2007 Chrysler Sebring MIL/Malfunction Indicator Lamp

MAX SHAPIRO

MEMBER
2007 CHRYSLER SEBRING
4 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
56,000 MILES

My MIL with the message gas cap came on recently. I replaced the gas cap and the gas cap message did go away. However, the MIL icon is still there. I've tried resetting with the odometer button on the trip a & b modes, I put the key in the ignition, turned to on but not start, for 30 - 40 seconds and it didn't flash but it's still on. The manual says it should have gone off or could over time with normal driving. That seems like a weak answer to me as I know other cars can reset the check engine icon. Do you have any suggestions?

1 Reply

CARADIODOC

MECHANIC
33,916 POSTS

I'm not aware of any vehicle that the driver can turn off the Check Engine light by pressing buttons. That goes against EPA regulations. If all problems are gone, and no new ones are detected, all stored fault codes are erased after approximately 50 starts. That is considered "normal driving", not a weak answer. The code was for a lose gas cap. That didn't mean it had to be replaced.

The proper way to turn the light off is to have your mechanic connect a hand-held computer called a scanner that can erase the codes. You can also disconnect the battery for a minute, but that will introduce a bunch of new problems including loss of long and short term fuel trims from memory. "Minimum throttle" will also be lost from memory causing the engine to stall unless you hold your foot on the gas pedal.

Caradiodoc