Hi All

I have 2002 Acura TL. It's been working great until recently when it overheated and I had a check engine light. Went to the local Pep Boys and found that it was the thermostat after they tried to load up all sorts of things I didn't need. They won't reset my computer code until I fork over another $90 bucks so they can check out a couple of the codes and one of which was overheating. Is there a way to reset the codes without getting a code reader?

 

Yes, on the passenger side fuse panel there is a fuse that says backup/ clock. Pull that out for a couple of mins and it will reset the light for you.

 

Thanks just awsome! Thanks. Will that reset the codes also? Just in case there is a problem. I wouldn't to be dealing with old codes.

 

^it will clear the codes.
but if its a problem with the car, the code will come back.

 

That's fine. I don't want to ignore real problems.

 

One last thing. Does the reset affect the radio where I need to re input the code to get it to work?

 

^ i have a 3G TL. in my car, if i disconnect the battery, the navi and radio will need a code in order to operate.

I believe its the same for your car.

 

Yup, I know about the disconnecting the battery will cause the reset. But pulling the back up/ clock fuse cause the same thing? I can't tell if they're all on the same circuit.

 

Only one way to find out, righT!??!? lol

 

It will not effect the radio or navi if you do it the way I posted. I have even left mine out overnight. It will clear the code but if there is a problem it will come right back.

 

Pulling the clock/backup fuse is the best method as you will NOT have to enter radio or Navi codes

 

clock fuse is the SECRET BACKUP POWER TO ECU
beyond the fuse that says ECU!!

it does an INSTANT full code clearing and puts system in learn mode to make sure all self test are done= see if new codes appear

no effect on radio -thats exactly why we use it!

 

When you disconnect battery negative,,the radio goes into `security mode` thinking it might be getting stolen!
makes it worthless if you cant make it operate

note the low rate of TL breakins for radio theft,,doesnt happen
Take an entire headlight housing,,yes,,but thats about it
steal the whole car or nothing

 

OK.. so I reset the engine light by removing the back up fuse for a min and it worked like a charm except that it knocked out my radio. I'm not sure if I have the code for the radio. Can I get the code from the dealer if I offer up my vin #?

 

It shouldnt have knocked the power to the radio. That is the purpose to the fuse. Did you pull any other fuses first?

 

No.. I was very careful about that. Someone could have messed with the power supply to the radio before I bot it. Im at least the 2nd owner.

 

the fuse is number 12 or 13 7,5 amp and says CLOCK not the ecu fuse

there are a few ways to get radio code depending on year
see threads on here or google search

 

look on places like inside glovebox-edges of its door ,inside fuse panel covers under hood etc
anywhere a marking pen can apply the 4 and 5 digit codes for radio and nav
past owner or saleman may have done that

also reg on www.owners.acura.com there is a chance last owner logged them into the secured system

 

I went back to see what I did. The fuse that I did pul was the back up fuse that's located in the engine area by the passenger side. I forgot and realize now that there's also a fuse box located on the driverside of the dash. Derrrr.

 

If you used one inside the engine bay that's your problem. The one we were talking about is inside the car( on the passenger side dash) there is a panel on the side which you can see with the door open. Pull the panel off and there is a label on the backside of it telling you what each fuse is.