I'm sure someone else has asked this before, but is there any other way to reset the Check Engine Light besides using a scanner?

 

I don't know if you mean the same thing, but your local parts store can clear a code (yes with a tool/scanner)

Pulling the battery connection will make the light go off, code probably remains as 'pending' if a person scans for codes in the future.

Some codes will clear when the computer is satisfied the problem no longer exists.

Regardless of the method, if a problem persists, the light will come back on.

 

If you pull the battery it will clear, but if there is an electrical/mechanical problem then the CEL may come back on.

You are better off using a scan tool to see why the CEL is on to have a better idea if it will come back, make a repair, and then also clear it with that tool.

Most of the time the CEL is not a "fluke" so after clearing it, it will come back. If you are trying to clear it to temporarily pass smog that will also not work, because after a reset the smog readiness in the ECU will be pending until all checks are complete. At which time if the problem still exists the CEL will return.

 

Why lose the code/system cause by clearing the code? It leaves you without any direction for repair.
CEL light clearing never fixes any on-going issue.
Only clears memory of it until it returns and >>> causes a re-boot that results in self diagnostics of major systems >>that may not include the trouble that set the CEL on.
This is why shop tells you they don't know what to do because it will only be a guess and your back there again after it happens again.
Clearing CEL and code is only done as a check after repairs to verify the issue has been cleared so it is not or becomes 'old' history, causing confusion until the system puts it out, after some time has elapsed with the fault gone.

 

Maybe he needs to erase the CEL just prior to an inspection?

 

That usually causes the inspection to fail anyway because the PCM won't have performed it's OBDII monitors successfully.

As noted, it's usually a fool's errand to simply reset the MIL without doing anything else.