My check engine light came on over the weekend so I took it to my mechanic this morning to have him check it out. He hooked up his ODB scanner tool and it didn't show any codes. This made sense since the car is running fine. He said that it might be due to the fact that my service light has been on for a couple of years now. I do my own oil changes so it never bothered me. So I did some searching and found a way of resetting the service light but the engine light is still on after I got rid of the service light. Does it clear by itself over time? Is there a way that I can reset it myself?

The car is a '01 V70 up in Canada and has about 120k on it.

Thanks for any input.

 

Hey Guys, just hooked up a ODB scanner again and now it's showing P0171 code. I'm going to clear it and see if it comes back. Sounds like there might be a problem with the MAF. I am not sure why it didn't show up before.

 

There seems to be some confusion out there regarding the reset of this. The following worked for me on my 99 TDI: With the car off and the ignition key in position "0" push and hold the reset "trip-meter" ****. While holding it depressed turn the key to position II (all the lights will come on in the console). Keep the reset **** depressed until the "Service"-light starts flashing. Then release the reset-**** and turn to ignintion key to position "0". But - others out there have reported that this did not work for them... Best, Bitnissen

 

You can extinguish the CEL by taking the negative lead off the battery for about 1/2 hour. Codes are "re-set" to default settings. Know your radio security code before doing this!

 

Couple things:

1. The SEL (Service Engine Light, which is a reminder) has nothing to do with CEL (Check Engine Light, which signals problems).

2. Buy an OBD code reade for $50-100. Actron is a good brand.
Actron CP9175 is very good.

3. P0171 is a "lean" code, which could meany vacuum leak or MAF.
http://repairpal.com/OBD-Code-P0171-and-P0174

4. FYI, I currently have the MAF code (Air Mass P0103 Code).
The Bosch Air Mass is on the way, and replacing it is very easy.