Our 2008 Mini Cooper S Clubman threw a Check Engine Light with Misfire codes. I tried to reset the check engine light with the scan tool, and it says it does, but Check Engine Light remains.
Called Innova.com support and they told me becuase I have to fix the issue, then it will erase the CEL.
I had the dealer fix the issue.

Anybody have luck erasing a CEL code? What scan tool did you use?

 

the CEL should disappear if in fact there are no misfires. light will stay on for 1 drive cycle after the flashing CEL appears. once the system no longer detects a miss, it will go out. the code will remain stored in the ecu but should not remain as an active cel.

 

This was my understanding as well. But the light stayed on for more than a week. And it was getting some of the best gas milage it ever has. I thought the misfire was just due to the really cold weather we have had. So kept waiting for it to go off but didn't.
That is when I tried to turn the CEL light off myself purchasing a scan tool. Resetting it there didn't even help.

So took it to dealer, and they advised the misfire codes were due to carbon build up. So they cleaned the intake valves using some type of shell, and I'm guessing they're scan tools are better than the 100 dollar one I bought. And so far car light has stayed off since they reset it.

I'm trying to figure out if my scan tool is worth keeping or not. As it did not do what I wanted it to do.

 

The scan tool is useful for many things, for almost any newer car, and not too terribly expensive, so an investment in one of some type is a worthwhile addition to your toolbox.

I thought it was 3 drive cycles to clear that kind of code, (really need the actual # to verify), but a week of driving should have done it if the original issue was in fact corrected. So - without further detail, I would say the original problem was not fixed, or at least - A PROBLEM - that can set the CEL - was not fixed on your first dealer visit.

Documenting the actual codes pulled by even the cheapest scan tool can protect you from exaggerated repairs in the future because you can look them up on this forum or the internet at large, but so can finding a local trustworthy independent mechanic...

 

you misunderstood, dealer fixed it and so far check engine light stayed off.
i am contemplating whether to keep the scan tool i bought as i am researching other alternatives.
that and i was disappointed it didnt clear my code.(my scan tool did not clear it; but dealer fix so far did)
but i am 50/50 not sure but tks for your comment.

 

Sounds like you couldn't clear the fault because the issue was still there until the dealer cleaned the carbon build-up and then they were able to clear the code. If you had cleaned the carbon yourself you probably could have cleared the fault with your scan tool.

 

+1
A scan tool will read a clear codes...but the issue STILL MUST BE FIXED for the light to stat out..typically the code is read...the info is used to FIX the problem, the code is then cleared... Then you check to see if the code reoccurs.....
Simply clearing a code DOES NOTHING TO FIX AN ISSUE...THE LIGHT WILL COME BACK ON/STAY ON AS LONG AS THE COMPUTER DETERMINES THERE IS AN ISSUE.