How to Reset a Check Engine Light

If you’re getting sick of the sight of that amber light on your dashboard, you might be eager to learn how to reset your check engine light. But before you pop the hood, we recommend that you make sure nothing is wrong with your car! Your check engine light can signal both minor and major problems, so a trip to the service center can give you major peace of mind. That being said, sometimes drivers in Valdosta and Hahira need to reset a check engine light after a service. Cook County Ford is here to walk you through the steps!

Why Do I Need to Check My Engine Light?

Before we dive into how to reset your engine light, why do we recommend heading to a service center first? Your check engine light will automatically turn on when your onboard computer senses something is wrong. This could be as minor as a loose gas cap or as major as engine failure. The trouble is that most drivers can’t identify a minor vs. major car issue just from driving around Nashville. You’ll need the eyes of a skilled technician, as well as the proper tools to correctly diagnose the problem. So if you’re putting off a trip to the shop, feel free to schedule your service with us today!

How Do I Turn Off My Check Engine Light?

So let’s say you want to reset your check engine light. You’ll need to get under the hood and work with your car battery, so we recommend grabbing safety glasses and gloves. This will protect you as you work. You might also want to flip through your owner’s manual if you’re not familiar with your car’s layout. Then, follow these steps:

• Park where you can work comfortably and turn off the engine.
• Find the negative terminal on your car battery. Look for the black cap and negative (-) symbol.
• Loosen the nut on the negative battery terminal using a wrench and pull the cable away from the battery.
• Keep your battery disconnected foe 30 to 60 seconds.
• Reconnect the negative battery cable and tighten the connection with your wrench.

Once you disconnect your battery, keep in mind that this process can reset your infotainment system. Double-check your dashboard when you’re finished. You might need to reconfigure your radio, contacts, and other personal settings.

Learn More Service Tips and Tricks with Cook County Ford

Before you reset your check engine light, why not swing by Cook County Ford for an inspection? Our team would be happy to help, and we’ll make sure that you’re back on the road in no time. And if you have any other service needs in the Adel area, we’ve got you covered. From oil changes to brake service, our techs will bring out the very best in your car – contact us today!