Learn How to Reset a Check Engine Light

Is your vehicle’s check engine light on? Your first step should be to schedule an inspection to determine if there is an issue that must be fixed. Sometimes, though, the check engine light activates when nothing is wrong. The reason could be as simple as a loose gas cap, but you’ll still want to schedule service to get to the bottom of things. In the meantime, you may want that bothersome light turned off during your Atlanta drives. Fortunately, learning how to reset a check engine light is a fairly simple process. Read the steps to reset a check engine light below, and contact us with any questions.

If There is a Problem, Have it Resolved

If you’ve reached the point where you’re wondering how to reset a check engine light, you’re either sure there’s nothing wrong, or you’ve decided not to fix it right now. While this is ultimately the driver’s decision, we urge you to take care of the issue as soon as it arises, for your own safety. Plus, ignoring a problem now can cause it to snowball into a much bigger issue over time. You can easily schedule service online to have the experienced technicians at Heritage Volkswagen get you back on the Fayetteville roads.

Disconnect the Negative Battery Cable

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. It’s 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.

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 vehicle’s infotainment system!

Check Your Gas Cap

You may simply have a loose or cracked gas cap, which causes fumes to release. Often, 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 after you perform this check, follow the steps above to disconnect the battery, and you should be good to go.

Visit the Heritage Volkswagen Service Center for Additional Help

Hopefully, this guide on how to reset a check engine light has been helpful. If you have any questions or concerns, our team is here to help you in Union City. Schedule an appointment, and we’ll get you back on the Newnan roads safely. Be sure to explore our service offers, and check out more service tips on our website!