Reset Check Engine Light

Operations of almost all the modern vehicles are controlled by an electric control module (ECM). Along with all the operations, this module controls the transmission of the vehicle as well. ECM maintains top efficiency of the engine and causes least amount of emission. There are various sensors and electronic devices which help the ECM system to monitor the emission and engine transmission. This ECM is equipped with self testing capacity, which means, when any untimely thing happens to any component inside the machine, the ECM codes the trouble inside its memory and notifies you with a sensor called 'check engine light'. When such scenarios take place, it is very important to reset the check engine light.

Check Engine Light Sensor

Check engine light is an important sensor which is present in ECM of the vehicle. This light is also called malfunction indicator lamp or 'MIL'. It is located on the instrument console of the vehicle. Like 'check engine', there are various other labels through which this warning sign is given. Previously, this light was labeled as 'trouble' or 'engine' but nowadays, it flashes as 'service engine soon' or 'check engine'. This 'check engine' light flashes only when there is some problem in the correct mechanism of the engine. It flashes in two different ways which are flashing check engine light and steady check engine light. In either way, it is important to reset the check engine light and get rid of the problems that make it to light.

It is important to determine the exact reason behind the flashing check engine light and remedy it, which is the best way to reset the light without any complications. Check engine light flashing is the first indication of a false code in the vehicle's computer system. There are hundreds of false codes that contain critical data, which is essential for accurate diagnosis of the problem. It is important for us to understand that resetting check engine light can erase this data, which is necessary for a quick and easy diagnosis of the car problem. Without this data, the root cause of the check engine light and the vehicle cannot be completely solved. Unfortunately, there is no one single well-established way resetting.

How to Reset the Check Engine Light

Most of the time, the technician at the vehicle service station will reset the check engine light on his own, without even being asked. But if your vehicle is on the DIY maintenance, then it is important for you to learn the best and safest way to reset the check engine light.

Automotive Diagnostic Scanner
Using automotive diagnostic scanner is supposed to be the best and successful way to reset the check engine light. It is an handhold device, which you can easily connect with your vehicle and read all the computer configurations and diagnostic codes of the vehicle that need your attention. Such devices are easily available at less than USD 100. The best thing about these devices is that, along with minor problems, serious problem inside the ECM are also easily recognized.

Disconnecting the Battery
Disconnecting the vehicle batteries is also said to be a useful way to solve the problem of check engine light flashing. It is a successful method for older vehicles. However, this method might not be so useful for the newer vehicles, as the check engine light start flashing soon after the batteries are reconnected, especially, when the battery is not properly disconnected and the vehicle still bears some traces of electricity. Hence, it is very important to drain total power off the vehicle's capacitor, before removing the batteries and reconnecting them.

However, there are a few things to consider as far as the vehicle safety is concerned. Especially if your vehicle bears an anti-theft radio system. After you disconnect the batteries, this system can go into the 'safe mode' and you may require a security code to unlock it. You may also need to reprogram all the station presets. Hence, in my opinion, the best way is to take the vehicle to the vehicle service station and discuss with the technician about the state of your ECM and the necessity to reset the light. He would reset it with help of a check engine light code reader. Most of the service stations reset the check engine lights at minimal charges, while some offer you an absolutely free service as well.

Considering its highly complex technical nature, resetting the check engine light can be a tad difficult for a novice in car repairing. Hence, my suggestion would be to get it done by a knowledgeable technician. It is the best way to ensure utmost safety of your vehicle.