I'm obviously failing at something simple here...

I'm trying to follow the directions laid out in the Haynes Repair Manual to understand why the CHECK ENGINE light has come on.

Car is off.
Insert probe into socket 6
Turn ignition ON
Press Test button

Seems pretty simple, yet when I do so, the light just comes on and stays on for the duration of the time the button is depressed.

What the heck am I missing?

 

I'm able to get my codes off if I press and release the button. I believe you only hold it down when you are resetting it.

 

Try using socket A-2 to find Check Engine codes. Just a short one second plus touch on the button should start the flashing of the first of any 3 digit codes that might be stored. Press the button again for the next code. When the first code is repeated, you have got them all.