How to Reset the ECU (Service Engine Soon Light) on a Nissan Maxima
by Don BowmanReset the service engine soon light on a Nissan Maxima with a code scanner or manually from inside the car. Nissan actually has a procedure to access the fault codes and to erase them and reset the computer. The majority of late model cars have a check engine light for the computer and a service engine soon light for required maintenance like oil changes. Nissan only uses one light --- the service engine soon light --- to take care of these functions. The only way to keep the light off is to repair the problem that turned the light on before attempting to turn it off.
Step 1
Turn the ignition switch to the on position but do not start the car. Count three seconds and then press the gas pedal to the floor and let it up five times in five seconds or less.
Step 2
Count seven seconds, depress the gas pedal and hold it down for 10 seconds or until the service engine soon light begins flashing. Lift the pedal and begin to make a note of the codes. Each code will be a series of four numbers. Count the flashes from one to 10, 10 being 0. This will be the first number, then there will be a short pause of around a half second and it will begin flashing the second number. After the fourth number is flashed there will be a longer pause and the computer will flash the next fault code, if there is more than one. If there is only one fault code it will simply keep repeating this code. If the computer keeps flashing a 10 code, this means that there are no fault codes. After retrieving the codes turn the ignition off.
Step 3
Cross-reference the fault codes with the code sheet for a description of the problem. Repair the problem before attempting to reset the computer.
Step 4
Erase the codes and reset the computer, which will turn the light off, by repeating the first two steps, but when the light begins flashing, hold the gas pedal down until it stops flashing and turn the key off. The computer has now been reset.
Things You'll Need
- Code description sheet (can be purchased at any auto parts store in the form of a code book or service manual)
Writer Bio
Don Bowman has been writing for various websites and several online magazines since 2008. He has owned an auto service facility since 1982 and has over 45 years of technical experience as a master ASE tech. Bowman has a business degree from Pennsylvania State University and was an officer in the U.S. Army (aircraft maintenance officer, pilot, six Air Medal awards, two tours Vietnam).
