How to Reset Engine Light on Car

Introduction

The engine light is a warning light that illuminates on your car’s dashboard when there is a problem with the engine. There are many different reasons why the engine light can come on, but some of the most common include:

* A loose gas cap
* A faulty oxygen sensor
* A bad spark plug
* A clogged fuel filter
* A problem with the catalytic converter

If the engine light is on, it is important to have the problem diagnosed and repaired as soon as possible. Driving with the engine light on can damage your car’s engine and lead to expensive repairs.

How to Reset Engine Light

There are two ways to reset the engine light on your car:

1. **Use a scan tool.** A scan tool is a device that can be used to read and clear diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) from your car’s computer. DTCs are codes that are stored in your car’s computer when a problem is detected. To reset the engine light using a scan tool, simply connect the scan tool to your car’s diagnostic port and follow the instructions on the screen.
2. **Disconnect the battery.** Disconnecting the battery will clear the DTCs from your car’s computer and reset the engine light. To disconnect the battery, simply remove the negative battery terminal from the battery. Wait for a few minutes, then reconnect the negative battery terminal.

**Note:** Resetting the engine light will not fix the problem that caused it to come on. It is important to have the problem diagnosed and repaired as soon as possible.

Troubleshooting

If you have reset the engine light and it comes back on, it is important to have the problem diagnosed by a mechanic. There may be a more serious problem that is causing the engine light to come on.

Here are some of the most common problems that can cause the engine light to come back on:

* A faulty oxygen sensor
* A bad spark plug
* A clogged fuel filter
* A problem with the catalytic converter
* A problem with the emissions system

If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, it is important to have your car diagnosed by a mechanic as soon as possible:

* Decreased engine performance
* Increased fuel consumption
* Rough idling
* Stalling
* Hesitation

Conclusion

Resetting the engine light on your car is a simple procedure that can be done in a few minutes. However, it is important to have the problem that caused the engine light to come on diagnosed and repaired as soon as possible. Driving with the engine light on can damage your car’s engine and lead to expensive repairs.