Resetting the check engine light should not be taken lightly! 1996 EPA mandations required every car in the United States to be equipped with an OBDII (On Board Diagnostics/ 2nd generation) automobile computer that uses a universal diagnostic port with universal code meaning referenced with universal numerical code definitions. With these codes come access to real-time engine, transmisssion, abs, air bag,and body control function data streamed through a 16 pin diagnostic interface port placed under your dashboard and I/M readiness monitors (Inspection & Maintenance Information), and freeze frame data are kept in your on-board computers! The point being made here is once a check engine light is reset, the computer loses a LOT of information the EPA is going to look for when you take your vehicle in for an emissions test and unless you fully understand how OBDII works... using a simple code reader to turn your check engine light out will cost you more money in a short period of time unless you have the equipment, time, and ability to retrieve and reset this very vital information for the vehicle to pass EPA inspection and the test will reject your vehicle if the information they are looking for isn't present! If it is just a gas cap, tighten it down or replace it and drive until the light goes out. Your chances are better this way if you have an inspection soon. The newer the car the more strict the tolerance. 1996-1999, you are allowed two I/M readiness monitors not run 2000 & newer... only one!!! Seek someone familiar in this field for the monitors are hard to recover when they are reset!! Ask someone about drive cycles for your vehicle & see how many responses you get! I tried to condense as much info as I could in this summary and I hope this helps and enlightens you. Good fortune.
Source: Julesp
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