How to Reset a Check Engine Light

Oh no, your vehicles check engine light is on! What should you do? Pull over and wait for a tow truck? Ignore the light altogether and continue on your merry way? It’s always a good idea to find out why your check engine light is on. It could be something very minor or quite serious so scheduling a Service Appointment or getting your hands on a diagnostic tool will be your best bet. However, not everyone wants to do that, and drivers know there can be several reasons for the light to flash that aren’t immediately serious. That’s why some of our Hudson customers try to reset the light themselves. Before you decide to abandon your ride along the side of the road, read the handy guide below on how to reset the check engine light.

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Check Your Fuel Cap First

Believe it or not, the Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and RAM check engine light can sometimes be triggered by a loose fuel cap. This is true of most vehicles. So, check the cap first. Remove it, then screw it back on if it seems a bit loose. You can clean the rubber stripping around the back side of the gas cap with a damp towel to remove any dust and debris they may be stopping it from seating well. Sometimes even applying a very light amount of Vaseline on the surface that will make contact with the matching surface on the car will also help. If this does fix your problem, it may be time to get a new gas cap from the PARTS DEPARTMENT. If the cap is the cause of your check engine light coming on, it should reset after a few cycles of the ignition, or the light should go back off once you’ve driven about 10 to 20 miles. If not, and you still do not want to have a mechanic look at it, you may be able to reset it another way.

How to Reset the Check Engine Light Yourself

If you want to try to reset the check engine light yourself, you can try one of these tricks, at your own risk. Be aware that this does not fix the problem so the light may return, and certain clock and dash settings may restore to their defaults and need to be re-programmed.

• Make sure the ignition is turned off.
• Find the negative (-) post on your battery. It will be the terminal that does not have the red cover.
• Disconnect the negative terminal. Leave it disconnected for about 20 minutes.
• It is a good idea to re-enter the vehicle and turn on the headlights and hold down the horn to release any held charge. Otherwise leave it disconnected for about 10 minutes.
• Reconnect the negative terminal.
• If that does not work you can disconnect the negative and positive terminal and repeat.

When You Shouldn’t Reset Engine Light

The truth is, after you rule out the gas cap, you won’t know what’s triggering your check engine light until you have your vehicle checked by a mechanic or experienced person with a diagnostic tool. There could be a serious issue that needs attention. Fortunately, you can schedule an appointment with our Service Department. After all, you don’t want to find yourself broken down somewhere around Amery.

Let Our Service Experts Check It Out

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