How to Reset Check Engine Light

We know that sometimes your check engine can come on but when you investigate further and determine there isn’t any issue with your vehicle, the light is still there. So how do you get it to go away? The Superior Ford service centeris here for you with three ways you can successfully reset a check engine light. Get help from our professionals or schedule a service appointment and we’d be happy to help you!

Why Should You Get Vehicle Problems Checked Right Away?

You should get vehicle problems checked right away because bringing your vehicle in to be inspected and maintained protects your safety and prevents minor issues from turning into larger problems. Some of the issues with your vehicle can wait and don’t necessarily need to be addressed right away, but it’s always the best policy to bring your vehicle in to be inspected and maintained when there are issues, especially when there is a check engine light on.

Getting unresolved vehicle issues inspected as soon as possible ensures your safety on the road even if you suspect nothing is wrong. 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 actually wrong, or you’ve decided not to fix it right now. Either way, it’s best to get the problem solved as soon as possible for your safety and to ensure it doesn’t create a bigger issue. You can easily schedule service online so you can get back out on the Fayetteville and Rogers roads as soon as possible.

How Do You Reset a Check Engine Light by Disconnecting the Negative Battery Cable?

You can reset a check engine light by disconnecting the negative battery cable for 30 to 60 seconds to reset your vehicle’s system. 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, but 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.

Disconnecting the negative battery cable usually clears the check engine light, though it may also reset your infotainment system settings. 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!

How Can Checking Your Gas Cap Reset the Check Engine Light?

Checking your gas cap can reset the check engine light by ensuring it is properly sealed to prevent fumes from escaping while driving. Sometimes it may just be a simple fix where you have a loose or cracked gas cap, which causes fumes to release as you drive around Springdale. 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 this, we would suggest following the steps above to disconnect the battery, and you should be good to go!

Why Should You Visit the Superior Ford Service Center for Help?

You should visit the Superior Ford service center for help because our professional technicians can accurately diagnose and resolve any persistent check engine light issues. It’s always nice to try and fix the issue on your own but it doesn’t always work and that’s okay. We’re here to help you and all our Siloam Springs drivers with whatever they need. If you do try any of these methods at home and have questions along the way, don’t hesitate to contact us.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are answers to common questions about resetting a check engine light and troubleshooting dashboard warnings.

How do you disconnect the negative battery cable to reset a check engine light?
Turn off the ignition and wear safety equipment, locate the negative terminal marked with a black cap and negative symbol, loosen the nut with a wrench, disconnect the cable for 30 to 60 seconds, and then reconnect and tighten it.

Why can a loose or cracked gas cap cause the check engine light to turn on?
A loose or cracked gas cap allows fumes to escape as you drive, which often triggers the check engine light to illuminate.

What should you do if attempting to reset the check engine light at home does not work?
If attempting to reset the check engine light at home does not work, you should contact or visit the Superior Ford service center or schedule a service appointment online for professional assistance.