The check engine light is one of the most frustrating and annoying warning lights to see on your dashboard. It does not only make you uncomfortable, it makes driving less enjoyable because you can’t stop worrying about what might have caused the light to come on.
There are so many reasons why a check engine warning light can appear on your dashboard. Sometimes, it can be a malfunction from your car’s computer that triggered the light. It may or may not be something serious.
When the light comes on, you would like to have it turned off. So, how do you reset a check engine light without disconnecting the battery?
You can reset the check engine light without disconnecting the battery by using an OBD-II scanner to read the error codes that caused the check engine warning light to come and clear the error codes. You can also complete a drive cycle to reset a check engine light without disconnecting the battery.
Why Does the Check Engine Light Comes On?
The Check Engine light is designed to alert you when the vehicle’s computer (Engine Control Module or ECM) detects a problem related to the engine, transmission, or emissions systems.
These issues can range from minor problems like a loose gas cap to more serious engine malfunctions such as engine misfires caused by a bad spark plug, ignition coils, etc.
When a problem is detected, the ECM stores a trouble code in its memory, which is accessible using an OBD-II scanner.
The Check Engine light remains on your dashboard until the issue is resolved and the code is cleared. This is where the methods to reset the Check Engine light come into play.
How to Reset Check Engine Light Without Disconnecting Battery
Follow any of the methods below to reset the check engine light without disconnecting your car battery:
Method 1: Use an OBD-II Scanner
The most reliable and convenient way to reset the check engine light without disconnecting the battery is by using an OBD-II scanner. These scanners are readily available for purchase. You can also borrow it from a friend that has.
To use an OBD-II scanner to reset the check engine light, follow the steps below:
- Locate the OBD-II Port: This port is usually found under the dashboard on the driver’s side, near the steering column. Plug the OBD-II scanner into the port.
- Turn on the Ignition: Insert the key and turn the ignition to the “On” position without starting the engine. This allows the scanner to communicate with the ECM.
- Read the Trouble Codes: Follow the scanner’s instructions to read the trouble codes stored in the ECM. The scanner will display the specific issues detected by the vehicle’s computer.
- Clear the Trouble Codes: Most OBD-II scanners have an option to clear trouble codes. Select this option to erase the codes from the ECM’s memory.
- Turn off the ignition: Once the codes are cleared, turn off the ignition, unplug the OBD-II scanner, and start the engine. The Check Engine light should be reset.
Please note that resetting the light does not fix the issue that caused the light to come on. If the problem persists, the light will come back on. It is important to fix the root cause of the issue to permanently get rid of the light.
Method 2: Use the Trip Meter Reset Button
Some vehicles have a method for resetting the check engine light using the trip meter reset button on the dashboard. This method may not work for all cars, but it’s worth a try if your vehicle is compatible.
To use a trip meter to reset a check engine light without disconnecting the battery, follow the steps below:
- Turn the ignition to the “On” position without starting the engine.
- Locate the trip meter reset button on your dashboard. It is usually near the speedometer or tachometer.
- Press and hold the trip meter reset button.
- While holding the button, start the car.
- Continue holding the button for about 10-15 seconds.
- Release the button and turn off the ignition.
- Start the car again to see if the check engine light is reset.
This method may vary depending on your vehicle’s brand and model. You can check your car’s manual to see more information in regards to that.
Method 3: Completing a Drive Cycle
The check engine light may reset itself after a certain number of drive cycles or when the drive cycle is completed without any issues being detected.
A drive cycle involves starting the car, driving for some distance, and completing various conditions, such as reaching a certain speed or temperature.
If you’ve addressed the problem that initially triggered the check engine light and believe it has been fixed, you can reset the light by following these steps:
- Ensure the issue has been resolved and the problem no longer exists.
- Start your vehicle and drive it normally.
- While driving, turn your AC on at a point, and drive above 50 miles per hour.
- Drive for several days or a few hundred miles to complete multiple drive cycles.
If the issue no longer exists, and the car’s computer doesn’t detect any problems during this time, the check engine light will reset on its own.
However, this method may not work immediately depending on what caused the check engine light and what you did when fixing the check engine light.
It is also important to note that while it works, it may take some time before it works, depending on your vehicle’s requirements for a drive cycle.
Which Fuse to Pull to Reset the Check Engine Light?
There is no fuse to pull to reset the check engine light because the warning light does not have a fuse. It only comes on when your car’s computer notices a problem with your engine.
Moreover, pulling a fuse to reset the check engine light is not a recommended method for resolving the check engine light issue because the warning light is designed to show a problem with your vehicle’s engine or emissions system.
Therefore, pulling a fuse will not fix the problem, rather, may mask it temporarily, leading to more issues down the road.
When the Check Engine light comes on, it is important to diagnose the problem using proper diagnostic tools, such as an OBD-II scanner, and fix the root cause of the problem.
Resetting the light without addressing the problem can be dangerous and costly, as it may prevent you from knowing about critical issues with your vehicle. Moreover, the light will come back on again.
Conclusion
Resetting the check engine light without disconnecting the battery is something anyone can do provided you have the required equipment needed to do it.
You can either use an OBD-II scanner to reset the warning light without disconnecting the battery or drive the car until you complete a drive cycle.
Using an OBD-II scanner is the most reliable and widely applicable method, as it allows you to read trouble codes, clear them from the ECM’s memory, and pinpoint the root cause of the issue.
