The 2002 Chevy Impala employs an OBD II (on-board diagnostic) diagnostic link connector (DLC). The implementation of OBD II systems standardized the DLC connection between all vehicles to allow the same tool required to read all troubles codes that tripped the check engine light. Although the 2002 Impala was featured with a 3.4-liter or a 3.8-liter engine, the procedure to reset the light and the location of the DLC is the same.
Open the driver's side door and then locate the DLC connector on the 2002 Chevy Impala. It is located under the steering wheel on the right hand side. It is a black, trapezoidal shaped inlet that will match the shape of the scan tool plug.
Plug the scan tool into the DLC inlet and be sure the connection is secure. The auxiliary power of the battery will immediately power up the scan tool.
Place the ignition key into the ignition and turn it two clicks to the key-on/engine-off position. This will light the dashboard and all the electrical functions of the Impala without starting the engine.
Use the keypad features on the scan tool to manipulate through the menu displayed on the scan tool monitor. Up and down arrows are featured on most hand-held scan tools. Other keypad buttons may feature the word "Select" and "Erase." Others may employ options the scroll up or down to and then press the "Select" button to empower the function.
Scroll to the "Erase Codes" function or simply hit the "Erase" button. It is recommended to read the code--another feature on the scan tool options--before erasing the code if a diagnosis and repair to the trouble code in the Impala has not been rectified. Most scanners will ask if you're sure if you want to erase the codes and then require striking the "Select" button again. A "command sent" status may appear on the scanner monitor and require a few seconds to erase the code. One the main menu of the scan tool appears on the monitor, the code has been erased.
Unplug the scan tool and start the engine of the Chevy Impala. The check engine light should be out. If not, there's a hard code in the system that needs to be repaired before it will allow you to efficiently reset the light.
