How to Reset a Check Engine Light

It’s happened to many drivers: you’re driving down the road in Bartow, and your check engine light suddenly illuminates. You may think that there is nothing wrong with your engine, but the light just won’t go away. The Kelley Automotive Group service center can help you successfully reset a check engine light.

Have the Check Engine Light Issue Diagnosed

If you are wondering how you can reset a check engine light, you can do this right at home, but it’s essential that you take care of the issue as soon as it arises, for your own safety. Ignoring any service-related problems now can cause them to snowball into much larger problems down the road. You can schedule service and have one of our factory-trained technicians at Kelley Automotive Group get you back on Winter Haven roads.

How to Disconnect the Negative Battery Cable

You have the option of manually resetting your check engine light. For those who are not 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 fix things, but if it doesn’t, our service experts have other options to try. Remember, disconnecting your battery could also reset your infotainment system!

Inspect Your Gas Cap

You could have a loose or cracked gas cap, which causes fumes to release. This will also cause your engine light to illuminate. Find a safe place to park, remove your gas cap, and put it back on. If the engine light doesn’t turn off right away after you perform this check, follow the steps above to disconnect the battery, and you should be good to go!

Get Additional Service Help From Kelley Automotive Group

If you’re not comfortable with resetting the check engine light at home, you can bring your vehicle to our Lakeland service center. If you have any questions, contact us! Be sure to explore our service specials to save on your next visit with us, and get more handy tips like how to clean car floor mats!