Wondering how to reset the check engine light?
You’ve already fixed the problem but the check engine light (CEL) is still on and now you want to reset it so it doesn’t annoy you, but even more importantly, you want to clear it so you’ll know if another problem occurs. Here are five strategies that you can try to reset the check engine light.
5 Ways to Reset the Check Engine Light
| Strategy | Skill Required | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Use an OBD2 scanner | Easy – Medium | $20+ |
| 2. Disconnect the battery | Medium | None, but you need a wrench |
| 3. Restart the car | Easy | None |
| 4. Drive the car | Easy | None, as long as you have gas |
| 5. Remove the ECM fuse | Easy – Medium | None, but you need a wrench |
If you haven’t already diagnosed your problem, here are a few things to consider:
An illuminated check engine light can mean different things, depending on the car model.
It also depends on what dashboard warning lights are on.
Ensure that you know whether the warning lights (error codes) mean service engine, maintenance due, or it’s the actual check engine warning light. If you aren’t sure, check your owner’s manual and look for diagnostic trouble codes, also known as DTC or OBD11 codes.
Once you’ve confirmed that it’s the check engine light, and it’s a solid yellow or orange check engine light, it can mean a variety of things, such as a loose gas cap or the problem can be more serious. There’s no easy way to diagnose the problem without using an OBD Scanner (also known as a code reader) or taking it to a mechanic to diagnose.
If you have a blinking check engine light, this indicates is a more serious problem and usually means there’s a problem with the catalytic converter, the engine, fuel, or pollution system. It’s important to stop the car somewhere safe as soon as possible to avoid doing severe damage to the engine and then take it to a mechanic.
And if you live in a state that does vehicle emissions testing or a smog check test you’ll need a functional check engine light, an OBD port, and the CEL needs to be off.
5 strategies that explain how to reset the check engine light.
1. Use an OBD2 Scanner
An OBD scanner is an easy way for a vehicle owner to diagnose engine problems. A scan tool is simple to use code reader and will read diagnostic trouble codes (error code) and erase them when you don’t need them anymore. Some code readers will also reset the CO2 monitor so you can have it done before taking your car for an emissions test or a smog check test.
And, if you’ve already fixed your problem, you can easily use a scanner to erase the check engine light.
- Tools Required: OBD reader
- Cost: $20.00+
PROS
- Easy way to diagnose a problem and understand the trouble codes without having to take your vehicle to the mechanic
- An inexpensive way for you to diagnose the problem without having to take your vehicle to a mechanic. A code reader starts at $20 and many are between $35 – $45 and go upwards in price to $100 for a Bluetooth OBD2 scanner that has more features.
CONS
- You don’t need to be a technical person to use the scan tool but you do need to be comfortable attaching it to your vehicle, using the scanner and the software, and interpreting the error codes.
2 types of OBD2 scanners:
1. USB OBD2 Scanner
USB OBD2 scanners are the most common scan tools in dealerships and auto repair shops. To use the OBD reader, you’ll need a computer, software, and USB cable. There are free and paid software solutions and as with most software, you get more functionality with a paid version than with the free version.
How to use a USB OB2 scanner:
- Insert the scanner cable into the port under the steering column. Depending on the scanner and your vehicle, you may need to enter the VIN, vehicle model and make
Refer to your owner’s vehicle if you can’t find the port.
2. Turn the vehicle on but don’t start it. Once the lights come on the dash, turn off the radio and any other accessories.
3. Press the “read” button on the OBD reader and wait for it to finish scanning all fault codes
4. Record all fault codes that appear. Sometimes there will be an explanation of the code but not always.
5. Once you have the fault code(s), check your owner’s manual to understand the error code and whether it’s severe.
6. Press the “erase” or “clear” button on the OBD reader to get rid of the check engine light. Remember that doing this does not fix or eliminate the problem, it’s only turning off the light. If the problem still exists, the light will come back on.
2. Bluetooth OBD2 Scanner
Most Bluetooth OBD2 scanners require you to have a phone and free software solution.
There are also paid versions that provide you with live data and live testing options. With the free software version, you might only have access to read and clear any memory data.
2. Disconnect Your Car Battery
- Tools Required: wrench or pliers
- Cost: non, as long as you have a wrench
PROS
- Reasonably easy way to reset the check engine light (CEL) without having to take your vehicle to a mechanic
- An inexpensive way to clear the CEL without having to take your vehicle to a mechanic, because you only need a wrench or pliers
- Can be done anywhere
CONS
- You need to be comfortable under the hood of a vehicle
- Only resets the check engine light, it does not diagnose a problem so you need to have already diagnosed the problem another way such as with an OBD Scanner
- Although this is a reasonably fast way to clear the CEL, it will take about 20 minutes from start to finish.
Steps for disconnecting your car battery and resetting the check engine light:
- Open the hood and prop it up
- Locate the car battery and use a socket wrench to first remove the negative cable from the negative terminal and then remove the positive cable. The negative battery terminal is usually covered with a black cap and marked with a minus sign.
- Leave both cables disconnected for five minutes
Disconnecting the battery will also clear out the memory for your electronic system including the radio, seat settings, emissions information, and other onboard components
4. Drain all remaining electricity by turning on the lights, or pressing the horn for about 30 seconds. Neither the lights nor horn will be working since the car battery has been disconnected but you’ll drain the remaining electricity.
5. Wait 15 minutes and then reconnect your car battery cables, positive first and then tighten
6. Start your vehicle
If the check engine light is still on, then it’s likely that you still have a problem with your vehicle and it’s best to have a mechanic look at it or use an OBD2 code scanner to identify the problem
3. Restart the Car
- Tools Required: none
- Cost: none
PROS
- An easy way to reset the check engine light (CEL) without having to take your vehicle to a mechanic
- An inexpensive way to clear the CEL without having to take your vehicle to a mechanic
- Can be done anywhere
CONS
- Not foolproof and may not reset the check engine light
- Only resets the check engine light, it does not diagnose a problem so you need to have already diagnosed the problem another way such as with an OBD Scanner
How to use this method:
1.Insert the key into the ignition
2. Turn the car on for a second and then turn it off. Repeat three times.
The check engine light should be off and if it isn’t, then it’s best to have a mechanic determine if a problem still exists
4. Drive the Car
If your problem has been fixed, then driving the car should reset the car’s computer which will reset the check engine light. It typically takes around 3 days of driving but it varies for different vehicles.
- Tools Required: none
- Cost: gas / fuel
PROS:
- An easy way to reset the check engine light (CEL) without having to take your vehicle to a mechanic
- An inexpensive way to clear the CEL without having to take your vehicle to a mechanic. All you need is gas.
- Can be done anywhere
CONS:
- Check engine light may not turn off immediately and cause you to wonder if you have another problem that hasn’t been diagnosed
- If you do have another, undiagnosed problem and you’re driving your vehicle, you could be causing damage
5. Reset the Engine Control Module Fuse
The ECM tracks the readings of your engine while driving. Removing the ECM fuse will erase the errors that were collected for previous problems.
Tools Required: wrench
Cost: none, assuming you have a wrench
PROS
- Reasonably easy way to reset the check engine light (CEL) without having to take your vehicle to a mechanic
- An inexpensive way to clear the CEL without having to take your vehicle to a mechanic because you only need a wrench
- Can be done anywhere
CONS
- You need to be comfortable under the hood of a vehicle
- Only resets the engine warning light, it does not diagnose a problem so you need to have already diagnosed the problem another way such as with an OBD Scanner
Resetting the ECM fuse will also clear out the memory for your car’s computer including radio, seat settings, emissions information, and other onboard components
Steps for resetting the Engine Control Unit Fuse (ECM):
1.Open the hood and prop it up
2.Locate the car battery and use a wrench to remove the negative cable from the terminal. The negative battery terminal is usually covered with a black cap and marked with a minus sign
3.Locate the fuse box in your car and remove the fuse that is labeled “ECM”
4.Leave the fuse out for a few minutes to clear your car’s computer memory
5.Insert the fuse back into the fuse box
6.Reconnect the positive cable to the battery terminal
7.Start your vehicle
If the engine warning light is still on or comes on soon after removing the fuse, then it’s likely that you still have a problem with your vehicle and it’s best to have a mechanic look at it
FAQs For How To Reset Your Check Engine Light
What Does the Check Engine Light Mean?
When the check engine light is on, it means there is a problem with your engine. If the light is a solid yellow or orange, it indicates that you have a problem – it could mean something as minor as a loose gas cap, or something more serious.
If the light is blinking, regardless of the color, this indicates that you have a serious problem with the engine and you need to stop the car as soon as possible and turn it off. It’s probably best to have it towed to a mechanic.
Can You Reset Your Check Engine Light Without Disconnecting the Battery?
Yes, you can reset your check engine light without disconnecting the battery. Here are four other methods to reset the check engine light:
1. Turn the car off and back on, three times
2. Use an OBD2 scanner
3. Simply by driving the car
4. Pull the ECM fuse out and putting it back in
Will the Check Engine Light Reset Itself?
No, the check engine light does not automatically reset itself. To reset the check engine light, use one of these five methods:
1. Turn the car off and back on, three times
2. Use an OBD2 scanner
3. Simply by driving the car
4. Pull the ECM fuse out and put it back in
5. Disconnect the battery and reconnect it
How Long Does It Take for The check engine light to reset?
How long it takes for the check engine light to reset depends on the method you use to reset it.
If you use an OBD2 scanner, once you’ve used the reset button, the light will go off.
If you try using the method of turning your car off and back on several times, the light should turn off almost immediately.
And if you remove the ECM fuse or disconnect the battery, it should go off immediately as well. If you choose to drive the car to reset the light, this could take a few days, depending on the car model.
What Does DTC mean?
DTC (diagnostic trouble codes), also known as OBDII codes, are your car’s system for alerting you of vehicle issues. There are typically limits for each system within your vehicle. When the vehicle detects that the issue exceeds these limits, it sends out a trouble code. Technicians use these codes to diagnose and repair vehicle issues.
Trouble codes can tell you about any system issues within your vehicle, including airbags and brakes. And since all vehicles since 1996 have OBDII diagnostics, it’s unlikely you don’t have it. The challenge with this is that every model has different codes and meanings. For instance, a Ford won’t have the same codes as a Chevrolet. This makes it difficult if you’re reading the codes on your own unless you know the codes for your specific model. In addition, the methods for repairing these issues are likely different for each make and model. Knowing the codes for your fleet vehicles is essential to proper maintenance and repair.
The Four Systems of DTC:
Before DTC, diagnosing a vehicle came down to engine misfire and gross failures of parts. The advent of OBDII allowed vehicles to monitor their own systems and alert drivers as issues arise with indicator lights. Most of us recognize the most common ones: the check engine light and the oil change indicator. Today, our vehicles provide us and technicians with more information than ever before with DTC. The Society of Automotive Engineers created the original list of codes, which all vehicle manufacturers had to adapt to comply with emission regulations. European and Asian automakers adopted the same list.
These codes are categorized into four main systems:
B-codes (body codes): Though the body often refers to the outside of the vehicle, B-codes refer to features inside. More include comfort, convenience, and safety features.
C-codes (chassis): Functions outside of the passenger compartment including brakes, steering, and suspension.
U-codes (network/vehicle integration): Functions shared among the vehicle’s systems and computers.
P-codes (powertrain): Include functions such as the engine, transmission, and drivetrain.
from azuga.com
Why is my engine light on but nothing seems wrong?
If your engine light is on but nothing seems wrong then your car is probably okay to drive but it’s best to use an OBD reader to figure out why the engine light is on or take it to a mechanic as soon as possible to be diagnosed.
Summary – How To Reset The Check Engine Light
Learning how to reset the check engine light is fairly simple and here are five strategies that you can try.
Just remember, that if you haven’t already confirmed the problem and had it fixed, clearing the check engine light does not get rid of the problem or fix it. Resetting the check engine light is just clearing the error code.