Question about clearing codes on 97

52271 · Jul 21, 2005

I am wondering if anyone out there has some information on clearing codes for a 1997 sport. I have read that on the YJs it is ok to clear the code by disconnecting the batter for a few seconds. Does this work on 1997s as well?

I ask this because you can also get the codes from a 1997 through the check engine light and odometer using the ignition on and off method, and you (as far as i know from what i've read) can't do this on 1998 and later models.

So can you clear the codes by dissconnecting the battery? or is it recommended not to do this? any ideas?

rokbolt · Jul 21, 2005

I have been able to do that on my 97. The only code it didnt clear of course was the code for the battery being unplugged.

Fritz R. · Jul 21, 2005

Disconnecting the battery has worked for me.

57272 · Jul 21, 2005

I've reset my 01 by disconnecting the battery cables from the battery and letting it sit for 10 minutes or so. I heard its not a good idea to do it too often though. But it worked for me.

SlinkyTJ · Jul 21, 2005

Yeah, disconnect the battery and then turn the key, or step on the brakes, or something like that to drain the system, then hook everything back up. It worked on my 03.

spinnjase · Jul 22, 2005

i heard autozone can clear the codes. is that true?

J

mdm · Jul 22, 2005

TJRoCStaR said:
I heard its not a good idea to do it too often though.

Some states will read the codes during the vehicle inspection to see if there are any codes related to emissions controls issues. If there is not enough engine start up cycles recorded by the system they will not pass the vehicle because you may be trying to cover up a problem by clearing the codes. I'm not sure how many cycles are required or if the number varies from state to state (AL doesn't do any kind of vehicle inspection). My understanding is that a "cycle" is defined by the system as starting the engine, warming to "operating temperature", shut down, and cool off. So starting the engine and shutting it off over and over without the warm up and cool down doesn't count for building up the recorded number of cycles.

Other than this issue with vehicle inspections, I haven't seen any problem with clearing the codes regardless of the method used. There is supposed to be a "learning" mode that takes place in the system during the first miles after the system is cleared. On other types of vehicles I've had occasions when I had to disconnect the battery several times over a short number of days and I didn't notice any problems with performance. Was it luck or maybe the type of vehicles I was working on? Or is it just not an issue?

AutoZone will read and clear the codes for you. Once they pull the codes they will give you a printout describing the code and the recommended fix. Not a bad service.

Question about clearing codes on 97

Our Vendors

Top Contributors this Month

Recommended Communities