Clearing trouble codes on a Ford Ranger is a simple and easy task that anyone can do. Trouble codes are set off by the truck's computer when it detects a problem, which can be as simple as a loose gas cap, or as severe as an engine misfire. For cars that are model year 1996 or newer, the codes can be read by an OBD-2 scanner; for cars that are 1995 or older, an OBD-1 scanner is used. Once the code has been read and the problem fixed, the trouble codes need to be reset, which can be accomplished by disconnecting the truck's battery.
Put the vehicle in park and turn off the ignition.
Raise the hood and locate the car battery.
Place the adjustable wrench on the bolt securing the negative battery cable to the negative terminal on the car's battery.
Adjust the wrench until it fits snugly around the bolt.
Loosen the bolt until you can pull up on the negative battery cable and remove it.
Wait between 30 seconds and one minute.
Reattach the negative battery cable to the terminal and tighten with the adjustable wrench.
Start the vehicle to confirm the check engine light is no longer on.
Reprogram all of your radio station presets, along with resetting the time, as these will also have been erased when the battery was disconnected.
