How to Reset a Check Engine Light

When your check engine light comes on, it can be a scary situation. However, what’s even more irritating is when you repair the issue, but the light stays on. Are you wondering how to reset a check engine light? Our service experts at Kia of Cerritos near Los Angeles is ready to help you find out how to reset your check engine light today to keep your peace of mind intact.

Diagnose Check Engine Light Issues

If you need to reset your check engine light, it’s important to be absolutely sure that the issue has been resolved. As most drivers in Carson know, if your check engine light has turned on, the best idea is to schedule service with our team today.

Our certified technicians can establish if a problem truly exists or if there is simply a faulty sensor. Either way, heading to our repair shop near Orange County is the best way to clear your Kia check engine light. If you delay service, you risk the value, safety, and integrity of your vehicle.

Disconnect the Negative Battery Cable

When you want to reset your check engine light, you can follow a few tried-and-true methods to take care of the issue. If you are unfamiliar or uncomfortable with working on your new Kia, there’s no need to panic! This method of resetting your check engine light is easy and straightforward. Learn how to reset your check engine light at home by following these instructions:

1. Park your vehicle, and set the ignition to off. Make sure to put on safety glasses and gloves at this point.
2. Find the negative battery terminal under the hood. Most often, you will notice a black cap with a negative (-) symbol on top to distinguish the positive from the negative terminal.
3. Next, using a wrench, loosen the nut on the negative terminal. Pull the negative connector from the battery.
4. Loosen the nut on the negative terminal with a wrench, then pull the negative connector to the side for 30-60 seconds.
5. Tighten the negative cable using your wrench, and secure the connection.

Keep in mind that once you start up your vehicle, you may need to reconfigure your Kia UVO infotainment system, as this will essentially factory-reset your electrical system.

Check Your Gas Cap

Luckily, there’s a common issue that causes check engine lights to turn on. In many cases, a faulty gas cap or simply a loose gas cap can trigger your check engine light. If your gas cap is loose or cracked, fumes may be escaping, causing your check engine to light up on your dash. If this is the case, a new gas cap will fix the issue, or even simply tightening it will as well.

Let Kia of Cerritos Assist With Check Engine Light Problems

Would you rather let our team teach you how to reset a check engine light in person? Don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions you may have regarding Kia maintenance and repair, including questions about car battery service intervals and Kia AWD models!