How to Reset a Check Engine Light

You glance down at your dashboard when going about your normal day. Then you see a warning light flash on your dashboard. It’s the Check Engine light. On the upside, your vehicle’s computer can tell you what’s wrong with the engine. The bad news is that you need a special reader to plug into your car’s computer to figure it out.

Once you or a service technician fixes your vehicle, you’ll need to know how to reset your check engine light. When you do this, the warning light shuts off. Plus, it’s annoying to see that light stay on when everything is fine with your vehicle. Our team at the Larry Puckett Chevrolet service center explains when and how to reset a check engine light. Read on to learn more!

Make Sure Nothing is Wrong With Your Car

Before you reset your check engine light and keep driving on Montgomery streets and highways, have your vehicle inspected by a certified mechanic. The team at the Larry Puckett Chevrolet service center will look over your vehicle to see what, if anything, is wrong. Then, we’ll recommend a fix.

Some car issues can wait until later, like emissions problems. But some critical issues must be handled before they worsen. Ultimately, it’s up to you. But remember your safety may depend on taking immediate action. Another thing to remember is that if you continually ignore an engine warning, you can void your warranty!

If your car needs service, please schedule service with our certified Chevy technicians near Wetumpka. We’re happy to help in any way we can!

Steps to Reset a Check Engine Light

When you’re ready to reset a check engine light, follow a few easy steps. We think you’ll be surprised how quickly you can take care of this issue:

1. Turn off your engine and let it cool.
2. Put on some safety goggles and gloves.
3. Open your hood and find the negative terminal on your battery. It has a black cap and a negative (–) symbol on it.
4. Using a wrench, carefully loosen the nut on the negative terminal.
5. Gently pull the negative connector away from the car battery. Keep it disconnected for 30 to 60 seconds.
6. Finally, reconnect the negative cable and tighten it with the wrench.

One important thing to remember: Disconnecting the battery will probably mess up your infotainment system settings and reset your vehicle’s digital clock. You might need to reset the time on your dash and other settings on your audio system.

Check Your Gas Cap

If your check engine light is still on after you perform those steps, and you’re certain nothing is wrong with your vehicle, a loose or cracked gas cap could be the problem. This issue may cause the check engine light to illuminate. The final step in how to reset a check engine light is to remove the gas cap and place it back on securely. If it is cracked, you will need to replace it. Then see if the check engine light stays off.

Get More Assistance From Our Service Team

If you’ve tried what we recommended and your check engine light is still on, make an appointment with our service team. We are conveniently located near Millbrook and can help with everything from new tires to a battery replacement or an oil change.

While you’re here, browse our service specials to see if you can save money. Contact us or call (334) 649-7409 today to ask us any questions.