OK I have searched and I haven't found anything as of yet.
I recently had my CEL light go on to find out from the dealer that it was the O2 sensor. They wanted way too much $ to replace it so I did it myself for a fraction of the $. Anyhow, it there a way to get the CEL off? The dealer wants 100 bux just to clear it? (I can't believe that much for plugging in for 2 mins?)
I was planning on selling my 05 and replacing it with a new JCW, but now I am thinking again with all the markup the dealer charges.
I know I can buy a reader for 150, but I am selling my Mini soon and it may just be replaced with a 135i, so I don't want to have wasted $.
Anyone in Charlotte that has a reader I can use?
Thanks guys
Dinger

 

I have a basic generic code reader I bought at Harbor Freight for way less that $100 - Just used it this AM to clear a "rich" condition SES light - my car throws codes periodically due to some of my mods... so I always just carry a reader around and deal with it -

I use this one:
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=94217

 

Any other options out there besides buying a reader?
Im just trying to get rid of this light..
I heard that Auto Zone may be able to clear codes?
Thanks

 

have scanners that you can borrow. Or call a local shop. Depending on the code, it may clear itself. Some latch (need to be cleared), some will reset if you do enough "driving cycles".

Really, no matter what car you own in the future, a code scanner is a good tool to have. If you do choose to buy one, get one with the standard interfaces as well as CAN (all US cars will use CAN by 2008 or 2009 model year....)

If you just want fast and dirty, call the places like AutoZone to see if they have a loaner, or the local shops. Should take all of 5 min to do...

Matt

 

Around here, the AutoZone's etc all tell me that they're not allowed to clear codes... just read them....which is why I bought a reader to begin with.

 

Just purchased a Scangauge II and although I haven't had any codes, I believe the manual says it will clear them as well.

 

A good OBDII reader will clear codes. Look at ebay for some....Make sure you get OBD2 not OBD1.

 

I bought the same one as Blimey a couple of years back when on another car I went to dealer to clear a reoccuring 02 sensor code to which they told me they charge $75 just to clear it! So the scanner pays for itself very quickly. They are very simple to use, just make sure as Dr Onxs says to get one that is CAN OBDII compatible.

 

Autozone and Napa have OBDII readers as loan-a-tools. The Autozone employees won't clear the codes, but if you borrow the tool and plug it in yourself, you can clear the codes. You give them a deposit that is fully refunded when you return the tool. They have tons of other tools, too, like pulley removal tools, etc., etc. Ask to see the list.

The nice thing is that their tools are generally kept up to date. If you buy a tool (which would be odd, knowing you can get one for free any time you want) make sure it can be updated.

Also, you can reset service lights (not CEL's) without any tools in a MINI. Do a search.

 

The light will eventually clear itself if the problem is resolved. It may take quite a few drive cycles for it to count back down to 0 though.