2001 chevrolet cavalier

Service engine light is on. Car runs fine. How can I clear the code without taking it to the shop.

You'll need to check the codes first, and fix what's causing it, or it'll keep coming back on. Most auto parts stores can check codes for you. If the problem "resolves" itself, the light will go off after just a few ignition cycles, and the code will clear after a few hundred cycles.

J-Ri is right. Go to Auto Zone if you have one nearby and have them hook it up. They can give you a list of possible causes.

I had this same thing happen to my 2001 Cavalier after we changed the fuel pump on it. When we put the gas tank back on we accidentally pinched a gasket and it left a hole. After a few days of driving it the Service Engine light came on. I took it to Auto Zone and they told me it was something to do with my Evap. A garage looked at it and couldn't find a problem. They unplugged the battery so the light would reset and told me to go get it inspected. Now while it did pass inspection, I had to drive it for an hour to get all the sensors to hit because of the battery being unplugged. Also, 3 days later, the Service Engine light came right back on. I left it for almost a year. A little over a month before I had to get it inspected again I took it back to my mechanic and they took the gas tank off and found the problem. No more Service Engine light.