I dont have a Dodge Ram, but with other 97 mopar products, you may be able to clear the light by disconnecting the battery for a few minutes. The other way to clear the light is to own one of the code scanners, a scantool. You can find them on ebay for about $100-$150 depending whether its a name brand or a Chinese no-name-brand, or at autozone or advance auto for about the same ($130 to $200?) depending on the features they have. It seems that having one of these tools will become as needed as having a spark plug wrench or socket set in the tool box.
If you unplug the light bulb you wont have to look at the light, but then you wont know when other things go wrong.
If you unplug the light bulb you wont have to look at the light, but then you wont know when other things go wrong.
Airjer_
11-18-2008, 12:17 PM
Whats the code and maybe its time to find a different shop. If they can't find the problem and it keeps coming back on than there is a problem that they can't handle!!!
GCfromBC
11-19-2008, 03:50 PM
I dont have a Dodge Ram, but with other 97 mopar products, you may be able to clear the light by disconnecting the battery for a few minutes. The other way to clear the light is to own one of the code scanners, a scantool. You can find them on ebay for about $100-$150 depending whether its a name brand or a Chinese no-name-brand, or at autozone or advance auto for about the same ($130 to $200?) depending on the features they have. It seems that having one of these tools will become as needed as having a spark plug wrench or socket set in the tool box.
If you unplug the light bulb you wont have to look at the light, but then you wont know when other things go wrong.
Thanks for the advice, I think getting the scan meter is the correct way to go, I do not want to mask a potential issue and end up with a severe motor issue. Off to EBay, thanks again.
If you unplug the light bulb you wont have to look at the light, but then you wont know when other things go wrong.
Thanks for the advice, I think getting the scan meter is the correct way to go, I do not want to mask a potential issue and end up with a severe motor issue. Off to EBay, thanks again.
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