"service engine soon" light

denverpathfinder · Jul 22nd, 2003, 10:16 AM

Was driving home from the mtns sunday, and the "SES" light came on. I was reading in a repair manual that you can get the codes by doing something to the PCM that causes the check engine light to blink a certain # of times.

Is there any way to get to the computer w/out taking off the center console panels?? Would it be better to just buy a cheap code reader? Or take it to a shop?

Any help is greatly appreciated.

lewisnc100 · Jul 23rd, 2003, 06:36 AM

I've got a 97 Pathfinder and read the codes by reaching up on top of the ECU and turning the diagnostic screw, it's a tough reach and you need a very short screwdriver (i use a novelty craftsmen keychain screwdriver). First you'll want to get an inspector's mirror so you can see exactly where its at, then you'll need to scrape away the clear tape covering it. Then just turn it all the way clockwise and wait a few seconds, then turn it all the way counterclockwise and the codes will flash on the dash. Repeat the steps to clear the codes. If you have trouble reaching it you can pick up a cheap scanner at Harbor Freight, $39.95 on sale last time I checked.

denverpathfinder · Jul 23rd, 2003, 07:23 AM

Thanks for the response.

A friend actually had one of the readers from harbor freight. I went over there, plugged it in, and its saying there are no error codes?? Any ideas?

Can the light be reset by disconnecting the battery?

lewisnc100 · Jul 23rd, 2003, 09:15 AM

I've tried the Harbor Freight scanner on mine and it didn't work either, funny because others have used them without problems. Yes you can disconnect the battery cables and it will clear the codes, unfortunately it will run rough for the first 10-15 minutes because that also clears all the sensor data. If you try that make sure to start it up again and just let it idle for a while before driving it around. If the light comes back after a day or two then you can figure out what the code is then. You also might try Autozone since they read the codes for free, I think it's only California where they don't read them anymore.

denverpathfinder · Jul 23rd, 2003, 09:35 AM

I'll try the Autozone idea; if it still shows nothing I'll disconnect the battery and see what happens.

Thanks again, Scott.

MYNAMEIZCARLOS · Jul 30th, 2003, 01:01 AM

TRY MAKIN SURE UR GAS CAP HAS NO LEAKS OR ANYTHING OF THAT SORT BECAUSE THAT WAS THE CAUSE OF MY "S.E.S" LIGHT ON MY 2001 PATHFINDER... NOT A VERY TECHNICAL SUGGESTION BUT IT WORKED FOR ME

larrymoencurly · Jul 31st, 2003, 10:04 PM

Does disconnecting the battery always turn off the Check Engine light? Mine didn't go off when I did that after I fixed the problem (broken temperature sensor wire), even after several engine starts, until I turned the diagnostic mode screw.

aaronford · Aug 2nd, 2003, 02:48 PM

Has anyone checked ttolley's sticky at the top of the page? It is under the moderators message. It deals directly with this and worked great on my 95.

rattler · Aug 21st, 2003, 04:16 AM

You need to disconnect the battery for a long period of time. I disconnected my battery for over 2 hours and the ECU didn't reset. I left it disconnected overnight and that did it. I'm not sure exactly how long it takes but it was over 2 hours.

qx4'n · Aug 23rd, 2003, 12:57 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by rattler
You need to disconnect the battery for a long period of time. I disconnected my battery for over 2 hours and the ECU didn't reset. I left it disconnected overnight and that did it. I'm not sure exactly how long it takes but it was over 2 hours.

If the overnight disconnect trick doesn't work- take it to Autozone to have the codes read. It's free- & they were right on my QX-4.