how do i shut off the idiot light on my dash?

the title says it all. i have a 02 Civic Ex Automatic, and the check
engine light is on. how do i get the thing to shut off? and what is the
key cycle sequence to check for codes? TIA!

 

it's not an "idiot light", it's an error diagnostic - you have a problem
that needs fixing.

1. get the codes read. autozone and places like that will do it for free.
2. fix the fault.
3. clear the code.

 

Since it is only an idiot light do what all idiots would do, cover it with a
piece of black electrical tape.

 

ok, i know its not an "idiot light" and its a error diagnostic light. im
pretty sure it came on to tell me to change the oil. i did that now i
just want to shut it off.

also is there a way to check for codes without using a OBD-II scanner?
on my jeep i have to cycle the key on and off the proper number of
times and then the check engine light flashes in sequence to tell me
the codes that the computer is throwing. is there anything like this on
these hondas?

TIA

 

Nope, the maintenance required light tells you to change the oil. The check
engine light, which you say is on, tells you that something else is wrong.

 

================================

It's telling you to look in the glove compartment. (where the owner's
manual probably is).

This previous reply pertains to the CR-0V, but you'll get the point:

Get out your Owner's Manual and keep it in the bathroom / reading room
for a month. (someone's bound to read it)

If not, you'll be asking us stuff like: Where's the best place to buy a
jack AND why are my front tires going bald AND why does my car take so
long to warm up on the driveway AND why won't the strut keep the
tailgate open AND why won't the doors lock with the driver's knob AND
can I use Ethanol / Methanol / Gasohol AND how do I adjust the
headlights AND why won't my tranny let me shift to a lower gear AND why
won't the fan blow more air out of my vents AND why do my brakes make a
squeaking noise all the time AND why won't my tranny keep the CR-V from
rolling back AND why does the radio say CODE on it AND why do my seat
belts lock up when I hit the brakes AND why does my oil light keep
coming on lately AND why does the letter 'D' on my dash keep blinking
AND why does it say TPMS on my dash AND why does my windshield fluid
just pour out the bottom of the vehicle AND how do I check my tranny
fluid AND why does the Air Conditioner keeps turning itself on AND why
did my clutch get 'spongy' and stop working AND how am I supposed to get
these tiny fuses out AND why won't my cell phone charge overnight AND
why do I have to use a key / remote to open my tailgate AND where can I
get a real shop service manual for this model AND how big is my gas tank
AND why did those idiots at Honda only make the radio antenna 1" long (I
love that one!!) AND why don't the doors lock at 10 Km/hr AND why is
there a flashing icon of a KEY on my instrument cluster AND how do I
change this %*#@! light bulb AND why does the remote only open the
driver's door AND is there a trick to starting this thing in extreme
cold AND why do my stupid doors lock themselves AND what kind of OIL
should I use to get my seat belts to work AND why are three of my power
windows dead AND why won't some of my keys start the engine AND how do I
defrost my steamed up windows AND how can I get ahold of Honda AND how
do I change the wiper blades AND how can I reset this service indicator
AND why does my high-beam indicator glow when the headlights aren't even
on AND how do I get my stuck key out of the ignition lock AND how much
fluid does the tranny hold AND why does my vehicle SLOW DOWN when I'm
going down hill AND how much load can the roof rack take AND is there a
way to start a 'flooded' CR-V AND how do I tilt the steering wheel AND
why does the brake pedal vibrate when I stop on ice AND why won't the
CRUISE control engage AND what's the recommended tire pressure AND can I
use another car to boost my CR-V AND why do I hear a funny noise when I
start off driving AND how many quarts of oil for oil change with filter
AND why is the BRAKE indicator on every morning AND when / why would I
turn my overdrive off AND where can I get the diagram for connecting a
trailer AND how full should I fill my radiator AND why is the paint
chaffed off my spare tire rim

AND why did smoke come out of the rear differential when we had our
brand new CR-V towed . . .

AND

is it possible to fold down the seats so I can SLEEP IN MY CR-V if my
spouse throws me out because I spend all my spare time asking the
HONDASUV.COM people questions that are CLEARLY spelled out in the
Owner's Manual ? ? ? ? ?