Resetting the Engine Trouble Light: 6 Steps (with Pictures)

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Resetting the Engine Trouble Light: 6 Steps (with Pictures)
Resetting the Engine Trouble Light: 6 Steps (with Pictures)
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Engine malfunction lights illuminate in the event of an engine problem or a problem with the emissions monitoring system. In such a case it is always a good idea to scan and read the codes generated by your car's computer. After the problem has been solved, you can reset the light. In this article we explain how to reset the engine malfunction light.

Steps

Method 1 of 2: Using a scanning device

Reset a Check Engine Light Step 1
Reset a Check Engine Light Step 1

Step 1. Connect the scanner to the OBD-II connector under your steering column (OBD stands for On Board Diagnostics, II stands for the second, standardized version of the interface)

Turn your ignition switch to the On position. Turn off all accessories.

Reset a Check Engine Light Step 2
Reset a Check Engine Light Step 2

Step 2. Press the "Read" button on your scanning device to read the engine error messages

Write the notification or notifications in the order they appeared so that you can use them later for any repairs.

Reset a Check Engine Light Step 3
Reset a Check Engine Light Step 3

Step 3. Press the "Erase" button on your scanning device to clear the error message

Clearing the error message will turn the engine trouble light off. Some scanning devices have other options, such as reading different sensors at the time the notification was given. Clearing the notifications will also clear this file.

Some scanning devices have an automatic option and a "Yes" or "Clear" button instead of the "Erase" button

Method 2 of 2: Clearing the code (old fashioned way)

Reset a Check Engine Light Step 4
Reset a Check Engine Light Step 4

Step 1. Disconnect your car battery by disconnecting the positive and negative cables from the battery

If necessary, use a wrench to remove the cables.

Reset a Check Engine Light Step 5
Reset a Check Engine Light Step 5

Step 2. Press the horn for 30 seconds to remove any remaining electricity from the capacitor

Reset a Check Engine Light Step 6
Reset a Check Engine Light Step 6

Step 3. Wait 15 minutes and then reconnect the cables to the battery terminals

The error messages are now cleared, causing the engine trouble light to go out. Unfortunately, this method will not work on every car. If the light comes back on after connecting the battery, there is probably a problem that needs to be looked into right away.

Warnings

  • Clearing the messages by disconnecting your battery can also erase the radio's memory, as well as other components in the car. So only use this method if nothing else works.
  • The emissions system of your car keeps track of when a reset has taken place, probably because of this you will not pass the emissions test with an MOT. Drive at least 300 km before taking your car to the inspection.
  • Consult a garage if the error message persists or if you cannot find information about the message and how to fix it. In this case, a mechanic may need to check the vehicle before the messages can be cleared.
  • A good garage will not reset the engine trouble light if the problem is not fixed. This is acceptable only to complete a diagnostic process in identifying a problem.
  • The engine trouble light indicates that there is a problem with the vehicle. It can be dangerous to reset the light when you don't know why the light comes on.

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