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Can you tell me how to reset my car check engine light?
My check engine light came on because I needed to repair my timing belt. I did the repair myself, but the light is still on. How do I reset my car check engine light?
Matthew Macgugan · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Great question! Resetting your vehicle’s
check engine
light is just a matter of helping the computer recognize that the issue has been resolved. Here’s how to fix it:- You can drive your vehicle and let the check engine light turn off by itself. This gives the computer time to rescan the problem areas that made the light illuminate in the first place. If it does not go off after a period of time, your engine may still have an issue.
- Disconnect and reconnect your battery. This method requires a wrench to disconnect the positive line from your car battery. Leave it disconnected for 15 minutes or more, then reconnect it and turn your vehicle to the ‘on’ position 3 times. This will clear your vehicle’s memory.
If the check engine light remains on, you may not have fully resolved the issue or the light may need to be reset by a mechanic.
Concerned about your car breaking down? Try a roadside assistance membership with
Jerry
. Jerry’s roadside assistance membership protects you with its nationwide network of 55,000+ service providers.Good luck!
View full answer
- Gregory R.
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