How to Reset the Engine Light on a 1998 Ford Explorer OBD II

The procedure for resetting the engine light on your OBD-II-equipped 1998 Ford Explorer differs slightly from the procedure employed on pre-1996 models. The enhanced memory of the 1998 Ford will, in some cases, continue to store the fault code that had turned on the light, even if the battery is disconnected. This, along with longer computer battery discharge times found in the OBD-II-equipped vehicles, makes the simple disconnection of the battery impractical. However, with the proper equipment, the average home mechanic can clear any stored trouble codes and reset the engine light in just a few minutes.

Instructions

1

Turn off the engine and install the code reader. In the 1998 Ford Explorer, the OBD-II diagnostic connector is located under the driver side of the dash, below the steering wheel, behind a small cover. Insert your finger in the opening of the cover and pry it out to expose the connector. Plug the cable from the code reader or scan tool into the OBD-II connector.

2

Turn on the ignition switch, but do not start the engine. The code reader or scan tool will be powered up by the Explorer's diagnostic connector. Press the "Read" button on the code reader, or choose the "OBD-II Diagnostics" option followed by "Read Codes," if you are using a scan tool. Record the codes for future reference. Some scan tools and code readers will not allow you to erase codes until they have been read.

3

Press the "Erase" button on the code reader and select "Yes" when the prompt asks if you are sure you want to erase the codes. Wait for the code reader prompt indicating the codes have been successfully erased.

4

Press the scan tool's "Back" button, if you are using a scan tool to clear the codes and reset the light, until you reach the "OBD-II Diagnostics" menu, then select "Clear Codes." Answer "Yes" when the prompt asks if you are sure that you want to erase the codes. Wait for the tool to inform you that the codes are cleared.

5

Turn the ignition key off and remove the code reader or scan tool from the diagnostic connector. Reinstall the cover over the connector under the dash. Test-drive the Explorer for about 30 minutes, allowing the on board computer to run the readiness monitor tests, so as to ensure that the problem has been resolved and the light doesn't come back on.