The check engine light is an important tool for automobile owners that identifies problems under the hood. The bright, easily-identifiable dashboard indicator acts as a digital red flag, alerting the driver to budding problems before they turn into costly damage and repairs.
But that helpful indicator can easily become a nuisance if it persists after you have already fixed the problem. So we’re sharing some troubleshooting steps you can take to get the check engine light to go away.
These suggestions are only meant for a vehicle that has already had the underlying issue identified and repaired. These solutions will not work or, worse, lead to severe damage if the check engine light is removed for an issue that has not been resolved. And be sure to rule out a new issue hasn’t popped up after you fixed the first one.
We should also mention that if your check engine icon is blinking — as opposed to a solid light — it probably indicates an immediate issue that needs to be addressed. These issues could put you and other passengers in danger, so you should take immediate steps to address the problem.
Our friendly team at Highland Tire would be more than happy to check your diagnostic system to tell you what is going on with your vehicle. If you see your check engine light, you can always give us a call or stop by our shop.
1. Continue Driving and Let it Clear on its Own
In terms of difficulty level, this option is the equivalent of hitting the easy button.
Once the original problem has been fixed, it sometimes takes the computer a moment to cycle out the error code.
The computer systems in your vehicle work in a continuous cycle. When you fix a problem that was causing the check engine light, it may take a while for the computer system to refresh its ‘present state.’ Once it does, it will recognize the diagnostic is no longer flagging an issue and the light will go off.
To attempt this method, drive your car as you normally would for up to three days. If the problem persists, you will have to try one of the other steps listed here or take your car to an auto shop — like Highland Tire — where a professional can diagnose the issue.
Please keep in mind that if your check engine indicator light is blinking on and off, you may have a serious immediate issue and should stop driving your vehicle.
2. Use an OBD2 Scanner
This option requires some equipment and know-how, but it is also a sure-fire way to address a check engine light.
OBD2 scanners range in price from under $25 to thousands of dollars for the types of machines used by professional mechanics. Today, there are also apps available for download on your smartphone that can run the same simple diagnostics.
With a price disparity that large, it is natural that there are varying features depending on which option you decide. If you are simply trying to get your check engine light to turn off, it might make the most sense to stop into your local auto parts store or purchase a lower-end scanner online. They’re handy to keep around for just these types of issues!
You will plug your scanner into the OBD port, which is located below the steering column in most vehicles. Once you turn it on, it will run through the computer’s diagnostics and give you a code for each issue it finds. You will be able to decipher the code using the OBD2 scanner’s manual, your car’s manual or online.
Once you know the issue, you can also remove the flag using the ‘erase’ or ‘clear’ button.
Again, it’s important to confirm you have fixed the problem, otherwise you’re just removing the light while the problem continues to damage your vehicle.
3. Turning the Ignition On and Off
If you’ve ever worked in an office setting with an IT department, you may have asked for help with an issue plaguing your computer.
‘Did you try rebooting your machine?’ is likely the first question your IT wizard asked.
The on-off method is the equivalent fix for a vehicle’s check engine light. It forces the computer to refresh its saved state through a reboot.
Simply place your key into the ignition and turn it on for 1-2 seconds, then turn it off for 1-2 seconds. Repeat this step three or four times.
If the check engine light remains after the reset, you might still have a problem with your vehicle. Consider checking for the error code with the OBD2 scanner or taking your car to a professional mechanic.
4. Disconnect and Reconnect the Battery/ECM Hard Reset Technique
For this method, you will need a wrench and be okay with getting your hands a little dirty.
Your ECM, or Engine Control Module, is the on-board computer system that uses data to configure your vehicle to your driving habits, environment and surroundings. It does things like monitor your fuel usage, engine tolerances, idling RPMs, et.c, and saves them in the system’s RAM. It also stores diagnostic data, including your error codes.
Since these change over time, any corruption of that data could be a possible cause for a stubborn faulty check engine light. So, if you wipe that slate clean and start from zero, it will also remove the check engine error.
It should be mentioned that this method might not work for all makes and models. Some modern vehicles will store the codes in the computer system even when disconnected from the battery. You may want to do some additional research to make sure it will work for your car before attempting it.
First, disconnect the negative terminal from your car’s battery. The negative terminal will be black in color and/or have minus (—) icon.
Next, drain residual electricity from the line by pressing the brake pedal, blowing the horn or turning on the lights for 30 seconds or more.
Reconnect your vehicle and start as usual.
Again, we only recommend this method if you are certain you’ve removed the root issue and your check engine light is faulty. If this does not describe you, we suggest taking your car into a trusted and knowledgeable mechanic.
