How to erase codes

[Oldman]

After smoking my engine to look for vacuum leaks, I cranked it up and after driving for a while, the SES light came on. Advance Auto Parts gave me a list of quite a few odd codes. EGR, MAF, and several emissions stuff codes and brake booster codes. I am assuming that pumping smoke through the intake system triggered many if not all of these codes.
Even though Georgia has no inspection laws in place, I was told that it is against company policy for Advanced Auto Parts to erase any codes. I was told the same thing by Autozone and O'reilley.
Can someone please tell me how to erase these codes, so I can see if I have corrected the initial code P0171, by finding and repairing a vacuum leak?
It is my understanding that if you disconnect the battery for a few minutes, it will erase codes. I just want to check with you folks to make sure that this will erase the codes without causing any other problems.

Thanks,

[burger]

Most shops should scan and erase codes for free.

[Oldman]

See post above. I was told by three different parts stores today that it is against company policy for them to erase codes even though Georgia is not an inspection state.

[01bonneSC]

You can get a decent code reader/eraser for under $100. They come in handy.

[Oldman]

Yeah, I've had my eye on one at Harbor Freight, but Christmas is sneaking up on me and I have 3 sons 2 Daughters-in-law and 14 neices and nephews not counting mine and my wifes parents and brothers and sisters. Can't buy any toys for myself right now.

Will disconecting the battery for a few minutes erase the codes?

[harofreak00]

2 options:

1. Ask to borrow the code reader, don't have them scan it. Once they give you the scantool, erase the codes.
2. Disconnect the battery, and touch the 2 cables together for 30 seconds, which clears out all computer memory.

[burger]

You may be able to borrow one from oreilly. I know they have a lot of tools that you can borrow. You just pay for the tool and they give you your money when you return it.

[93 SSE 4 ME]

Turn the key to run, past accessory, but don't engage the starter. In the underhood fuse box, remove the PCM BAT (#8) & PCM IGN (#19) fuses. Let the car sit for ~5 minutes. Turn the key off. reinsert the fuses. The codes will be cleared.

Mark

[01bonneSC]

Turn the key to run, past accessory, but don't engage the starter. In the underhood fuse box, remove the PCM BAT (#8) & PCM IGN (#19) fuses. Let the car sit for ~5 minutes. Turn the key off. reinsert the fuses. The codes will be cleared.

Mark

And just reading this process made me glad I have a scanner lol

[01bonneSC]

Also if you have either an android or iPhone, you can get apps to read codes, etc. Torque for Android is really good. I have an iPhone now and have this data logger app. Need a Bluetooth ALDL bug from EBay.