How do you reset a service engine soon light in a 1998 corvette convertable?

Answer 1

Vehicles of this vintage (1996 and up) generally have a electronic ODB II (Open Data Base Second Generation) port located under the dash on the driver's side where a diagnostic tool can be plugged in to "read" the code that caused the check engine light to come on.

An error that lasts for more than a few seconds will cause the light to remain lit until reset. The best (and cheapest) way to determine the code and reset the check engine light is to take your car and driver's license down to your local Checkers/Schucks/Kragen auto parts store. Ask to borrow the Check Engine Diagnostic tool. They generally do not charge to use the Diagnostic tool at their location. They will hold on to your license while you have the tool and go out to the car plug in the tool and turn the key to power the car but NOT start it. Then follow the instructions that appear on the diagnostic tool's display screen. You will receive your error codes and then be asked if you wish to reset the light. The staff at the parts store can help you translate the code. They are written for technicians with a full service manual (a vacuum leak code for example generally means you fuel cap was not on tightly enough and caused the error).

If the light stays off after a day or so of normal driving then the issue should have resolved itself. If it returns then discuss it with the parts store staff, they are generally very helpful. They make their living selling you the parts to fix your car and not off of the labor.

To make things easier than struggling in the parking lot, find and expose the ODB II port prior to going to the parts shop. This may require you to remove several screws and dust cover to get to the wiring under the dash and steering wheel.