Check Engine light won't reset

[sheemone00]

I had to get a smog check done so I had to replace my O2 sensor.

So after replacing my sensor the mechanic told me to drive the car for ~20 miles @60-65 mph so that the check engine light can reset and ready itself.

Well after 2 failed smog checks and driving at least 700 miles, the check engine is still not "ready".

Any ideas why the check engine won't ready itself?

EDIT: the car's a 1996 Nissan Maxima

 

[Fenixgoon]

get your engine codes read?

 

[alpineranger]

There are multiple o2 sensors. Make sure you've replaced the correct one(s).

 

[BlackTigers]

disconnect the battery, then reconnect it.

that's how it's been cleared on the cars I've screwed with.

 

[Bignate603]

Go to Autozone and ask them to check it. They'll do it for free.

You may want to call the Nissan dealership and ask them what the drive cycle is. That's what the car has to go through to clear the code.

 

[njmodi]

You can reset the CEL on your own if you have a 96 Max... search the web (I mean actually reset it via a screw on the ECU, as opposed to disconnecting battery, etc.) - there are plenty of how-tos (I'm too lazy at this exact moment, to write up the entire procedure).

Having said that - yes - as others have suggested - go get the codes retrieved from Autozone.. you 3 diff O2 sensors on your car - are you sure you replaced the right one(s)? What was the original code stored in the ECU that led you to believe you needed to replace an O2 sensor? and which one did you replace?

 

[orakle]

I saw this on a car that belonged to a friend of mine. The O2 sensor after the cat was tripping the CEL.. turned out the catalytic converter was finished.

Bring it to a store like AutoZone who will read/reset your codes, or get an OBDII reader and do it yourself. I picked one up on eBay for about $30 a few years back.

 

[Pacfanweb]

Are you having trouble getting the car to go through a drive cycle? Checking and clearing the codes means you start all over again...so does disconnecting the battery. If this is all your problem is, you just need to keep driving it. It'll show ready eventually....sometimes they're a pain.

 

[Funyuns101]

I have the equivalent of a 97 Maxima (i30) - your mechanic should have reset the CEL after installing the new O2 sensor.

You should have it checked out (like others have said) at autozone or by your mechanic.
It's quite possible that the wrong O2 sensor was replaced as there are in fact 3 (again like stated above).
Afterwards, going through a drive cycle should be way less than 700 miles - but if it turns on again, then you'll know for sure.

I had it done along w/the knock sensor and no problems since last summer.

 

[Capt Caveman]

Originally posted by: alpineranger
There are multiple o2 sensors. Make sure you've replaced the correct one(s).

Bingo. Your vehicle could have upwards of 4 O2 sensors.