easiest way to clear a code?
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 527
Likes: 5
From: TN
2002 c240
easiest way to clear a code?
I have a few codes from a bad O2 sensor I need cleared so I can register the car. The sensor was just replaced earlier today by a local exhaust shop.
What's the easiest way to wipe it clean?
What's the easiest way to wipe it clean?
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 453
Likes: 0
From: Las Vegas
2005 SL600 by SPEEDRIVEN
First start and run your car three times. If the problem is fixed the code may clear. This is true with the check engine light.
If that doesn't work, get an OBDII code reader and use it to clear the codes. Or go to AutoZone or Checker and have them clear the codes through their OBDII reader for you.
Good luck.
If that doesn't work, get an OBDII code reader and use it to clear the codes. Or go to AutoZone or Checker and have them clear the codes through their OBDII reader for you.
Good luck.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 1,259
Likes: 209
From: Boston North Shore
2001 CLK320 Cabrio
Drive the car over 250 miles....I'm not kidding.
Three cold drive cycles will only clear the 'check engine light.
To clear the codes and sensors you have to drive at least 250 miles. I know because I failed MA state inspection last June after replacing the MAF.
Soecifically, here is what happened.
Had a CEL condition and replaced the MAF. After 3 cold drive cycles, the CEL went out just as it says in the owner manual.
I knew that to clear the codes and make the sensors 'ready', most cars require about 100 miles of driving.
There are about a dozen or so sensors (e.g. oxygen, coolant, EGR, catalytic etc.) and they must be in 'ready' status (meaning the OBDII system is functional).
After 150 miles or so, I went in for state inspection and failed because the status of 3 of sensors still indicated 'not ready'. Most states now just plug into the OBDII plug in lieu of measuring what is actually coming out of the tail pipe.
In MA, if you fail, you get one more free try to pass. Drove another 150 miles or so, crossed my fingers and passed.
Three cold drive cycles will only clear the 'check engine light.
To clear the codes and sensors you have to drive at least 250 miles. I know because I failed MA state inspection last June after replacing the MAF.
Soecifically, here is what happened.
Had a CEL condition and replaced the MAF. After 3 cold drive cycles, the CEL went out just as it says in the owner manual.
I knew that to clear the codes and make the sensors 'ready', most cars require about 100 miles of driving.
There are about a dozen or so sensors (e.g. oxygen, coolant, EGR, catalytic etc.) and they must be in 'ready' status (meaning the OBDII system is functional).
After 150 miles or so, I went in for state inspection and failed because the status of 3 of sensors still indicated 'not ready'. Most states now just plug into the OBDII plug in lieu of measuring what is actually coming out of the tail pipe.
In MA, if you fail, you get one more free try to pass. Drove another 150 miles or so, crossed my fingers and passed.
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 555
Likes: 0
From: Somewhere in Maryland
2000 CLK 430 Cabriolet
Drive the car over 250 miles....I'm not kidding.
Three cold drive cycles will only clear the 'check engine light.
To clear the codes and sensors you have to drive at least 250 miles. I know because I failed MA state inspection last June after replacing the MAF.
Soecifically, here is what happened.
Had a CEL condition and replaced the MAF. After 3 cold drive cycles, the CEL went out just as it says in the owner manual.
I knew that to clear the codes and make the sensors 'ready', most cars require about 100 miles of driving.
There are about a dozen or so sensors (e.g. oxygen, coolant, EGR, catalytic etc.) and they must be in 'ready' status (meaning the OBDII system is functional).
After 150 miles or so, I went in for state inspection and failed because the status of 3 of sensors still indicated 'not ready'. Most states now just plug into the OBDII plug in lieu of measuring what is actually coming out of the tail pipe.
In MA, if you fail, you get one more free try to pass. Drove another 150 miles or so, crossed my fingers and passed.
Three cold drive cycles will only clear the 'check engine light.
To clear the codes and sensors you have to drive at least 250 miles. I know because I failed MA state inspection last June after replacing the MAF.
Soecifically, here is what happened.
Had a CEL condition and replaced the MAF. After 3 cold drive cycles, the CEL went out just as it says in the owner manual.
I knew that to clear the codes and make the sensors 'ready', most cars require about 100 miles of driving.
There are about a dozen or so sensors (e.g. oxygen, coolant, EGR, catalytic etc.) and they must be in 'ready' status (meaning the OBDII system is functional).
After 150 miles or so, I went in for state inspection and failed because the status of 3 of sensors still indicated 'not ready'. Most states now just plug into the OBDII plug in lieu of measuring what is actually coming out of the tail pipe.
In MA, if you fail, you get one more free try to pass. Drove another 150 miles or so, crossed my fingers and passed.
