How to Reset a Check Engine Light

Let’s say you’re cruising through Myrtle Beach or Carolina Forest, when suddenly you see that familiar orange glow on your dashboard: the dreaded check engine light. Your check engine light may be cause for concern, but there’s no need to panic. In this guide, we teach you how to reset a check engine light to eliminate distractions on the road. While it’s important to get your light checked as soon as possible, there are a few situations where learning how to reset your check engine light can come in handy! So, let’s get started.

What Does Your Check Engine Light Do?

While we’d be happy to teach you how to reset your check engine light, we do so with some major caveats. Your check engine light only pops on when something requires attention in your vehicle. This could be something as simple as a loose gas cap or as serious as engine failure. As a result, we highly recommend visiting the service center for a diagnosis and repair. You could be dealing with any of the following:

• Loose or faulty gas cap
• Worn spark plugs
• Faulty catalytic converter
• Dirty airflow sensor
• Faulty thermostat
• Fuel Tank Pressure Sensor
• Worn fuel injectors

How Do I Reset a Check Engine Light?

There are a few ways to reset a check engine light. When you visit the service center, your technicians will reset the light automatically. But, here are a few DIY techniques to try as well in Red Hill:

• Keep Driving: Let’s say you actually have visited the service center, but your light still hasn’t turned off. Sometimes it takes a few miles for the computer to cycle out the error code, so just keep navigating as usual and the light should go away.
• OBD2 Scanner: High-end OBD2 scanners are used at certified service centers like Hadwin-White Buick GMC, Inc., but you can also pick up an inexpensive scanner at an auto shop. Then simply plug it in, find the code, and remove the flag using the ‘erase’ or ‘clear’ button. 
• ECM Hard Reset: Your Engine Control Module is the computer found in your car, and if you really need to reset your check engine light, you can always reset the entire ECM. Disconnect the negative terminal from your car’s battery and drain any remaining electricity by pressing the brake pedal, blowing the horn, or turning on the lights for 30 seconds. This should reboot your system

Schedule Your Service at Hadwin-White Buick GMC, Inc. in Conway

Knowing how to reset your check engine light is valuable, but most drivers prefer to skip the DIY work and simply schedule a service appointment with Hadwin-White Buick GMC, Inc.. Feel free to contact us with any questions or book your service in Conway today!