How to Reset the Check Engine Light in 5 Easy Steps
When your check engine light comes on, you know you need to do something about it. The on-board diagnostics (OBD) system analyzes various vehicle components to make sure everything is working properly. If a fault occurs, you’ll get a warning message on the dashboard or information display. Then you need to know how to reset the check engine light.
In this guide, we’ll give you some suggestions and explain why it’s important to fix the underlying problem first. We’ll also tell you what to do if your check engine light comes back on, and give you some answers to some of the questions you might have.
Fix the problem before resetting it
We never recommend ignoring what your check engine light is trying to tell you. The system is designed to notify you of a fault so that your vehicle can keep running as intended. That’s why you want to be able to fix the problem so that you can turn off the warning light for good.
If you ignore this problem, you’ll face the following consequences:
– Long-term damage can occur if your engine, transmission, or other vital systems don’t operate as intended. For example, if your car needs new spark plugs and you neglect to do so, you may need an expensive catalytic converter later.
– You may fail a road safety inspection. Without this required inspection, you may not be able to legally drive it in your state.
– Your vehicle may not pass emissions testing. Not only is this illegal when required, but it’s also bad for the environment.
– If your engine isn’t running optimally, your car may consume more fuel.
Plus, while the check engine light is on, you won’t know if another problem is occurring. So if you ignore the warning light because it’s a minor issue, you won’t be notified when a more serious problem occurs.
How to Reset the Check Engine Light
Use an OBD2 Scanner
With a compatible OBD2 scanner, you can reset the check engine light in seconds. If you don’t have one, we recommend checking out some of the best OBD2 scanners you can buy for the easiest method.
1. To turn off codes with a scanner, follow these steps:
2. Plug the scanner into your car’s OBD2 port. It’s located on the left side under the steering wheel, near the ground.
3. Turn the ignition on.
4. Once connected, press the read button on the scanner. All stored Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) will be displayed.
5. Press the ERASE/CLEAR button to clear the errors you just corrected from the scanner.
Then turn the ignition off and on again to see if the light goes away. You can also reconnect the scanner to make sure all codes have gone away. If the code comes back on immediately, you know the problem hasn’t been fixed yet.
Battery Disconnect Technique
How do I reset the check engine light without a diagnostic tool? The easiest way is to remove the battery. This method takes minimal time and will reset the engine control unit on most of today’s vehicles.
Before you power it off, keep in mind that without the battery, some of your vehicle’s memory may be lost. For example, you may need to set your stereo presets, seat memory, and clock again. Here are the steps you need to take:
1. Place Disconnect the negative battery terminal.
2. Honk the horn for 20-30 seconds to discharge the car’s capacitors. You can also drain the battery with the lights on.
3. Once the battery is drained, leave it alone for approximately 15 minutes.
4. Reconnect the battery terminals and ensure they are securely fastened.
5. Start the vehicle. If this method doesn’t turn off the check engine light, it hasn’t resolved the issue or you’ll need to try one of the other options.
Turning the ignition on and off
There’s another way to perform a cold boot without a compatible code scanner. Simply turning the ignition on and off a few times may clear the warning light. This method has different steps for each car manufacturer, so you may need to do a bit more research.
This usually involves turning the ignition on and off several times with a few seconds of pause in between. After that, the Check Engine Light will likely be gone.
Drive your car and wait for the light to go off on its own.
Once you’ve fixed the underlying issue, you may be able to turn off the Check Engine Light on its own. After you drive a bit, the computer should show that the self-test says everything is OK. This will turn the light off again.
This process may take some time, though. Depending on what the problem is, it may take several days for the fix to take effect. For example, if you fix an oxygen sensor problem, the code will not be reset until the ECU determines that the fault has been fixed.
If the Check Engine Light remains on after three days of driving, the problem may not have been fixed. If you are not sure what to do next, try the other methods listed or take your car to a repair shop.
Pull the fuse
You can also try pulling the fuse in the engine control unit. This will reset it and potentially remove the code; however, this repair method is usually only effective on older vehicles.
If you’re not sure where the fuse is located, consult your factory service manual. It only takes a few seconds to pull the fuse, so it’s worth a try.
Reset the check engine light with a scanner
If you still don’t want to invest in a code scanner, there are many auto parts stores that will offer a free vehicle diagnostic and tell you what errors are present. You can also visit your local repair shop and have them scan the codes for you, but there will be a service fee for this task. If the Check Engine Light is on, it means that a fault has been detected by the computer.
You need to find out the cause to avoid further damage. Some error codes are easy to understand and fix, but others can be very complicated. That’s why we always recommend using our free online trouble code library when repairing your vehicle.
Can I reset the Check Engine Light without a scanner?
Yes, but a scanner is the easiest way to address a Check Engine Light. If you don’t have one, you can also try disconnecting the battery, removing fuses, running an ignition cycle, or driving the vehicle for a few days. However, these methods only work if you fix the cause of the code.
How long does it take for the Check Engine Light to reset?
This depends on the type of vehicle you have. Depending on the car, it may take 10 to 100 miles for the check engine light to reset. The engine computer must check for faulty systems and make sure they are working properly.
Do I have to drive my car to turn off the check engine light?
No, there are other ways to turn off the check engine light without driving. If you have a compatible code scanner, you can easily reset the system without going anywhere. Otherwise, you can remove fuses, turn the ignition off and on, or temporarily remove the battery.
How do I reset the check engine light on the accelerator pedal?
Some vehicles have a reset procedure that involves turning the ignition off and on again and pressing the accelerator pedal. To find out how to do this, consult your factory service manual for instructions. Otherwise, you’ll waste time trying procedures that aren’t right for your vehicle model.
Does AutoZone reset the check engine light?
It depends. Many AutoZone locations offer a free diagnostic service with a compatible code scanner. They’ll explain what codes are present and suggest some solutions that can help save you money. If you don’t have a code scanner, it’s still worth a try.
Is the check engine light easy to fix?
That depends on what caused it to come on in the first place. If your gas cap is loose or damaged, that’s an easy fix. On the other hand, troubleshooting problems with a lean or full system can be difficult. There are also some red flags that can lead to costly repairs, such as: B. If your vehicle needs a new catalytic converter.
Once you have fixed the issue associated with the computer diagnostic trouble code, reset the Check Engine Light. There are several ways to do this, but the easiest way is to use a code scanner. However, this method is not always possible, since not everyone has a code scanner. With a little trial and error, you may be able to find another way to turn off your car’s check engine light.
Temporarily disconnecting the battery, removing fuses, turning the ignition off and on, or even just continuing to drive may get rid of that pesky warning light.