[windham]

Hello,
My 2000 Insight check engine light popped on yesterday. It has had the ECM change and has recently been inspected by the dealer. I read on an earlier post about how the check engine light can illuminate when an oil change is needed. If this is why the engine light came on, how do you reset the light after changing the oil, or if it comes on before a change is due, how do you reset the light?
Sorry if this topic has been repeatedly covered, I am a new owner so my learning curve is steep at the moment!

Thanks for the info!!!

 

[figgy]

I believe that the 'maintenance required' light blinks and then holds steady after a fixed number of miles since it has been reset - this is to remind of oil changes.

The 'CEL' is indicative of a possible problem, so check it with an OBD tool or a service station to find out. It could be nothing important, or it might be something to have fixed.

 

[Resist]

how do you reset the light after changing the oil, or if it comes on before a change is due, how do you reset the light?

This information is in the owners manual.

 

[Insightful Trekker]

Insight Central's knowledge base is the best place on here to look for answers to such questions

http://www.insightcentral.net/KB/index.html

The specific answer to how to turn off the maintenance required light is here:

http://www.insightcentral.net/KB/faq-ma ... MaintLight

HTH!

 

[windham]

Thanks for the CEL info...it went back out on a recent drive, so we shall see!

 

[Insightful Trekker]

Your welcome windham.

So if I am reading correctly you were _not_ experiencing the maintenance required light (since it turned itself off).

The MIL (its more technical definition) will come on for several dozen different reasons. Arguably the most common is a loose gas cap. Make sure the cape clicks at least 3 times when tightening.

Nothing in relation to an oil change can turn the light on. Looks like its time to get it checked. For some codes its the history of events that helps in diagnosis. So if you loose this code (dead 12v battery) then this codes history will be lost.

The fact that it went out on its own means that its intermittent in occurrence. Could be an early failure that will give you time to plan for the repair.

There have been extensive discussions on DIY code reading and the scan tool required for the job. AFAI remember the Auto-xray in factory refurbished condition will only cost as much as 2 dealer code "pulls" so its not beyond economic reason to purchase. And it will work for all cars 96 and up. AFAI remember some Auto-Zones will do a code pull for free. Just remember that a code is not fool-proof (or it *IS* depending on how literally you read the statement )

A code "X" does not always mean that its related component has failed. It also requires the freeze frame data (an advanced code "puller" function), understanding of the complete fuel system's function, and some experience to judge where the best place to start the failure verification process _before_ parts replacement, if needed.

HTH!