Reseting Check Engine Light???

[BlackOnBlack]

I had code P1491 with my '99 Voyager, which is generally for the Radiator Fan Relay. I replaced the relay and had the battery disconnected for a couple of hours. After replacing the relay and reconnecting the battery, the check engine light was still on.

How long does the battery have to be disconnected for the check engine light to reset? Also, we drove the vehicle for another couple hundred miles. If the problem is fixed, isn't the computer supposed to reset itself after determining that the problem is fixed?

By the way, if anyone needs to replace this relay, it's located underneath the driver's side headlight. The best way to access it is to remove the air box (three bolts and a couple of hose clamps) and the headlight (four bolts). Then drill out the rivets. The new ones go in with machine screws, although the ones that came with mine were too small, necessitating a trip to my local Ace Hardware. I bought a new OEM Chrysler relay off eBay for $35. I tested the functioning of my cooling fans by running a jump wires directly off the battery. From what I've read, these relays go out all the time and are the cause for many overheating while idling problems

[fishing1000]

i dont know how long the light on a caravan stays on even after the problem has been fixed. On a ford escort, if you leave the battery disconnected for more than 5 minutes, the light will not come on again unless the problem still exists.

[yogi_123rd]

ODBII cars (1996+) can't reset the computer codes with simple power failures like disconnecting the battery. As I understand it from an emmissions mechanic, the codes need to age out even if the original problem was fixed. It used to take 50-75 ignition starts to clear old codes in the past. I could sugggest you try faking it out by turning the ignition on-off about 60-75 times and see if goes out on starting the car.

[fishing1000]

Originally Posted by yogi_123rd

ODBII cars (1996+) can't reset the computer codes with simple power failures like disconnecting the battery. As I understand it from an emmissions mechanic, the codes need to age out even if the original problem was fixed. It used to take 50-75 ignition starts to clear old codes in the past. I could sugggest you try faking it out by turning the ignition on-off about 60-75 times and see if goes out on starting the car.

my daughter's escort 1999 servce engine soon was on because a wire connecting the fuel pressure sensor and the computer was cut. To fix the problem, I had to disconnect the battery cables. After fixing the wire, I reconnected the battery cables and started the car, the light stayed off.

[BlackOnBlack]

I think with Fords, you can reset the check engine light by disconnecting the battery. I've done it on my Mustang. Chrysler's appear to be different.

[vipergg]

They might be able to reset it at a Autozone parts store , they pull the codes for free .

[bigwheel53]

I Disconnected My Battery Negative First Then Positive.went Inside And Had Breakfast,then Reconnected It The Same Way.lite Went Out.i Wasnt Worried,because The Van Was Running And Performing Perfectly.