Although your vehicle doesn't talk, it communicates with you through messages, chimes, and icons. The check engine light of your car is something that you should not ignore. The purpose of this light is to warn if there is any possible problem with the vehicle that may require your attention. Therefore, you need to address the problem as quickly as possible.
There are times when the check engine light stays on even after repair. This constant lighting on your dashboard can be pretty distracting. Although it is too annoying, the problem is not that difficult to troubleshoot. If you are wondering how to disable the check engine light permanently, then with the help of a few techniques, you can reset the check engine light in the car.
Is It Safe To Disable Check Engine Light By Yourself?
Never underestimate the need to take care of your car. Every car is a complex construction and a combination of technologies. Everything has to run smoothly, and even the smallest breakdown can have serious consequences. Fortunately, today's cars are so smart that they have the ability to self-diagnose and can even tell the owner exactly where the problem is. Technology has come a long way, and you shouldn't ignore it. If you see the "Check Engine" icon on the dashboard, then you need to take action. Behind that symbol could be a loose wire in the ECU, or a faulty ignition or fuel system. Some malfunctions can be perfectly safe, while others can have catastrophic consequences for both the car and the driver.
In addition to the unpleasant and distracting blinking on the dashboard, the "Check Engine" error imposes some restrictions on the vehicle, such as:
- Maximum Power Limit;
- Maximum Speed Limit;
- Over-Fueling.
Because of this, many drivers try to fix this error prematurely, ignoring the root cause. We strongly recommend not doing this! Do not ignore the warnings of the car, fix the main fault, and the error will disappear on its own!
But if your car is in full working order, but the error has not disappeared - here is a list of actions you can take to permanently disable check engine light.
What Can Cause Check Engine Light Flashing In Your Car?
There are a few different things that could be causing your check engine light to flash. It could be something as simple as a loose gas cap, or it could be something more serious like a misfire. If you're not sure what's causing the problem, it's best to take your car to a mechanic and have them take a look. Often it is enough to fix the cause of the problem, and then you will be able to disable the check engine light. Next in this article, we'll talk about the most popular problems that cause the Check Engine icon to blink, as well as ways to solve them. We hope it will be helpful and that you will be able to fix this annoying bug.
One of the most common causes of a flashing check engine light is a misfire. If one of your cylinders is misfiring, it means that the sparkplug isn't firing correctly and the air/fuel mixture isn't being burned properly. This can cause all sorts of problems, from decreased fuel economy to increased emissions.
If your check engine light is flashing and you're experiencing a misfire, it's best to take your car to a mechanic right away.
Another common cause of a flashing check engine light is a faulty oxygen sensor. The oxygen sensor is responsible for monitoring the air/fuel mixture in your engine. If it senses that the mixture is too rich or too lean, it will send a signal to the computer to adjust the fuel mixture. If the oxygen sensor is faulty, it can cause the engine to run lean or rich, which can cause all sorts of problems.
If your check engine light is flashing and you think it might be due to a faulty oxygen sensor, the best thing to do is take your car to a mechanic and have them check it out.
Finally, a loose gas cap can also cause the check engine light to flash. The gas cap is responsible for sealing the fuel system and keeping vapors from escaping. If it's not tightened properly, vapors can escape and trigger the check engine light.
If your check engine light is flashing and you think it might be due to a loose gas cap, the best thing to do is tighten it and see if the light goes off. If it doesn't, take your car to a mechanic and have them check for other potential causes.
We already have an article closely related to this topic. We've described in detail the various problems that can cause your check engine icon to blink, as well as ways to solve them. We advise you to read it, and if you find similar problems - fix them. Practice shows that you need to fight the causes, not the consequences, and by fixing the malfunction in the engine - you will also disable the check engine light.
If you are sure that your car is 100% serviceable, but the "check engine" does not disappear from the dashboard - do not be afraid. It is quite possible that it is due to another malfunction. Keep reading and you'll find out how to fix it.
Different ways for resetting the check engine light
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Drive enough to disable the light
It is possible to disable the check engine light by simply driving the car. This method is relatively easy, and you don't need anything extra. When you drive for a specific duration, there are chances that the check engine light will automatically go off on its own after some time.
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Turn the ignition on and off three times.
This technique requires you to turn on the car for a second and then turn it off for a second. This process should be repeated two or three times. You will have to put the key in the ignition and turn it on and off consecutively. This can reset any trouble codes that your vehicle can have.
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Reconnect the battery
It doesn't matter what car you have; this is one of the solutions that should work for you if the main issue is on the surface level. Whether you have a new or an old car, this method can benefit you. The power cable needs to be separated, and you need to keep the battery disconnected for 20 minutes. Then you can turn on the ignition and wipe any bad records.
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Use a code reader
If reconnecting the battery doesn’t work, another way is to go for the OBD code reader. With these code readers, you can scan for any error codes. Then the engine codes can be cleared to resolve any issues. If you are thinking about how to disable check engine lights permanently, this method can be superb if your vehicle has OBD ports and can support code deletion with the help of the code reader.
What Is OBD-2 Coder?
OBD-2 Coder is a tool that helps you decode the On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) system in your vehicle. This system is used by mechanics and technicians to diagnose and repair problems with your car. The OBD system is made up of sensors and computers that collect data from your car's engine, transmission, and other systems. This data is then used to diagnose problems and find solutions.
ODB-2 Coder can help you decode the data from your car's OBD system. This data can be used to troubleshoot problems, find solutions, and make repairs. ODB-2 Coder is a valuable tool for anyone who works on cars.
How To Connect And Operate The OBD Coder?
Despite the apparent ease of use, actually using the OBD scanner to disable the check engine light is quite a difficult process that requires certain skills and abilities. Incorrect vehicle setup can lead to further operating problems as well as vehicle failure. Therefore, if you do not have the necessary skills - you should entrust this case to a professional!
How To Use The Code Reader To Disable Check Engine Light?
- You can use a code scanner to remove the check engine light fuse. Start by connecting the OBD code to the vehicle and then turn on the ignition.
- Then turn on the frills, and keep on the check engine light.
- Using the symbols, you need to find the error codes that need to be cleared on the scanner.
- In the next step, you need to reset the vehicle by taking the negative cable off the battery.
- You have to disconnect it for around 15 minutes and reconnect the battery.
Final Thoughts
When you know how to disable the check engine lights permanently, it will make you feel comfortable. There are several ways to solve this issue, and you might find some to be advanced while others to be relatively easy. It is better to stick to the easy ones, as you will get rid of the annoying light on the dashboard. If the problem isn't solved this way, you can get professional help from a mechanic.