I have finally been successful at getting the code to clear. Although I am not exactly sure how I did it. I have been doing my testing and clearing procedure with the engine off and the key in the on/run position. I read somewhere that maybe I need to have the vehicle running in order to test/clear the emissions faults. I am guessing that this means that when I connect my homemade reader that the ignition needs to be in the on/run position with the engine not running.

What follows is how I was able to turn the code off. I tried the read/clear procedure with the engine running and it read code 5 and code 5 did not erase after holding the button down for the 6 to 8 seconds. Then I shut the engine off and put the key in the on/run position and I think (?) I attempted to erase the code without first obtaining the reading. This seemed to do something as when I pressed the button down for the 2 to 4 seconds I got absolutly nothing. I was expecting it to blink at least once as it did with my homemade code reader. I checked it a few times and getting the same lack of flashes I looked to see if the check engine light was off. Well it was on; so I turned the key to off and it was still on. I checked for the sensor code and still obtained no blinking LED. I turned the key to off and then back on and noted that the check engine light is now off.

Thus, I am absolutely clueless as to how I successfully cleared the code. Any help understanding this simple process will be greatly appreciated as I am stumped. I actually had the same kind of problems with clearing the codes last time I attempted to clear them and was equally stumped as to what I did to get them to clear. Some cleared easily and I recall at least one of them being a difficult to clear. I just did not bother to post about it at the time as I had more pressing issues to contend with.

I imagine it will likely remain off for at least a few days to a few weeks as this is the usual pattern to my shutting it off before getting an inspection sticker. I have shut it off in the past by disconnecting the battery and leaving it off for awhile. I dislike the battery shut off method as it requires inputting the code for the radio. Which is really no big deal; just a bother.

So, I am really wanting to understand the correct method for reading the codes and if and when the engine needs to be on or off with the key in the on position. I want to know the same information for clearing the codes. As I have said, I have been doing all sensor readings with the key in the on position and the engine off. So, is this the correct procedure for diagnosis both with and without the homemade sensor reader?

Looking forward to my enlightenment on this very simple process.