Resetting Service Engine Soon light....

[minerswon]

How do I reset the service engine soon light on my 2000 silhouette? I think my wife left the gas cap loose because I got the gas cap code when I went to autozone to have it checked. I want to reset it to see if it will come back on then I can take it in for service if it is not the gas cap.

Thanks!!

[jrdwyer]

If the PCM does not detect any problems in the system for several consecutive drive cycles, then the light should go off on its own.

To clear the code manually, you can use a scan tool or disconnect power to the PCM for at least 30 seconds. Disconnecting power can be done by removing the PCM fuse, disconnecting the PCM power connector near the positive battery terminal (if equipped), or disconnecting the negative battery terminal (be careful with this option if you have the theft lock audio system).

Source (which I recommend):

Haynes Repair Manual, 1997-2001, GM Minivans.

[SimGeek]

They should have been able to reset the code when they had the scanner hooked up - I think they have to specifically command it to clear the codes though so they might not have done it. I think the number of drive cycles to turn the light off varies depending on the code - could be anywhere from 5 cycles to 20 or more maybe? Also, having the light go out does not mean the codes are cleared from the computer, they have to be cleared by a scanner or one of the methods jdwyer mentioned; so you really do want to get the codes cleared so next time you know if it has actually repeated.

[minerswon]

Whoa!! The gas cap must have been it. It went off after a couple of days on it's own. Thanks fellas for the response.

[kidfam]

For the future in getting rid of codes there are four options:
1 Take it to a repair shop
2. By a scanner that will read and reset the codes after it reads them (See Ebay for inexpensive ones)
3. Take it to an Autoparts store such as Advance or Autozone. They will read and reset for free.
4. Take out the bulb for the Service Engine Soon light.

#2 above works best for me.

['97ventureowner]

Originally Posted by kidfam

For the future in getting rid of codes there are four options:
1 Take it to a repair shop
2. By a scanner that will read and reset the codes after it reads them (See Ebay for inexpensive ones)
3. Take it to an Autoparts store such as Advance or Autozone. They will read and reset for free.
4. Take out the bulb for the Service Engine Soon light.

#2 above works best for me.

#4 should NEVER be an option The light is there to warn the driver of a problem with the vehicle. Failure to correct the problem can result in engine or some other failure. In most states with vehicle inspections, especially with emission inspections it is illegal to disable in any way the check engine light or SES light. (It might even be a federal offense.) The best option for most owners is to take their vehicle to a place such as Autozone to have the codes checked and cleared for free. Those that are a little more "hands on" and DIYers can purchase a scanner/reader from places such as Autozone or online. Those that would rather pay up front and have everything done all at once,(read the code, correct the problem, erase the code,) can take it to a repair shop. I'd really hate to be the person to purchase a vehicle once owned by you. Judging by your post in this thread and the one concerning airbags, it seems you'd rather remove the bulb and disable the warning rather than spend some money and fix the problem. Those warning lights are there for a reason and disabling them injures you and your vehicle first and can also injure others if you get into an accident.

[kidfam]

Well since GM has such faulty vehicles and they charge RAPE you on Service work costs, some of us our unfortunately left to take the cheapest way out. Sorry Venture guy looks like I don't make enough money like you to be blessed with always taking it to someone to get fixed.

['97ventureowner]

Originally Posted by kidfam

Well since GM has such faulty vehicles and they charge RAPE you on Service work costs, some of us our unfortunately left to take the cheapest way out. Sorry Venture guy looks like I don't make enough money like you to be blessed with always taking it to someone to get fixed.

Sorry you feel that way but I've seen way too many vehicles come into the shop over the years with major, expensive to fix issues. The owner of the vehicle either disabled the warning light (either SES, or individual warning light) or the person who purchased the vehicle from them was not aware it had been disabled. If the warning light had been operational the owner could have found out the problem and possibly have had taken action early on avoiding such a huge repair bill. If you re-read my post you will see that in many states it is illegal to disable the warning lights, and taking it to a repair shop was only ONE option I listed. I know most people on this site including myself are DIYers and do most repairs ourselves. What harm is it to take it to someplace like Autozone, get the codes read, get the parts and do it yourself???I NEVER insinuated to"always taking it to someone to get fixed" as you said.Wouldn't you rather know of the problem in it's infancy than let it snowball into something much bigger and more expensive, quite possibly rendering your vehicle "not worth fixing" when in the beginning it would have been a cheap fix??