PriceProtect™
DriveShield™
GarageGuard™
Services
Insurance
Car Insurance
Compare Car Insurance with Jerry
Jerry’s Expert Advice
Car Insurance Estimates
Home & Renters Insurance
Renters Insurance
Repairs
Car Repair Estimates
Repair Estimates for Popular Services
Advice
Read Car Content
Browse Jerry Car Advice
Check Out Expert Car QnA
Learn About How We Create Content
Jerry Data & Research
Can I reset my car’s electrical system by detaching the battery?
Whenever I have a problem with one of my other electrical devices, the first thing I always do is turn it off and turn it back on again. Can I do the same with my car's electrical system by disconnecting the battery?
Allison Stone · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
If you’re having a problem with your car’s electrical system or computer and you take it to a
mechanic
, it is very common that they might reset the Engine Control Module (ECM) by disconnecting the car battery
. The exact process will depend on the make, model, and age of your car, but the process of disconnecting and reconnecting your car battery is relatively simple.If you’ve ever replaced the battery yourself, this will be a similar process. First, you need to locate the battery and find the negative and positive terminals. Next, you need to choose the proper socket size to unscrew the bolts on your battery’s terminals. Then you unscrew the bolt over and disconnect the negative terminal, then the positive terminal.
Once all terminals have been disconnected, you can remove the battery. When the battery is out, you can reset the computer by connecting the negative and positive cables together. After a few minutes, the computer should start to reactivate.
DIYing some simple repairs at home can be a great way to save money and learn more about your car, but you should never do it as a last resort. You can save money and leave it up to the professionals when you sign up with
Jerry
. Jerry is a car insurance
comparison app that acts as a licensed broker and does all the hard work of finding and comparing quotes from the top name-brand insurance companies so you don’t have to. Jerry will even send you new quotes every time your policy comes up for renewal, so you’re always getting the coverage you want at the best price.
View full answer
- Gregory R.
WHY YOU CAN TRUST JERRY
Jerry partners with more than 50 insurance companies, but our content is independently researched, written, and fact-checked by our team of editors and agents. We aren’t paid for reviews or other content.
Join 4M+ members in lowering their car insurance
You Might Also Be Interested
Read Advice From Car Experts At Jerry
What Others Are Asking
Browse More Content
Insurance in Your State
Easiest way to compare and buy car insurance
No long forms
No spam or unwanted phone calls
Quotes from top insurance companies