Learn How to Reset a Check Engine Light

You’re driving on Conway roads, taking your usual commute. Suddenly, your check engine light flashes on, and immediately you feel your heart convulse. What’s wrong with my car? Do I pull over? We’ve been there at one point. In some instances, when your check engine light illuminates, there can be nothing wrong with your engine. But it can also be an indicator of a far more serious problem that needs to be addressed quickly. Learn how to reset a check engine light with the help of the Myrtle Beach Chrysler Jeep service team.

First Things First: Is There a Problem?

Before you go ahead and figure out how to reset a check engine light, you want to make sure that you are positive that there is absolutely nothing wrong with your vehicle. You may feel the urge to go ahead and reset your check engine light now, but you want to discern any potential issues right away for your own personal safety when driving on North Myrtle Beach roads. To see what’s going on, you can schedule a service appointment at Myrtle Beach Chrysler Jeep to get your vehicle inspected by our expert technicians.

How to Reset Check Engine Light: The Steps

Once you’ve successfully ruled out any problems with your vehicle, you’ll want to go ahead and reset your check engine light. It might seem like a difficult feat initially, but it’s not as bad as you may think. You’ll need a few items on hand, though:

• A pair of safety glasses and gloves
• A wrench in handy
• A “do-it-yourself” attitude

Here are the steps on how to reset a check engine light:

1. Turn off the ignition and put on safety glasses and gloves.
2. Pop open the hood of your vehicle.
3. Find the negative terminal. The negative terminal typically has a black cap and a negative (-) symbol, whereas the positive cap is red and sports a (+) symbol.
4. Taking your wrench, loosen the nut on the negative terminal, then pull the negative connector from the battery.
5. Keep the negative connector to the side for about 30-60 seconds.
6. Reconnect the negative cable, and tighten it back up with your wrench.

Just note that disconnecting your car battery can reset your infotainment system.

Option 2: Check Your Gas Cap

So, your check engine light still won’t turn off. One reason why your check engine won’t reset may be because you may have a loose or cracked gas cap, which causes the release of fumes. To see if your gas cap is loose, park your car, locate your gas cap. Simply remove the gas cap, then put it back on. If your check engine light doesn’t turn on away, repeat the steps on how to reset your check engine light. If it STILL won’t turn off, you have a problem on your hands, and you should probably schedule a service appointment to see what’s up.

Visit the Myrtle Beach Chrysler Jeep Service Center for Additional Help

Not all of us are handy-people, and that’s alright! If you’re not up to the task, the Myrtle Beach Chrysler Jeep service technicians can help you out with resetting your check engine light, so stop by our shop in Myrtle Beach near Surfside Beach. If you’re in need of any other service, you can peruse our service specials to save for your next visit. For any other service-related questions, don’t hesitate to contact the service department!