How to Reset Check Engine Light

check-engine-light

Seeing your check engine light come on can be frustrating, especially if the issue has already been resolved. Learning how to reset a check engine light can help you clear that dashboard warning and get back on the road in Macon without the distraction. However, it's essential to make sure the underlying issue has been properly addressed before resetting the light. In this guide, we'll cover a few methods to reset the check engine light and provide some tips for maintaining your vehicle. And remember, if you ever need professional assistance, the service team at Five Star Lincoln Warner Robins is here to help. 

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If There Is a Problem, Have It Resolved

If you've reached the point where you're wondering how you can reset a check engine light, you're either sure there's nothing wrong, or you've decided not to fix it right now. While this is ultimately the driver's decision, we do urge you to take care of the issue as soon as it arises, for your safety. Plus, ignoring a problem now can cause it to snowball into a much bigger issue over time. You can easily schedule service online to have the experienced service technicians at Five Star Lincoln Warner Robins get you back on the road.

Disconnect the Negative Battery Cable

If you haven't found any problem that needs to be addressed, manually resetting your check engine light is the next logical action. To those who aren't overly familiar with what's under the hood of their car, this may sound incredibly daunting. It's actually quite easy. Just follow these steps:

  1. Turn off the ignition and put on safety glasses and gloves
  2. Locate the negative terminal. Usually, it has a black cap and a negative (-) symbol. For reference, the positive cap is red and will have a positive (+) symbol.
  3. Loosen the nut on the negative terminal with a wrench, then pull the negative connector from the battery. Keep it to the side for 30 - 60 seconds.
  4. Reconnect the negative cable and tighten it back up with your wrench.

 

This should do the trick, but if it doesn't, we've got another option for you to try. Please note that disconnecting your battery may also reset your infotainment system.

Check Your Gas Cap

You may simply have a loose or cracked gas cap, which causes fumes to release. Oftentimes, your engine light will illuminate as a result. When you're safely parked, simply remove your gas cap and put it right back on. If the engine light doesn't turn off right away after you perform this check, follow the steps above to disconnect the battery, and you should be good to go.

Contact Five Star Lincoln Warner Robins for Additional Service Tips

While learning how to reset a check engine light is useful, addressing the root cause of the issue is essential to keeping your vehicle running smoothly. At Five Star Lincoln Warner Robins, our certified technicians are ready to assist with any maintenance or repairs your vehicle might need. Plus, when you purchase a vehicle from us, it comes with the exclusive Five Star warranty, ensuring long-term protection for your investment wherever you travel in Dublin.


If you need help resetting your check engine light contact our service center today or schedule an appointment online, don't forget to check our service specials before your appointment. We're here to keep your vehicle in top condition for years to come. And, if you're ready to upgrade to a new vehicle, we can help with that too.