Computer Reset on a 97 355

Hey Tom:

Get an OBD-II scanner and you can clear the codes that way....if you don't have a scanner you can go to AutoZone and they will let you borrow theirs for free.

 

Tom, be aware that after you clear your codes your car will not be ready to test for up to 200 miles. After the reset the OBDII needs to complete a cycle of your sensors. In Cali all but 2 of your sensors need to have competed a test cycle. Depending on driving conditions it could take 200 miles of driving before the tech plugs in to your obii and says you are ready to test. If you buy your own tester then you can leave it conected to your car. If the icon for each of your sensors is blinking then it has not completed its test. You have to wait until you get all but 2 lights solid.

Also you may first want to check the air pump fuse in the pass fotwell. I worked on my buddies car and he had the same problem. We put in some higher octane gas and replaced the fuse and whalla it passed. Not sure which one it was but it worked.

 

sorry just re read your post. Sounds like you will need to reset your check engine light. Also was your cel on or did the tech say it was a pending code ?

 

P1119 = O2 sensor heater circuit (pre cat sensor) Bank 2, sensor 1. Driver's side precat O2 sensor needs replacement.

Have you had the OBDII plug recall/update peformed on your car? It is free at any FNA dealer, and required in order for the OBDII scanner to work on your car.

Your car should not need a 200 mile drive cycle after clearing the codes. I was told by a FNA technician that the Motronic only requires two separate 30 minute drive cycles after clearing the codes. But I could be wrong...

 

OK that makes sense. If the light is off then you had a pending code that you can pull with an OBD II reader. If the CEL is on or all but 2 of your sensors have completed a cycle, YOU WILL NOT be pass a Cal Smog Test. An illuminated CEL is automatic failure. Lets communicate via PMand I wil walk you through it.

I was a California Licensed Smog Technician years ago. Not much has changed since then but the Cal Smog Testing has becoming insanely stringent.

 

There are contionous sensors and sensors that read only during certain cycles, (ie, the EVAP will only test with a certain level of fuel in the tank).

In order to smog test in Cali, after a CEL reset the OBDII needs to complete an entire drive cycle. It will not do a drive cycle at WOT.

Google "OBDIIdrive cycle" and you will see the 25 steps one must follow to force a drive cycle. Each manufacturer has a slightly different procedure.

Example, "turn on rear window defogger (on a Ford), start car and accelerate to 50 mph, DO NOT touch the brakes, slow to 25 MPH, hold for 2 minutes, etc, etc. Some procdures have 25 steps or more.

It could be done in 30 miles if you know exactly what to do but random driving I put money on it would take over 100 miles to get all of the sensors to go solid on the OBDII reader.

 

You can call your local dealer and have them enter the VIN. You can also compare to this FNA bulletin and see if the pin layout matches. You need to have a ground pin in slot #4.

Sure sounds like you may need to replace all your O2 sensors, but not a bad idea to clear the codes first, and see if they come back to confirm. The more sophisticated OBDII readers will let you read the O2 sensor outputs and confirm immediately.
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The factory fix is to install a 20amp fuse. If you install a 15amp it will blow again, perhaps very soon.

 

Man I m getting good at this

PM me if you get stuck. I was a licensed smog tech years ago. Sounds like you have a several issues. I am not sure if I would reset your codes yet. NO is produced when cylinder temps reach a high temp. So question is what is causing that ? Also every time you do a complete Cali smog test the results are sent to the state. You will need to be strategic in your approach. Also the Seller was responible for furnishing the smog cert. Curious, where is he now ?

 

Which means that your computer was reset recently...which is in poor taste to do prior to selling a car because it erases codes and clears the CEL.

 

Tom, that is a lot of codes. Are you sure you just don't want to put it on the Seller? Regarding parts here is an example: an O2 sensor is around $180 and there are 4 of them. There are alternatives to the factory 02 sensor but you will need to splice the wires. Remember, on these OBDII codes they tell you where to look, but don't identify the exact remedy. I think you will get through it but it is going to take some time. Also, once you throw the CEL light then you will need to make the repair, reset the light, and then drive again. With gas at over $4.00 a gallon it could get costly.

Just my .002

 

I bought the correct Bosch O2 sensors with OEM connector for around $70 each. No splice required but they did not come in a yellow box with horses! If I recall correctly f355 spider gave me the tip. I can check for source if interested.

 

Clearing individual codes is not the same thing as reseting the computer, although reseting the computer does also clear the codes.