DOES ANYONE KNOW HOW TO RESET THE ON BOARD CAR COMPUTER ....TO MAKE THE "CHECK ENGINE" LIGHT GO OFF?? 96 MONTERO

Normally to clear the error codes in your computer, simply disconnect the battery for an hour or so, When you reconnect the battery the error code will be cleared. However if the mechanical problem that caused the error code persists, the check engine light will go on again as soon as you run the engine...If this happens you will need to diagnose the error. To do this locate the computer dianostic plug under the drivers side of the dash. this is white and looks like it should plug into something. Now get an analogue volt meter and connect one terminal to the upper rightmost side plug socket and the other terminal to the left most lower socket. The frequency of the electrical pulses will show you an error code, eg: continuous short pulses indicates 'no errors'. I don't have the error code chart on hand but if you refer to a workshop manual (usually found at public library) this will tell you whats up. Better yet pay a professional to fix it.

See how you go

Regards

RichardRidout

Yes...
1) Disconnect the battery.
2) Go inside and enjoy a beer.
3) After consuming the beer (don't guzzle it) go back out and reconnect the battery. Should take about 5-10 minutes before your ECU reset's it's memory.

HTH.

I'm not sure what local car parts retailers you have where you are but here we have "Autozone". Autozone has a code reader that they actually lend out with a drivers licence. The code reader on my model actually shows a digital display of the code and a description. My Montero is a 2000 and a 96 may use a different reader but there is one available the only difference is that one is a digital like mine and one has a red light that flashes a code and theres a manual to refference the code in. Either way you can read what caused the code and clear it if you like. In my truck the connection for this reader is below the steering wheel in the cab but others may be drivers side under hood by master cilinder. Hope this helps 8)

Here's a URL of a descrition of how the code reader works hope it helps http://idmoc.com/Download/MITSUBISHI%20ERR...0DIAGNOSTIC.pdf

O.K. Linked topic I guess: how do I get the Maintenance Required light to go off. It doesn't need a service - it's just had one - but the light is still on. Anyway to do it without going to the dealer (lots of hassle and expense where I live)
Steve

Maint. Req'd switch is located on the back of the inst. cluster. Simply remove the bezel and press the switch located on the rear right hand side of the cluster board.

hope this helps :-)

-aaron

If you have a 1996 or newer Montero, it has the OBD II diagnostics and you will need a code reader to properly read and analyze the codes. Also, after you clear the codes either with the code reader or by disconnecting the battery, you will need to drive the car from between 50 miles to as much as 200 miles before the on board computer will actually be totally reset. If the original problem which caused the light to come on in the first place isn't fixed, your light will come back on once the drive cycles for the computer are completed.

I am having a problem with my 1997 Montero as well, however I do have the code readers and the list of what the codes are as well as the Mitsubishi technical service bulletins which outline the procedures for completing the drive cycles and fully re-setting the computer so it can be read for emissions testing. Problem is, I think my PCM (the computer) is bad as I have followed all the procedures and in the process put almost 300 miles on it, but the computer will NOT reset. My MIL or check engine light is out but that doesn't mean anything if the computer isn't reset and ready to start reading all the sensors again.

Randy A.