Is your check engine light illuminated in your 2000 Infiniti G20? Whether you’ve just completed some maintenance, installed a new modification, or are troubleshooting a fault, you might need to reset your car’s OBDII system. This guide will walk you through the process of resetting the OBDII on your 2000 Infiniti G20 without disconnecting your battery overnight.
What You’ll Need
Before you begin, gather these simple tools:
- Phillips head screwdriver
- Flat head screwdriver
Step-by-Step Guide to Resetting Your OBDII System
Follow these steps to access your ECU and reset the OBDII system in your Infiniti G20.
Accessing the ECU
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Locate the Passenger Side Kick Panel: Open the passenger side door of your Infiniti G20. Look for the kick panel located in the passenger footwell area.
Alt Text: Passenger side kick panel in a 2000 Infiniti G20, indicated as the location to access the ECU for OBDII reset.
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Remove the Kick Panel: The kick panel is secured by two Phillips head screws. Use your Phillips head screwdriver to unscrew and remove these screws. Once the screws are removed, gently detach the kick panel to access the ECU.
Alt Text: ECU of a 2000 Infiniti G20 visible after removing the passenger side kick panel, preparing for OBDII reset procedure.
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Identify the ECU: With the kick panel removed, you will see the Engine Control Unit (ECU). It’s a rectangular module with connectors.
Alt Text: Close-up view of the ECU in a 2000 Infiniti G20, highlighting the adjustment screw for accessing diagnostic codes and resetting OBDII.
Reading Error Codes (Optional)
If you wish to read the diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) before resetting, follow these steps. If you just want to reset the system, skip to the next section.
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Turn the Ignition to “ON”: Insert your key into the ignition and turn it to the “ON” position. This will power the car’s electrical systems without starting the engine.
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Locate the Adjustment Screw: On the ECU, find the small adjustment screw. This is used to switch between diagnostic modes.
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Enter Diagnostic Mode: Use your flat head screwdriver to turn the adjustment screw clockwise one full rotation. Wait for at least two seconds, and then turn it fully counter-clockwise.
Alt Text: Location of the adjustment screw on the Infiniti G20 ECU, used to initiate diagnostic mode for reading check engine light error codes.
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Read the Check Engine Light Flashes: Observe the check engine light on your dashboard. It will begin to flash in a pattern. Long flashes followed by short flashes represent the error codes. Count the long flashes, then the short flashes to decipher the code. This sequence will repeat until the code is cleared or the car is turned off.
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Interpret the Error Codes: Use the following code lists to understand the meaning of the flashes and identify the problem causing your check engine light to illuminate.
Alt Text: First section of OBDII error codes list for Infiniti G20, aiding in diagnosis of check engine light issues.
Alt Text: Second section of OBDII error codes chart for Infiniti G20, providing further codes for diagnosing engine problems.
Alt Text: Third part of the OBDII trouble codes list for Infiniti G20 vehicles, used to interpret check engine light flash patterns.
Alt Text: Fourth section of OBDII diagnostic codes for Infiniti G20, assisting in identifying specific engine or system faults.
Alt Text: Final section of the OBDII error code reference for Infiniti G20, completing the list for comprehensive engine diagnostics.
Resetting the ECU
Once you have identified and addressed the issue, or if you simply need to clear the codes, follow these steps to reset your ECU and turn off the check engine light.
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Turn the Adjustment Screw Clockwise: Use your flat head screwdriver to turn the adjustment screw on the ECU fully clockwise.
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Immediately Turn Counter-Clockwise: Within two seconds of turning the screw clockwise, immediately turn it fully counter-clockwise back to its original position.
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Turn Off the Ignition: Turn your car’s ignition off by turning the key to the “OFF” position and removing it.
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Reinstall the Kick Panel: Put the kick panel back into place in the passenger footwell and secure it with the two Phillips head screws you removed earlier.
Conclusion
You have now successfully reset the OBDII system in your 2000 Infiniti G20. This procedure is useful for clearing codes after repairs or maintenance. Remember, if the check engine light reappears, it indicates a persistent issue that needs further investigation. Consulting a repair manual, like a Haynes manual for a similar Nissan Sentra model, can provide additional helpful information for your Infiniti G20.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes and based on information from a Haynes manual for similar models. Always consult your vehicle’s specific service manual for detailed instructions and safety precautions.
