How to Reset Check Engine Light

Seeing the check engine light come on in your car can be stressful, especially if you're not sure what's causing it. After addressing the issue, the next step is figuring out how to reset a check engine light so you can get back on the road without distractions. Whether you're cruising around Warner Robins or taking a long road trip outside of Perry, knowing how to reset your check engine light can give you peace of mind. Let’s explore a few simple ways to reset the check engine light and ensure your vehicle is operating properly. 

If you’ve reached the point where you’re wondering how you can reset a check engine light, you’re either sure there’s nothing actually wrong, or you’ve decided not to fix it right now. While this is ultimately the driver’s decision, we do 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 service technicians at Genesis of Macon get you back on Dublin roads.

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 actually 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 infotainment system.

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

If you're still unsure about how to reset a check engine light or need expert advice, the team at Genesis of Macon is here to help. From routine maintenance to more complex repairs, we’ve got you covered. Plus, as part of the Genesis experience, you’ll enjoy complimentary maintenance and world-class service. Reach out to us for more service tips or schedule a visit to ensure your vehicle is in peak condition. Let us handle the hard work so you can focus on enjoying the road ahead wherever you travel in Hawkinsville.