Learn How to Reset a Check Engine Light

The check engine light in your car, truck, or SUV is there to alert you that your vehicle is due for service. It could be routine maintenance or a more serious problem with the engine. Either way, when the check engine light is on, you should bring the vehicle into the Service Centre at Standard Motors as soon as possible. If the issue has already been addressed and the light is still on, you’ll need to reset it. This guide from the service team at our dealership in Swift Current will show you how to reset the check engine light.

If the Check Engine Light is On, Take Care of It ASAP

What should you do if your check engine light comes on? For your own safety and to ensure that you don’t experience a breakdown when you’re on the road outside of Kyle, you should bring the vehicle into our Service Centre as soon as you can. What seems to be a minor problem now can develop into a much bigger and more costly issue over time. Schedule service with Standard Motors online to have our certified technicians identify the problem and get you safely back on the road.

Reset a Check Engine Light: Disconnect Negative Battery Cable

If you have resolved the issue and the light remains on, you can manually reset the check engine light by following these steps:

1. Turn off the ignition and put on safety glasses and gloves.
2. Locate the negative terminal on your car battery. It will most often have a black cap and a negative (–) symbol. The positive cap is red and will have a positive (+) symbol.
3. Loosen the nut on the negative terminal with a wrench and pull the negative connector away from the battery. Keep it to the side for 30 – 60 seconds.
4. Reconnect the negative cable and tighten it with your wrench.

This should reset the check engine light. If it doesn’t, bring your vehicle to our Service Centre, and have our service techs reset it for you. Please note that disconnecting or replacing your battery may also require you to reset other in-car electronics, such as your infotainment system.

Check Your Gas Cap

If disconnecting the negative battery cable didn’t reset the check engine light, then you should check the gas cap. A loose or cracked gas cap will trigger the check engine light. We recommend that you remove the gas cap and reseat it, making sure that it is properly secured. This should reset the check engine light and you’ll be good to go.

Rely on the Auto Service Experts at Standard Motors

If you are unsure about how to reset the check engine light yourself or would like a professional assessment, don’t hesitate to bring your vehicle to our Service Centre near Regina. We’ll make sure your car is running safely in top condition, and we can also provide advice on everything from how often to replace a cabin air filter and when to get an oil change, to how to jump start a car. Make sure to check out our current service specials and coupons to save on your next auto service, and if you have any questions, please feel free to contact our Service Centre.