First post on this forum, so hi all.
My check engine light came on so I tightened the gas cap and waited a few days, but the light stayed on. I figured my only choice at this point was to have someone hook it up to a scanner and tell me what's up. $92 later, I find out it's due to the gas cap being loose (code P1456), but the light had to be manually reset. When I asked about that, I'm told "sometimes it won't reset itself, even after the fault clears". Huh.
Anyway, I seem to remember that some OBD2 modules had LED's on them that you could read. Can someone tell me if this is true on the '00 TL and if so, where is the module located? Also, as an afterthought, could I just pull the battery connection to reset the OBD2?
BTW, I see that Harbor Freight has a scanner for $40. Not too sure I trust thier stuff though.

-Ken

 

For future reference, many parts stores (Napa, Checker, etc.) will scan your car for FREE. If it is something simple like the gas cap, then you shouldn't have to worry about anything. I would say for $40, I would try the Harbor Freight scanner. My thoughts on their products go like this, if it is something you don't use very often, try the cheap one. If it is something you use a lot, get the name brand as MOST of their stuff will wear out with constant use.

As far as I know, you can NOT reset the OBD 2 simply by disconecting the battery.

 

 

I found this one on Amazon for $184.99 shipped (I used Froogle.com and found a dicount code and had it shipped Super Saver). It's a quality piece and it also gives real time display and freeze frame of what's going on with the engine while it's running. You can also clear all trouble codes. It'll work on any OBDII car and OBDI if you buy the right cables extra.

http://www.actron.com/product_detail.php?pid=16150

 

Well if the obdII gets its info from the pcm. there is a way to reset the pcm by removing the No.13 clock Back-up fuse (7.5a) from the passengers under dash fuse/relay box for 10 seconds. But after doing that you are (supposed) to do the PCM idle learn procedure.

 

What is this?

 

I'm pretty sure it has to do with slowly opening the throttle body while the PCM is in some sort of "learn" mode.

 

THe pcm idle learn is a multistep process in my helms manual. If you like when I get home I could post it. If you had an obdII you wouldn't have to do this to reset the pcm. BUt since we dont and have to reset the pcm manually you have to do this process.

 

I unplugged my ecu a while back when I was messing with the TL-S Ecu I got. Should I do this procedure? If you could post it or send it to me via email, I would really appreciate it. Thanks!
danw@frii.com

 

Disconnect the battery for 30sec that will reset the computer and turn off the check engine light.

 

Tnx. Seems like a lot at first for something that may only get used a few times, but even at list of $300, a few times and it's paid for. Now that I think about it, $300 aint sh!t anymore!

 

Hey dans99tl you requested I post this. I am not an acura mechanic (enough said) this doesnt look like a 5 min process

PCM IDLE LEARN PROCEDURE





after resetting pcm: Page 11-158 helms manual 99-03 tl


Disconnect battery terminals.

remove or disconnect pcm connectors.

remove the drivers or passengers under-dash fuse relay box.

remove the battery (120a) fuse from the underhood fuse/relay box.

remove the No.13 clock back-up (7.5A) Fuse fromthe passengers under dash fuse/relay box.

Remove the PGM-FI main relay.

Disconnect starter cable terminal from the under hood fuse/relay box.

Disconnect the connectors between engine wire harness and left engine compartment wire harness.

Disconnect the connectors between the dashboard wire harness A and the dashboard wire harness B.

Disconnect the ground terminals, G1,G2,G101, and G102.



TO complete the idle learn process, do this:

Make sure all electrical items (a/c, audio, rear window defogger, lights, etc.,) are off.

Start engine, and hold at 3,000 rpm with no load (in park or neutral) until the radiator fan comes on, or until the engine coolant temperature reaches 194 degrees F. 90 C.

Let the engine idle for about 5 mins with the throttle fully closed.

NOTE: if the radiator fan comes on, do not include its running time in the 5 mins.

 

Thanks for the info, I'm thinking I will have to get access to a Helms before I can complete all the required steps. Not sure, but it looks like what you essentially do is remove power from anything that will hold a memory before completing this.

I am going to try removing the plugs from the ecu and battery, then try the rest. I wonder if there is any indication of if it was done successfully when done?

Rep points to nucleusTL for info, Thanks!