How to Reset Check Engine Light

No one around Edgewater wants their check engine light to come on. Usually, this light means that it’s time to schedule a service appointment at Land Rover Annapolis. Still, if you’ve tried to fix the problem at home or if the light comes back after you schedule service, you might wonder what went wrong. Thankfully, it’s easy to learn how to reset the check engine light manually on a Land Rover.

When Should You Reset Your Check Engine Light at Home?

Your Land Rover check engine light won’t come on for no reason. Some potential causes–like a loose gas cap–are easy fixes. However, you should only reset your check engine light if you are absolutely confident that the issue that caused the light to turn on has been resolved. If you used an OBD2 scanner to identify the issue, you can use the same scanner to reset the check engine light.

If you perform a manual reset of your check engine light, and it comes on again as soon as you start driving, there’s a deeper issue that needs to be investigated. Schedule service and let an expert take a look. You might need to replace your engine air filter or other core components anyway.

Reset a Check Engine Light by Disconnecting Your Battery

Of course, most people don’t have an OBD2 scanner laying around. Although you can pick one up at our Annapolis parts department, there is one way to reset a check engine light without spending any money at all.

All you need to do is disconnect the negative (black) battery cable for at least 60 seconds. This will allow your internal diagnostics systems to reset. If you haven’t disconnected your battery before, don’t worry. You only need a few standard tools for the job. Grab some safety glasses, a pair of gloves, and a wrench, and remove all metal objects and jewelry from your person. Then, follow these steps:

1. Turn off your engine, apply the parking brake, and open the hood.
2. Locate your vehicle’s negative battery terminal. Loosen the cable with a wrench, and pull it off.
3. Keep the cable disconnected for a minute or more, and then reconnect it with your wrench.

Keep in mind that disconnecting the battery cable won’t just reset your check engine light. Other electronic systems could be impacted. If you’re worried about losing data, it’s worth it to seek out a scanner or have the job done at a trusted service center.

Land Rover Annapolis is at Always at Your Service

If you would rather not reset your check engine light yourself, contact Land Rover Annapolis. We’re conveniently located near Severna Park and Crofton. Whether you’re looking for routine service, major repairs, or new parts and accessories, we’re your best source for auto care. Check out our service specials and then give us a call. We are here for you!