Silly question, but I got a new OBD reader and it's much different than the previous one I was used to. Just a hobbyist obviously but I'm wondering what the best way would be to cause the car to throw a code or CEL (without damaging it, obviously lol) and then I can use the reader to appropriately view + clear it.

Thanks for any non-sarcastic suggestions

 

Unplug one of the O2 sensors would be my vote.

 

Can't believe I didn't think of that as an obvious one - thank you

 

Or the EGR valve

 

Or leave the gas cap loose

unplugging any engine related sensor will set it off

 

Me, too...you're usually on top of this stuff...lol.

 

there's always more to learn!

 

So, an update....

I just unplugged the EGR valve. Started the car and let it run, no code lol. Tried it again and nothing. Not sure what that means, unless it doesn't throw a CEL.

So then I unplugged a downstream o2 sensor. Did throw the code and saw it on the device. But now, I can't clear it. Even though everything appears to work on my end.

My neighbor has a Corolla that needed a code cleared came over. It worked on his car just fine. But I've tried clearing the CEL about 5 separate times now on the TL and it won't go away....the o2 sensor is indeed plugged back in.

Any thoughts? Lol

 

Disconnect the battery??

 

I'll try that this afternoon, hopefully it's that easy. I'm realizing, in all of my years of ownership of this car, not once have I seen the CEL. Feels pretty sacrilegious that I've caused it to appear and now this haha...

 

Updated / Solution for anyone wondering in the future - unplugging o2 sensor will indeed throw CEL, and disconnecting the battery will reset said CEL if your OBD reader is unable to clear it.