How to Reset a Check Engine Light

Your check engine light is an important warning system in your vehicle. It often indicates something wrong in critical parts of your combustion engine and requires inspection and service as soon as possible to keep you safely moving on the Indianapolis roads. That said, once you’ve resolved the issue, the light may not automatically turn off. Learn how to reset a check engine light while ensuring your vehicle’s health with this guide from the service team at Ford of Lafayette.

If There Is a Problem, Have It Resolved

If your check engine light has turned on or remained on after a service, you may want to know how to turn it off. But, the check engine light can be your lone indicator before a critical malfunction. Schedule service at Ford of Lafayette to have your vehicle inspected again by certified experts to ensure that nothing was missed, or that a new issue hasn’t appeared since its last service. It’s better safe than sorry when it comes to your vehicle’s engine!

Disconnect the Negative Battery Cable

If you’ve determined that there’s no problem with your engine, it’s safe to assume you can turn the check engine light off. To do this manually, follow these simple steps:

1. Before you start, make sure your ignition is off. Put on safety glasses and gloves. 
2. Open the hood and locate your vehicle’s battery. Identify the negative terminal, often indicated by a black cap and a negative (–) symbol.
3. Using a wrench, loosen the nut on the negative terminal and pull the negative connector from the battery. Keep it disconnected for 30 to 60 seconds. 
4. When enough time has passed, reconnect the negative cable to the terminal and retighten it with the wrench. Close the hood and turn the ignition on to see if the light has turned off. 

While this method tends to reset the check engine light, it isn’t foolproof. Note that, if you try this method, you may also reset your vehicle’s infotainment system!

Check Your Gas Cap

If you’ve tried the above steps and your check engine light remains lit, it may be time to check your gas cap. A loose or cracked gas cap can release fumes that trigger the check engine light. While safely parked in Frankfort, try taking your gas cap off and replacing it tightly. If your engine light is still on afterward, follow the steps for disconnecting the negative battery cable one more time. 

Learn More About Resetting Your Check Engine Light at Ford of Lafayette

Now that you know how to reset a check engine light, you’re ready to take on the Delphi roads with confidence! Still have questions or a check engine light that won’t budge? Contact Ford of Lafayette, and our team will be happy to help diagnose and solve your vehicle’s issue as soon as possible. For more DIY service tips and tricks, visit our Service and Parts Tips Hub.