Check Engine Light

[jktan99]

I bought a 2002 Pontiac Montana. From day 1, the check engine light is on. Got it scanned and the codes are P0440 and P0442. I wonder how it passed the emission test. Anyway, I am trying to do the gas cap routine. So, I bought a new cap and installed it. I wanted to reset the check engine light by removing the negative battery cable but I was intimidated by the way the battery was located/placed. There is not much space to work there and I am not sure how to remove the fuse box that is blocking it.

I was wondering as to there is any other way (other than using a code reader) to reset the light. For example, is there any fuse that I can unplug to get this done?

Thanks,

[maxwedge]

No.

[hufhouse]

I have a 2000, but there's enough room to get a small ratchet in there to take off the connector. On the 2000, you can remove the fusebox by removing the corner brace thing...three bolts.

AutoZone has a handy little ratchet tool for removing the battery terminal connector. It's short and fits perfectly. Maybe you can pick up one of those.

[jktan99]

Okay I'll try removing the cross bar brace so I can remove the fuse box and the negative battery cable. Thanks.

[jktan99]

I managed to remove/unplug the negative battery cable. I waited for 30 minutes, put it back on, start the engine, and found out that the check engine light is still on.

I unplugged the negative battery cable again and put a wood in between the battery and the cable to ensure there is no contact. Also, I put the key and turned it on, nothing come up on the display. So, I am pretty sure the cable is disconnected. I waited for 1.5 hours, put it back on, voila, the check engine light is still on. Even the memory on the radio is still intact (I have just to set the time).

Not sure what's wrong. Can someone help me on how to reset the light? Thanks.

[maxwedge]

How about using the proper tool and getting it done with a scanner/code reader.

[hufhouse]

In my area, "AutoZoners" are not allowed to reset the code. However, you can "borrow" the code reader (with a deposit) and reset it yourself. While you've got the reader, re-check the codes.

Chances are, you have a stuck purge solenoid or something if the light won't go out after tightening the gas cap. Take it to a mechanic who has the proper diagnostic scanner, and he/she can test the solenoids and narrow the problem down. This is one of those things that you can throw a lot of money and time at, then finally resign yourself to go to a mechanic and it gets fixed in an hour and you cough up $50 plus parts and the problem is solved.