Tips To Run A Car To Reset The OBD Check Engine Light Article

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Tips to Run a Car to Reset the OBD Check Engine Light

Due to the addition of complex emission-control systems and the incorporation of microprocessors to manage everything from fuel efficiency to the driver's seat position mean that fixing modern cars almost requires a degree in computer engineering.

Author: Woody Green

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You may not know Cars were much easier to repair a generation ago than those on the road today. Because of the addition of complex emission-control systems and the incorporation of microprocessors to manage everything from fuel efficiency to the driver's seat position mean that fixing modern cars almost requires a degree in computer engineering.

Since the mid-1980s, cars have been equipped with a diagnostic computer call OBD that monitors the function of all those systems. Most of the time, it implements its function invisibly. When the computer detects a fault, however, it alerts the driver by illuminating the Check Engine Light (CEL) on the dash board. User manuals warn that when this light comes on, you should pull over immediately and stop to avoid damaging the engine.
The troubles range from simple problems, like a missing gas filler cap, or several problems that can cause major damage to an engine in moments. There are also documented cases of false codes and randomly-generated error codes. In pre-1996 cars a malfunction could be identified by "reading" the pattern of blinks when the ignition was first turned on, but that is no longer the case. Nowadays cars’ owner must use an OBD code reader to extract the trouble code stored in the diagnostic computer in order to reset the CEL safely.

Things You'll Need OBD code reader
Read the OBD (on-board diagnostic) trouble code from the diagnostic computer. OBD code readers are widely available and inexpensive, and most car parts stores will check the code for free.

Consult the code to identify the severity of the fault. OBD 2 codes are standardized four-digit numbers preceded by the letter "P." Some malfunctions are obviously minor, such as a loose gas cap. Some are obviously false, such as a warning that the side airbag sensor has malfunctioned on a car that has no side airbags. Other troubles cause the car to run inefficiently or exceed design limits for emissions, but can be ignored temporarily. Major malfunctions should be attention at once.

The car parts store staff may have advice, or owners can research the trouble code on the Internet.

Determine whether the malfunction is a false warning and ignoring it will not damage the car. If so, unplug the battery cable from the positive terminal---the one with the red plastic cover---and leave disconnected for half an hour. After reconnecting the battery cable the light will have gone off in most conditions. But there is no guarantee that it will stay off.
Fix major troubles referenced by the trouble code. The light will turn off by itself after the fault has been fixed. It may take a two or more engine reboots to reset the light. If you have any query, please do not hesitate to contact me.

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Tips to Run a Car to Reset the OBD Check Engine Light