How to Reset a Check Engine Light

 
It’s happened to all of us. You’re driving around Grand Blanc, and suddenly the check engine light comes on. What should you do? Do you pull over? Call roadside assistance? The truth is, the check engine light can light up for any number of reasons, both serious and not serious. This has led some to try to reset the check engine light instead of trying to determine the reason it’s on. Is this wise? Bowman Chevrolet of Clarkston wants to help you be safe and to keep your car running in top shape. So let’s talk about how to reset a check engine light, and whether you should.

First, Check Your Fuel Cap

It seems almost too simple, but you want to check the simplest thing first. Sometimes, a loose fuel cap will cause the check engine light to come on. So, before you concern yourself with how to reset your check engine light, remove the fuel cap then secure it tightly back on. If this is the reason your check engine light went on, it should turn back off after driving about 10 to 20 miles.

When Resetting Your Check Engine Light Isn’t Wise

There could be a serious issue under the hood of your car that is causing the check engine light to come on. A qualified mechanic, like the service staff at Bowman Chevrolet, can determine the cause of the check engine light and reset it once the issue is resolved. After all, you don’t want to find yourself broken down somewhere around Waterford.

How to Reset the Check Engine Light

If you have your vehicle inspected by a mechanic and it’s determined that nothing is wrong but the check engine light remains on, the steps to reset a check engine light are simple! Take a look:

Steps to Reset Check Engine Light

1. Turn off the ignition and put on safety glasses and gloves.
2. Locate the negative terminal on your car battery. It will most often have a black cap and a negative (–) symbol. The positive cap is red and will have a positive (+) symbol.
3. Loosen the nut on the negative terminal with a wrench and pull the negative connector from the battery. Keep it to the side for 30 – 60 seconds.
4. Reconnect the negative cable and tighten it with your wrench.

Get Your Car Serviced at Bowman Chevrolet

The experienced technicians in our service center know how to reset your check engine light, but more importantly, know how to troubleshoot and fix the issue causing it. If your check engine light is coming on, take your vehicle into Bowman Chevrolet to have it serviced. You can even make an appointment online. While you’re here, check out our service specials. We’re a short drive away from Clarkston, so drop by or contact us today!