How to Reset Check Engine Light

Your check engine light suddenly goes on while you’re on the highway to Collegeville — so what’s your next move? It’s safe to continue driving for now, but the check engine light could indicate a wide range of issues with your Volkswagen vehicle — from a loose gas cap to serious engine trouble. You can either take your car in for service near Phoenixville, or learn how to reset the check engine light yourself at home. Join the Wynn Volkswagen team to find out how.

Why is My Check Engine Light On?

The single most common cause of a check engine light is a simple fix — a loose gas cap. This typically happens when you don’t fully screw the cap back on after filling up your gas tank. You can quickly find out if it’s triggering the check engine light by removing and resealing your gas cap. If the light remains on, you’ll need to determine the cause to be sure it isn’t more serious. Rule out common causes yourself, bring your car to a King of Prussia-area service center.

How to Reset Your Check Engine Light

If you determine that the issue is minor and can wait, then you may want to learn how to reset the check engine light. Follow the steps below for how to disconnect and reset your VW vehicle’s battery:

1. Cut the ignition and put on gloves and safety glasses.
2. Locate the negative terminal on the car battery. In most vehicles, it will be under a black hood, and marked with a negative (–) symbol. The positive terminal will be marked with a positive (+) symbol.
3. Use a wrench to loosen the negative terminal nut. Pull the negative connector away from the battery. Hold it away from the battery for about a minute.
4. Reconnect the negative cable and re-tighten the nut with your wrench.

If this doesn’t work to reset the check engine light, it’s time to take the matter to a professional. The expert technicians at Wynn Volkswagen can diagnose the issue and recommend necessary repairs to keep you driving safely in King of Prussia.

Reliable, Affordable Auto Service in the Norristown Area

Determining the cause of a check engine light is difficult without special diagnostic tools. Even if you are confident about what’s triggering the warning, you may still want to have your car looked at by a professional. If you do schedule service, be sure it’s at a certified Volkswagen service center like Wynn Volkswagen! We’ll only use genuine VW parts, and you can be sure you’ll receive the highest quality service. Connect with us today to learn more about Volkswagen maintenance like how to rotate your tires at home!