so, ive searched the forums. read just about every page where someone has an issue with their "check" light. I've read how it's supposed to work, what to do when it doesn't do that...but mine is all f***y. here's the skinny:
since i purchased the car(81 280zxT) the display has never ran the check upon turning the key. it only runs the check when i depress the "check" button located to the right of the display. so, thats fine by me...for the most part. the problem is...the display used to go off after it ran thru telling me what was wrong; as of late...its stayed solid red.
here's the scenario:
turn key/start car
press check button
"washer" flashes(sensor is not working, its full of fluid)
then a solid wall of red dots...that doesn't go away.
even if i start the car and dont press the check, that damn red box is still there.
is there a way to re-set it?

 

So... disconnect the washer fluid sensor.

 

but even if i dont...shouldnt the red box go away after running through the check?

 

Not unless by pressing the check button, the washer bottle is magically filled, or the sensor is magically fixed.

It's a check button, not an erase button.

 

Nope it's a test button - it doesn't clear the fault as NismoPick said. The red light is there to tell you something is wrong - as in your sensor has failed.