I i removed my popcharger yesterday to do some maintnence, and when i put it back i forgot to plug in the mass air sensor. I started the car, realized what i had done, and then pluged it back in. Everything runs fine now, but my check engine light is on. Last time this happened it was on for a few hunderd miles till it turned off. I guess it stays on for a predetermined time or something. I tried disconnecting my battery for like a half an hour, and other tricks?? Thanks!

 

Try disconnecting the battery and stepping on the brake for a few seconds. If that doesn't do it, leave the battery disconnected overnight.

 

Who told you that?

 

anyone else?

 

It may go OFF on its own.

 

What DavesZ said will work.

Take the negative terminal off, turn the key on and turn the lights on/step on the brake pedal.

What you are doing is draining all the power completely out of the car. This will "erase" anything the car thinks is wrong. When you start it back up, the car will see the MAF is plugged in and not throw a code.


It SHOULD work.

 

Thanks!! Gonan go try it now!

 

leave it disconnected overnight

 

Well i tried the disconnect, key on, brake hold, and that didn't work. SO i did it again, and left it discaonnected. i Have to drive here in a few hours. If it doesn't reset by then, i'll disconnect it when i get it tonite, and leave it off over night.

I'm not going to be in limp mode or anything am i?? Or is it just gonna be an annoyance?

 

Ok good, I actually had to do this to my car the other night. Tell me the results, if this 5min fix doesnt work then you may just want to leave it disconnected over night like a few people are saying.

And if THAT doesnt work, time to wait it out

 

Thanks for the help!!

 

If you take the NEg termial off the battery the car has no juice why do have to turn the key and lights on?

 

There has to be a easier way than this has anyone google a serach? What does the dealer say?

 

Could i go to Auto ZOne and have them clear the codes with their code reader?

 

There is still some power running through the car when you take the terminal off, just watch your odometer numbers fade away as you press the brake pedal a few times.

 

UPDATE: I removed the negative terminal, did the key/brake thing, and let her sit for about 4 hours. Now all is good, and the light is gone!! Thanks for everyone's help!

 

I wrote a DIY on cleaniing the MAF sensor. Several people forgot to put the MAF back in before trying to start the car.

Leaving the battery disconnected overnight solved the problem for all of them... just like Dave said...

 

Most electronics systems have a capacitor to hold power when the battery dies or is removed. That keeps all the settings, etc. Pressing the brakes causes the brake lights to attempt to turn on, drawing what little stored charge is left.