Camry Forums - Toyota Camry Forum

Toyota Camry 1997-2001: How to Reset Check Engine Light

Many times, the Check Engine Light (CEL) can come on, seemingly unprovoked. Perhaps you've made some changes to your vehicle, or repaired some wonky sensors and need to clear the engine light. Regardless, here's the quick and easy way to reset the CEL that is currently plaguing your dash.

By Jeffrey Smith - July 20, 2015

This article applies to the Toyota Camry (1997-2001).

If you see the check engine light but your car is otherwise acting normally, chances are the check engine light is reporting something relatively minor. Sometimes the light will come on because of a bad sensor giving the car faulty information and what is indicated as the problem isn't really the problem. Because of all these variables and possibilities, when your light does come on, the smartest thing you can do is have an OBD-II scanner hooked up to learn what the exact issue really is. If it is anything minor that doesn't necessarily have to be attended to immediately, you can reset that light so it is no longer illuminated. Although you can easily do this yourself in a matter of seconds, this is not a solution to your problem. To totally correct the cause you still need to eventually get it taken care of.

Materials Needed

  • 10 mm wrench or socket, optional
  • OBD-II scanner tool (optional)

Step 1 – Locate fuse box

  • Get in the driver's seat.
  • Locate the fuse box cover under the steering column.
  • Pull off the cover to reveal the fuses.
Figure 1. Locate the fuse box near the steering column on the driver's side.

Step 2 – Remove the ECU fuse

  • Check the diagram on the inside of the fuse cover to locate the ECU fuse.
  • Pull the fuse labeled for the ECU.
Figure 2. Pull the fuse designated for the ECU.

Step 3 – Turn on your car

  • Turn the ignition to the ON position only, but don't turn over the engine.
  • Wait for a few minutes.
  • Replace the ECU fuse.
  • The CEL should flash, then go out.

Figure 3. The CEL should be out when you restart your car.

Pro Tip

If your light comes back on soon after you start driving it again, then there is definitely a problem that needs to be checked out.

Related Discussions