How To Reset Check Engine Light (In 4 Easy Steps)

check engine light

When the check engine light displays on a vehicle’s dashboard, most vehicle owners look for easy ways to reset the check engine light. In fact, the check engine light coming on is a sign of some kind of problem in the vehicle’s system.

The check engine light on a vehicle’s dashboard may turn on for several reasons. Sometimes, the check engine light may come on due to a vehicle ECM error, memory reset, sensor, or wiring problem. Through this article, we will tell you in detail how to reset the check engine light in an easy way.

Check Engine Light Meaning

The check engine light appearing on the dashboard of any vehicle is a warning sign that indicates a problem with your car’s engine, sensor, wiring, mechanical, or emissions system. Whenever the check engine light comes on in your car, it means that your vehicle’s computer system has detected one or more problems and has stored an error code in its memory, which can be read by an OBD scanner. .

You should keep in mind that simply resetting the check engine light without fixing the underlying problem will not permanently resolve the problem. By doing this, you can turn off the check engine light for a short time.

So to reset the “Check Engine Light” on a vehicle’s dashboard, you must first diagnose and resolve the underlying problem related to the fault code that is causing the “Check Engine Light” to illuminate.

How To Reset ”Check Engine Light” In Easy Ways?

To reset the check engine light. 1. Turn the ignition on and off three times. 2. Disconnect the battery cable for 5 to 10 minutes and then reconnect. 3. Drive the car and let the lights turn off automatically. 4. Reset the light from the OBD scanner. 5. Reset again after investigating and resolving the cause.

To reset the check engine light that is on in the vehicle’s dashboard, the vehicle’s system must first be scanned by an OBD-II scanner. An OBD-II scanner will tell you why the check engine light is on. You will then need to repair or replace the parts, sensors, or wiring related to the fault code before resetting the check engine light. After that you have to work to reset the check engine light.

Reset Check Engine Light Without Scanner

remove battery terminal

First of all you have to check the wiring or sensor related to the sensor. If all the sensors or electronic components of your vehicle are properly connected and the wiring is also correct. So to reset the check engine light you have to do this process.

  • Open the hood of the vehicle and locate the battery.
  • After this, open the negative and positive terminal of the battery and disconnect it from the battery for 3 to 5 minutes.
  • Turning off the ignition key.
  • Long press the horn Consol
  • Turn on the head light switch for 2 to 3 minutes.
  • Now, turn off all the turned on electronic components again.
  • After this, after 5 minutes, re-tighten the terminals of the battery.
  • Turn on/off the ignition key 2 times.
  • Now start the engine and test drive the vehicle. If your vehicle’s system is correct, this process should reset the check engine light without a scanner.

Reset Check Engine Light With OBD-II Scanner

vehicle-diagnosis

  • Resetting the check engine light with an OBD-II scanner can be a bit expensive.
  • The first thing, you need to do to reset the check engine light is turn on the vehicle’s ignition.
  • Now, connect the OBD-II scanner connector to the OBD port of the vehicle.
  • Now, select the vehicle details in the OBD-II scanner tool.
  • After that click on “Read Fault Code”.
  • You will now have a description of the fault code related to the check engine light on your scanner display. These faults can be one or more than one.
  • Next, click on Erase Trouble Codes, all trouble codes will be reset from your vehicle’s system and the check engine light will also be reset.
  • Thereafter, take a test drive of the vehicle. If the check engine light comes on again during the test drive. Then connect the OBD-II scanner again.
  • Now observe carefully which parts related trouble code is being displayed in the scanner.
  • Next, check the parts, sensors, or wiring associated with the trouble code.
  • Repair or replace parts, sensors or wiring, if necessary.
  • After that click on Erase Trouble Code again from OBD-II scanner.
  • Then turn on/off the ignition key after 2 time
  • Thereafter, start the engine and test drive the vehicle.
  • In this process, you will be able to reset the check engine light through OBD-II scanner.

Causes Of The Check Engine Light Coming On

  • Any sensor failure or disconnect
  • Damaged sensor wiring
  • Failure of internal and external parts of the engine
  • Disconnecting a sensor connector without removing the battery cable
  • Fuel line problem
  • EGR valve problem
  • Exhaust and catalytic converter problems
  • Failure of electronic parts in the vehicle or interruption of electric supply
  • Faulty ECM/PCM
  • Faulty Ignition Coil and Wire
  • Engine misfire issue
  • Engine air system problem
  • Faulty Fuel Injector Power Supply

Often, there can be many causes of the check engine light coming on in the dashboard of vehicles. Such as malfunction or failure of electrical or mechanical parts of the vehicle.

Sometimes many mechanics do not disconnect the battery while doing any kind of mechanical or electrical work in the vehicle and directly disconnect the connector of any sensor mounted on the engine. In this case also the check engine light in the dashboard of the vehicle may come on without any parts failure.

Is The Check Engine Light A Serious Fault?

If the check engine light on your vehicle’s dashboard has been burning for a long time, then it should be taken seriously and checked by a qualified mechanic as soon as possible. Because the check engine light can indicate common and serious vehicle problems,.

If the check engine light is on in your vehicle, it indicates a serious problem in some part of the vehicle that can potentially damage the engine, and you should stop driving immediately. You should then have a qualified mechanic check the codes stored in your vehicle’s computer with a diagnostic tool to determine and troubleshoot the cause of the code.

What To Do When Check Engine Light Comes On?

If the check engine light suddenly appears while your vehicle is moving, then what should you do in this situation? In this situation, the first thing to do is to maintain patience, and you should not panic at all. Because the check engine light can indicate problems ranging from minor to more serious, Therefore, remain calm and stop the vehicle on the safe side of the road.

  • Check for problems: If your vehicle starts making unusual noises, starts accelerating, or suddenly loses power, stop the vehicle and turn off the engine.
  • Inspect the gas cap: Sometimes the gas cap may remain loose while filling up at the gas station. A loose or damaged gas cap may trigger the light. Tighten it, disconnect and reconnect the battery for a few minutes, and see if the light goes off.
  • Reset the system with the OBD-II scanner: Sometimes an error in the vehicle’s system or a sudden memory reset can trigger the check engine light. So in such a situation, visit an auto parts store for an OBD-II scanner. Plug it into your car’s OBD-II port, and it will look up a specific trouble code and consider the appropriate solution.
  • Professional Diagnosis: If you cannot identify or fix the trouble code yourself, consult a mechanic for inspection and resolution.
  • Contact for assistance: If the check engine light in your vehicle has illuminated due to some serious problem and the vehicle is not in running condition, then you should contact the number written on the roadside for assistance.

What Does The Check Engine Light Look Like?

The check engine light usually looks like a small, orange- or amber-colored illuminated symbol on a vehicle’s dashboard. It resembles an engine block mark in the cluster meter. However, it may sometimes also have stylized “Check Engine” text surrounding it.

Typically, the check engine light indicates a possible problem with the engine, electrical system, or emissions system through the car’s onboard computer system. Often, this light are an early warning signal to vehicle owners of a problem with their vehicle.

How To Reset Check Engine Light Without Disconnecting Battery?

To reset the check engine light without disconnecting the battery, first turn the ignition on and off 3 to 4 times and then drive the vehicle. If this light does not turn off, then finally use the OBD scanner.

For this, install the connector in the OBD port and turn on the ignition. After this, follow the proper instructions given by the scanner. After this, read the code and clear all the trouble codes through the scanner.

But keep in mind that if the fault code is caused by a mechanical issue or part failure, you will only be able to reset the fault code for a temporary period of time with the OBD scanner. For its permanent solution, you will have to examine its causes and consider appropriate solutions.

How To Reset Check Engine Light Without Scanner?

To reset the check engine light without a scanner, you will need to disconnect the negative terminal of the car battery for 5 to 10 minutes and then reconnect it. Next, start the vehicle and see if the check engine light has been reset.

In this process, always keep in mind that this method only clears the light for a temporary period of time and will not fix the underlying problem. If the original problem persists, it will turn the light on again.

FAQ’s

Q. Is it OK to keep driving with check engine light?

Generally, driving with the check engine light on is not recommended. Because sometimes it can also be a sign of a serious problem. Although this may be safe for a short distance, the problem needs to be diagnosed and repaired immediately.

Q. How serious is a solid check engine light?

How serious is the check engine light? This can be determined based on any problems you may encounter while your vehicle is running. Apart from this, you can see its severity through the OBD scanner, which will give you the real problem with the vehicle.

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