Dave Redinger's The Neighborhood Mechanic - Electronic Fuel Injection
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Some vehicles that are equipped with EFI (electronic fuel injection) are also equipped with service reminder lights that inform the driver that maintenance is required. After completing service, the maintenance reminder must be reset. The following is an excerpt of what we go through to complete a reset. The name of the manufacture has been withheld to protect the innocent……….OK, it’s VOLVO.
To reset the maintenance reminder, a code must be entered into the processor controlling the instrument cluster. To enter the code, follow this procedure: Locate the diagnostic connectors in the engine compartment behind the passenger's side headlights. Lift the protective cap on the "A" connector, put the attached jumper wire into socket A7, turn on the ignition, and enter test mode four, by pressing the button on the diagnostic connector four times, for about one second each. Wait for the LED on the diagnostic connector to come on, then enter code 1-5-1, by pressing the button once for about a second, after the LED comes back on, pressing the button five times, then when the LED comes on again, pressing it once. If the code has been accepted, the LED should flash rapidly two or three times. Remove the jumper wire and turn off the ignition. When the ignition is turned back on, the maintenance reminder should be off.
And you wonder why car repairs cost so much.
I have a 1999 Pontiac Sunfire. The car has 69,000 km on it and runs great. When the car has been left sitting for the day in the hot summer sun, I have problems starting it. Also, if I do short trips, parking it and starting it up again I encounter the same problem. In the winter months, there is no problem at all! Any thoughts ?
The best way to resolve this type of issue is to have the car scanned by a professional. There are two known issues with this type of vehicle for hot staring problems. The ignition coil may weak and may not have enough energy to fire a hot engine. Secondly the coolant temp sensor is subject to corrosion and may not be supplying a correct reading. GM supplies a replacement harness to resolve this failure. Don't self diagnose, work with a mechanic you trust.
Dave Redinger a mechanic with over 40 yrs of experience. Dave operates his shop “DOCTOR H HONDA SPECIALISTS in Toronto for the last 25 yrs.
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