Repair And Fix it

Like most ponderings in automotive repair, the question of removing spark plug wires from a running engine isnt necessarily so much one of "could" as it is of "should." Technically, yes, you can yank the plug wires off of a running engine just as easily as you could one that isnt running, but it may not necessarily prove conducive to you or your cars good health.

You Could

Removing a plug wire from a running engine isnt likely to result in catastrophic engine failure, particularly if you put it back on shortly afterward. All spark plugs misfire from time to time, you just dont notice it because its intermittent, random and usually happens so quickly that the cylinders firing again before the engine has a chance to vibrate. So, intentionally creating a misfire by removing the plug wire for a few seconds or even a few minutes isnt likely to destroy anything on most engines.

Common Effects on the Engine

Most engines have a rubber ring on the front of the crankshaft called a harmonic balancer; on the outer edge of the balancer is a heavy, metal ring. When the explosions in the engines cylinders push down on the pistons, the forces they exert quickly accelerate the crankshaft. When that accelerations over, the crank tries to slow down, resulting in a constant cycle of acceleration and deceleration that manifests as vibration in the crankshaft. The metal ring on the balancer resists these sudden, but tiny, vibrations and keep the crank from tearing itself in two. Over a long enough period of time, a dead cylinder and the resultant heavy vibration will over-work the balancer, causing it to fail. Once that happens, you could be looking at serious damage to the engine.

Effects on the Converter

Your cars catalytic converter works something like a blast furnace to convert toxic gases produced by your engine into more inert forms that wont drown polar bears or grow fish with three eyes. The converter takes advantage of unburned fuel -- which is, itself, a pollutant -- coming from your engine and uses it to fuel the furnace in the converter matrix. More fuel means more heat. Killing the spark in one cylinder will drastically increase the amount of fuel pouring into your exhaust, which will, at some point, cause the converter to overheat and fail. The engines control computer will compensate for this to some extent, but you can count on extra fuel going into the exhaust.

Lean-Out

Depending upon the computers control strategy, disconnecting a plug wire and leaving it that way could seriously fry something. When the oxygen sensor detects excess fuel in the exhaust, your cars computer may assume that this represents a net excess of fuel through all the cylinders. It will respond by decreasing the amount of fuel injected to all of the other cylinders in order to get the air/fuel ratio back in line. The resulting lean condition will increase combustion chamber temperature, causing overheating, detonation in the engine and, eventually, complete meltdown. Most computers do have programming provisions to account for a dead cylinder, and wont react this way; but some dont, and theres no way to be sure unless you know exactly how your fuel injection system thinks.

Safety Issues

Before pulling the plug wire off of a running engine, bear in mind that your are, in fact, grabbing a live wire with about 40,000 volts worth of electricity coursing through it. Normally, this electricity will pass through the plug wire and race to the spark plug, which acts as a ground. But when you remove that ground, the spark is going to find the next, most convenient ground. If you happen to be touching the body of the car when you pull the wire off, then you become that ground. While electricity normally wouldnt arc through the insulation, even if it is a bit old and damaged, removing the primary ground will make that spark pretty determined to get out whatever way it can. Its not likely to kill you unless you have heart or nervous system problems, since the amperage is very low -- but the sensation is rather, shall we say, "life affirming."

Your Acura generates and stores fault codes whenever there is a problem with a solenoid, valve or sensor. This will show up on your instrument panel as "Service Engine" or other warning light. Once you have the codes checked and the vehicle serviced by a qualified mechanic, you need to clear the codes. Usually the mechanic can and will do this, but not always. Not only is it annoying to have the light remain on your instrument panel, it is also bad for the vehicles computer, which may not able to keep track of when your next servicing is due. You dont need any special tools to clear the service engine light on your Acura. Its a relatively easy fix.

Instructions

1

Put the key into the ignition and turn the engine to the "off" position on your Acura.

2

Find the reset button on the odometer located on the instrument panel. Press and hold this button while simultaneously turning the key in the ignition to the on or "II" position.

3

Hold the button for about 10 to 15 seconds, then release it. The "service engine soon" light will go out.

4

Turn off the vehicle, then turn the engine on. Verify that the "service engine soon" light is still off.

Defining Rebuild

Having your engine rebuilt will cost between $1,100 and $3,000, depending on the size and type of engine. A rebuild restores every part to original manufacturers specifications, and may include parts of your current engine. This is different from an overhaul in that an overhaul only fixes things that are worn out. A rebuild essentially starts over and includes used parts.

Other Options

The engine is the most expensive piece of your automobile, so whatever you do, you will be spending a lot. "Crate" engines also are available, which are brand new engines. The cost usually is a little more, but you are getting all new parts and usually a longer warranty. The ultimate option of course, is to trade in your car for a new or different car.

Bottom Line

A lot depends on how attached you are to your automobile, and its overall condition. If there are other major issues, such as transmission or suspension problems, or body damage, you might be better off getting a new or different car.

An engine lift, also called a hoist, is a heavy-duty piece of equipment used to lift automobile engines out of the chassis so that mechanics can work on or replace them. Engine lifts are manufactured by numerous companies, but designs are generally the same with similar parts. A typical engine hoist is composed of a stand, a jack, (also called a hydraulic ram) and a boom with chains and hook attachments.

The Stand

The engine lift stand, also called the legs or frame, is a foundation that stabilizes the lift and bears the weight of the engine when the lift is loaded. A good engine lift stand is made of steel or other sturdy, durable metal. Many engine lift stands are equipped with pivoting casters with locking brakes so that the entire lift can be easily and safely moved or repositioned.

The Jack or Hydraulic Ram

The jack or hydraulic ram composes the vertical, central portion of an engine hoist, and is the part of the device that does the actual lifting. The hydraulic jack functions similarly to a car jack, and is equipped with a lever operated by manually pumping it to raise the engine incrementally. All hydraulic rams should be equipped with a safety device to control how quickly the lift lowers the engine, and to prevent it from slipping or dropping.

The Boom, Chains and Hooks

The boom is a long, horizontal arm, usually equipped with chains and hooks, that is mounted onto the hydraulic jack. A boom is designed to balance load forces so that a loaded engine lift will not tip over. Once the hooks are attached to the engine, the boom rises incrementally as the hydraulic jack is pumped, lifting the engine free of the chassis. The chains allow the engine to dangle from the boom with some horizontal motion, which makes it easier to maneuver the engine.

A 2002 Ford pickup is equipped with an On-Board Diagnostic II (OBD II) computer. This computer reads trouble codes sent from sensors positioned throughout the vehicle, and it keeps track of when the pickup needs to be serviced. When you see the Service Engine Soon light illuminate on your instrument panel, this is information being sent to you from the vehicles computer. Make sure you service the engine first before you attempt to reset and turn off the light. Otherwise the light will just keep turning back on and it wont accurately keep track of when your vehicle needs servicing.

Instructions

1

Lift up the hood of the pickup and prop it open. Remove the battery cable from the negative side of the battery using a 1/2-inch end wrench. Let the truck sit for about five minutes. Put the cable back in place and close the hood.

2

Put the key into the ignition and start the engine. Look at your instrument panel to see if the Service Engine Soon light turned off. If it didnt turn off, go to an auto parts store and buy an OBD-II code scanner to reset the light.

3

Plug the connector on the OBD-II code scanner into the port to the left under the steering column. Put the key into the ignition and turn the car on but dont start the engine. Key into your scanner your pickups make, model and engine size.

4

Wait for the trouble code for Service Engine Soon to appear on the scanner. When it does, press "delete." Remove the scanner from the port and start the engine. The light should now turn off.

A boron-based additive makes motor oil more slippery, according to the Argonne National Laboratory. Boric acid particles can reduce friction between engine parts in an automobile and thus reduce metal wear.

History

In 1991, scientist Ali Erdemir discovered that boric acid could make surfaces slicker than Teflon. He also found that reducing the boric acid to nanoparticles enhanced this quality by staying in suspension in motor oil rather than separating.

Fuel Savings

Reducing friction reduces the amount of energy lost as heat and results in up to a 5 percent decrease in fuel consumption. Furthermore, boric acid is cheap to make and is neither a hazardous or toxic material.

Further Developments

Some commercial motor oils with boron-derived nanoparticles are available. Erdemir expects such particles will have wider applications in other industries, including medicine, aviation and air conditioning.

Pontiac has always been GMs excitement division, and its V-8 production strategy was one reason its stayed that way for so long. Unlike many other divisions that had large- and small-block engine families, Pontiac had only one engine that spanned from 265 all the way up to 455 cubic inches. Smaller-displacement engines like the 350 were oft-overlooked cult classics, mostly because of serious junkyard upgrades in the form of higher flowing heads, intakes and cam packages for the 428 and 455.

Rotation Direction

Most V-8 and V-6 engines use common-journal crankshafts, meaning that the connecting rods from two opposing cylinders ride on one arm of the crankshaft. Such is the case here: Pistons 1 and 2 share a crankshaft arm, as do 3 and 4, 5 and 6, and 7 and 8. Knowing this, and the fact that the even numbers are on the passenger side of the block, you can figure out the direction of rotation from the engines firing order.

The Pontiacs firing order is 2-1-8-4-3-6-5-7. Notice that in this order, you have a couple of pairs: 2-1 and 6-5. Since you know that those cylinders share a common arm, you can deduce that the crankshaft hits the passenger side first, and then the driver side. Theore, the crankshaft rotation is clockwise when looking at the engine from the front, counterclockwise when looking at it from the rear. Inside the distributor, the rotor spins counterclockwise.

The On-Board Diagnostics computer (OBD) in a 2006 Chevy has a maintenance light that turns on when your vehicle is ready for an oil change. You need to change the oil and manually reset the light. All you need to reset and turn off the light is a few moments of your time and your ignition key. Dont attempt to reset the light before you change the oil, as the computer wont be able to keep track of when your next oil change is due.

Instructions

1

Put the key in the ignition and turn it to "Run", but dont start the engine.

2

Push down on the accelerator three times within five seconds. Make sure you press the pedal all the way to the floor each time. Examine the instrument cluster to see if the engine oil light is flashing. Let it flash until it stops, probably in about ten seconds.

3

Turn off the vehicle and remove the key. Wait a minute, and then put the key back in the ignition and start the engine. Verify that the engine oil light has turned off. If it hasnt, repeat the process. You may have to press down harder and faster on the pedal.

The 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse has an On-Board Diagnostics system that monitors the vehicles emissions components and many of the vehicles mechanical aspects. When the "Service Engine" light illuminates on the instrument panel, you need to take your vehicle to a qualified mechanic for service before resetting the light. Otherwise, the computer wont be able to determine the next service date. Also, you will be erasing the trouble codes your mechanic needs to diagnose the problem.

Instructions

1

Find the diagnostic port on the Eclipse on the underside of the dashboard, near the drivers side. Plug the OBD code scanner into the port.

2

Put the key in the ignition and turn the engine to the "On" position. Make sure you dont start the engine. This will power on the code scanner automatically.

3

Wait for the OBD code scanner to run through its test. When it displays the trouble codes, write them on a piece of paper. Take the codes to your mechanic or look them up yourself in a repair manual. Unplug the code scanner and have the vehicle serviced.

4

Repeat Steps 1 and 2. Wait for the trouble codes to appear. Press "Delete" or another similar button on your scanner. This will erase the codes and reset the light. Unplug the scanner from the port and turn off the vehicle.

5

Turn on the engine and verify that the service engine light has turned off.

The General Electric (GE) Company is an American company, headquartered in New York, which started in 1892. The company specializes in technology, energy, capital finance and consumer products and solutions. It also creates engines for transportation equipment, including trains. The GE ES44DC is an engine car created by Cooper Bessemer for the GE Company. GE started producing this engine in 2003.

Dimensions

The dimensions of the GE ES44DC are 73 feet 2 inches long by 15 feet 6.5 inches high to the top of the hood. To the top of the cab, the engine is 15 feet 4.5 inches high, and the cab width is 10 feet 3 inches wide. The hood is 9 feet 11 inches wide, and the walkway is 5 feet 5 inches wide. The truck wheel base is 13 feet 2 inches wide, and the wheel diameter is 3 feet 5 inches. The center bolster is 53 feet, and the total distance between the truck center is 66 feet 2 inches. The trailing edge from the rear truck to rear pilot is 1 foot 7.5 inches, and the leading edge from the front truck to front pilot is also 1 foot 7.5 inches. The engine weighs 416,000 pounds (lbs).

Tanks

The fuel oil tanks can hold up to 5,000 gallons of fuel oil, and the lubricating oil tank holds up to 450 gallons. The total sand capacity is 40 cubic feet (ft3), and the engine cooling water tank holds up to 450 gallons.

Power

The GE ES44DC features a four cycle, GEVO 12 model engine, which generates up to 4,400 horsepower (hp). The minimum revolution per minute (rpm) is 450, and the maximum rpm is 1,050. It moves up to 70 miles per hour (mph), and its gear ratio is 53:20. The engine bore is 9.8 inches, and the engine stroke is 12.6 inches. The engine bore is the diameter of the cylinders, and the stroke is the total length that the pistons move.

Features

This engine comes with six GE 752AH traction motors and dynamic braking. It features Westinghouse model 26L air brakes and a model 3CDC air compressor, and it comes with two Koppers 872-22 tractor motor blowers. The tractive effort is the pulling force of the engine. The starting tractive effort is total force produced at a dead start, and this is 142,000 lbs at 25 percent. The continuous tractive effort is the total amount of force at a certain velocity, and this measurement is 109,000 lbs at 13.7 mph.

As a car part seller, you may have to occasionally ship an engine to a customer in a different state or across the country. The customer is relying on you to ship the engine securely in one piece and without delay. This can be accomplished when you use a reliable freight shipment company and take the necessary precautions when packaging the engine block for delivery.

Instructions

1

Drain all fluids from the engine so it is ready for transportation (see Resources). Ensuring the engine is clear of fluids will help you avoid damage and delays during shipping.

2

Position a sturdy wooden pallet on level ground. Place the engine block in the center of the pallet.

3

Tie down the engine with rope. Ensure the rope goes through the pallets wooden slates as necessary. This will firmly hold the engine block in place.

4

Wrap the stretch wrap around both the engine block and pallet. This will further secure the engine.

5

Deliver the pallet to the freight shippers warehouse or terminal. Alternatively, you can request for the shipper to pick up the shipment from your location, however, this will cost you additional fees.

6

Check the pallet and engine one last time before signing a delivery confirmation agreement with the freight company.

As is true of every automobile engine manufactured since 1981, the EG33 engine in your Subaru has a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) stamped on it during production. This VIN is a type of serial number and it is unique to your particular vehicle. Besides serving as an ID number, the VIN has important information about your car encoded into it, including the production year of the vehicle. The most efficient way to identify the production year of your Subaru is to locate the VIN number on the engine and decode it.

Instructions

1

Locate the VIN number on your EG33 Subaru engine. The VIN number can be found stamped on the machine pad on the front portion of the engine block. It will begin with a "1."

2

Write down the VIN number. Copy every digit precisely, reading from left to right. Your Subaru VIN will consist of 17 digits.

3

Circle the 10th digit of the VIN. Start with the first digit on the left and count to the right. The 10th digit of the VIN on a Subaru represents the year of production. The EG33 engine was used in the 1990s as Subarus stock, six-cylinder engine. Therefore, if the 10th digit of the VIN is "6," the production year of your EG33 engine is 1996.

Engines without excessive wear and serious damage can be rebuilt. This is cheaper than purchasing a new one. Do-it-yourself mechanics maintain quality control over parts and work invested in their engine rebuilding project by using an engine rebuild kit. Rebuild kits reduce the probability of mismatched parts. Engine rebuild kits are available for different vehicles.

Summit Racing

Summit Racing has an engine rebuild kit for the Chevrolet 350 V8 engine manufactured between 1967 and 1986. Part number SUM-SBCKIT1-000 is a complete engine rebuild kit containing piston rings, camshaft bearings and hypereutectic pistons. Suggested pricing for the Summit Racing engine rebuild kit is $221.80.

Enginetech

Enginetech makes a custom engine rebuild kit compatible with all Chrysler models that meets original manufacturing standards. The kit contains pistons, rod bearings and freeze plugs. The pistons come in standard, 0.030, 0.040 and 0.060 inch sizes. Main and rod bearings come in standard, 0.010, 0.020 and 0.030 inch sizes. Suggested retail pricing for the Enginetech Chrysler custom engine rebuild kit is $237.99.

Topline

Topline offers engine rebuild kits for 4-cylinder Acura Integra vehicles. There are 2 versions.The Major kit includes a complete gasket set, timing belt and expansion plugs. The Gold kit offers all Major rebuild kit equipment plus an oil pump. Suggested retail pricing for the Topline Acura Integra Major engine rebuild kit is $280.53. Suggested pricing for the Gold kit is $486.58.

A blown engine can either be a nightmare of epic proportions or a fairly simple weekend project--the difference comes down to knowledge and preparation. Think of your engine disassembly as an autopsy and dont take anything at face value. Stay vigilant for cascading, cause-and-effect failures and expect to spend twice what you think you will. A "blown" engine can be the result of anything, from a simple head gasket failure to a crankshaft snapped in two, so dont buy any new parts until you know whats going on with the engine.

Instructions

1

Diagnose the engine during teardown, taking it slowly and staying organized. Remove the valve covers and intake manifold, checking for debris in the oil and broken valve springs/valve train components. Remove the cylinder heads and examine the piston tops and combustion chamber roofs for signs of oil leakage, water leakage and melted components.

2

Check for cracks in the heads, the combustion chamber and deck surface, the piston tops and cylinder bores and the engine block deck surface. This is just a preliminary check. If you dont see anything wrong, dont assume that the engine is fine; be prepared to take it to a machine shop to have the block and heads magnafluxed to check for cracks invisible to the naked eye. This is especially crucial if the engine blew from overheating.

3

Remove the crankshaft, rods and pistons. Pay close attention to the bearing surfaces, checking for signs of gouging.

4

Send the block to the machine shop to have the crankshaft, bearing bores, cylinders, engine block and cylinder head deck surfaces machined to factory specs. Order whatever new parts you need, including over-sized pistons, rings and bearings.

5

Install the new piston rings onto the pistons. Install the crankshaft bearings into the block, followed by the crankshaft itself, rod bearings then the pistons and connecting rods. Pack the oil pump with petroleum jelly, then install it and the oil pan.

6

Insert the new head gaskets and bolt the heads onto the block. Slide the new camshaft lifter in place. Install the camshaft either into the block or onto the cylinder heads and then install the valve train onto the heads. Install the intake manifold gaskets, intake manifold, exhaust manifold gasket, exhaust manifold, valve cover gaskets and valve cover(s).

7

Fill the engine with oil then use a drill and priming shaft to prime the oil pump. For many engines, the oil pump drive shaft is accessible through the distributor hole. Have an assistant manually turn the crankshaft with a large wrench while you prime. Once you see oil pushing through the valve train, the engine is ready to install and fire up.

Replacing the engine oil in your Volkswagen VR6 with the appropriate engine oil weight is important to maintain proper engine function. The type of oil you use depends on the weather. Oil that functions well in southern Texas may not be appropriate for winters in New England. By taking into account the temperature and information from your owners manual, you can determine the best oil to use in your car.

Temperature Considerations

Temperature should be a primary consideration when choosing engine oil. If you are going to operate your car at temperatures below 15 degrees Fahrenheit, choose an engine oil with a first weight of 10 or lower (e.g. 10W30, 10W40). If you are going to operate your engine above 100 degrees Fahrenheit, use an engine oil in which the second number is at least 50 (e.g. 10W50, 20W50).

Manufacturer Recommendations

VW recommends engine oil meeting Volkswagens "502.00" engine oil standard. Many oils meet the quality standards for Volkswagens 502.00 standard.

Approved Oils

Before purchasing oil, check the bottle or manufacturers website to make sure the oil conforms to Volkswagens standard. If you have any questions, contact your local Volkswagen dealer.

The Cummings 3.9-liter turbo diesel 4BT engine is a straight-4 configuration engine used in automotive applications including small trucks, SUVs and commercial vans in addition to many off-road applications that include boating, construction equipment, farm machinery and other off-road uses. Owing mainly to its ability to generate high torque at lower rpm, this Cummins workhorse engine is a favorite replacement engine for any application calling for a small diesel engine or changeover from gasoline to diesel.

General Specifications

The 4BT measures 30.6 inches long, 24.6 inches wide and 37.7 inches high. It has net of 745 to 785 lbs. without fluids or accessories, depending on configuration. The "4BT" designation means it has four cylinders and belongs to the B series of Cummins engines. The "T" stands for "turbocharged." The 4BT is a four-cylinder version of the Cummins 6BT used in Dodge trucks as a replacement for eight-cylinder gasoline engines.

Mechanical Specifications

This 3.9-liter Cummins diesel engine is an eight-valve, in-line four-cylinder engine with a displacement of 3.9 liters, or 239 cubic inches. It has a bore of 4.02 inchesand a piston stroke of 4.72 inches. With the piston at top dead center, the engine has a compression ratio of 17.5 to 1. Engine air delivery occurs via a non-intercooled turbocharger. With the oil filter, the engine holds 10 quarts of oil.

Power

As originally manufactured, this four-cylinder diesel delivered 105 horsepower at 2,300 rpm and 265 foot-lbs. of torque at 1,600 rpm. As of 2010, recent configurations deliver 130 horsepower and 335 foot-lbs. of torque. You can easily tweak the engine for more power by adjusting or changing the turbocharger, or by using different injector nozzles.

The Chevy 350 Vortec engine is found in different models of trucks. If you cant get your 350 to start, there are a few things that you can look at before you take it to a mechanic. The battery is the most common issue with motors that wont start. If the battery is dead or even has a low charge, the motor will not be able to turn over. Checking the fuel level, the alternator, and the starter is also recommended.

Instructions

1

Turn the ignition on your vehicle. Listen for a clicking noise. If you hear a clicking noise, get your car or truck to a mechanic to test the alternator or the starter. Mechanics have specialized tools for this.

2

Look for the gauges to turn over when you turn the ignition. If the gauges flicker on, you are low on fuel. Fill the fuel tank and start your car.

3

Pop the hood and locate the battery. The battery will have two terminals coming to it. Get a socket wrench or a pair of pliers and remove the terminals from the battery.

4

Use a can of soda and a wire bristled brush to clean the terminals. Reattach the terminals and start your car.

5

Jump start your car with jumper cables and another vehicle. Let the car run for about 5 minutes to charge the battery. Cut the car off. If the car will not come back on, replace your battery.

You can retrieve the trouble codes for your 1993 Lexus LS400 right from your home garage, saving yourself a trip to the mechanic. All you need is an OBD I scan tool, which is a hand-held computerized device that can be purchased from any auto parts store. This tool reads the trouble codes that are sent to the On-Board Diagnostics computer. These codes help you or your mechanic pinpoint the exact problem with the vehicle. Do not reset the computer until after you have had the vehicle serviced or repaired. Doing so could cause further damage to the Lexus.

Instructions

1

Open the fuse panel cover using your fingers and pulling in a downward motion. The fuse panel cover can be found underneath the steering column.

2

Find the port in the fuse panel and plug the OBD I scan tool into it. Dont force it in because the pins may bend. Just twist it around until it fits properly.

3

Turn on the scan tool. Put the key into the ignition and turn it to the "On" position. Dont crank the engine.

4

Select "Clear" on the scan tool to reset the codes.

5

Unplug the scan tool, replace the fuse panel cover and start the engine. Verify that all service and warning lights have shut off.

Cadillac had three engines in its lineup for 1976. Two of the engines were different versions of the 500 cubic-inch V-8, which was one of the largest engines on the market, and the third engine was a 350 cubic-inch V-8.

Standard

The standard engine in 1976 Cadillacs was the 7.7-liter 500 cubic-inch V-8 engine. This engine had a four-barrel carburetor, a compression ratio of 8.5-to-1, a bore and stroke of 4.3 inches and put out 190 horsepower. It had 360 foot-pounds of torque and could power the Calais to 130 miles per hour.

Potential

The fuel injected version of the 500-cubic-inch V-8 was a 8.2 liter engine that could produce 210 horsepower. It had 380 foot-pounds of torque. The rest of its dimensions were the same as the other 500-cubic-inch engine.

Significance

While Cadillacs were known for their size and power, refinement of the smaller Seville continued in 1976. The smaller car had a 350-cubic-inch V-8 engine that produced 180 horsepower and 275-foot-pounds of torque. It had a compression ratio of 8-to-1 and fuel injection.

If the "Service Engine Soon" light comes on inside the dashboard of your 1997 Monte Carlo, you can turn it off by disconnecting the battery. Service engine lights can come on inside of a car if you have recently changed an oxygen sensor in your fuel tank, for example. Dealerships and mechanics might tell you to drive the car for about 20 miles to clear the service engine light, but there is another way.

Instructions

1

Turn the car off. Pop the hood to your 1997 Monte Carlo, and locate the battery.

2

Disconnect the red terminal from the battery with a socket wrench. Disconnect the black terminal from the battery with a socket wrench.

3

Go to the ignition switch inside your Monte Carlo, and put your key inside. Turn the ignition switch three times. Turn the ignition switch to "OFF", and then reconnect the battery to the terminals.

4

Turn the ignition switch to "ON" without starting the Monte Carlo. Leave the ignition switch on for one minute.

5

Start the car and the "Service Engine Soon" light will be off.