How to Reset a Check Engine Light

If your Cadillac check engine light comes on, it’s a signal that there is a problem with the vehicle and you should schedule service at our service center near Hamburg. However, sometimes the check engine light can come on by mistake. Perhaps the problem that caused the Cadillac check engine light to come on has already been dealt with and the light won’t go off. Such a small light can get on your nerves quite easily! That’s why you want to know how to clear the check engine light.

If you need your vehicle serviced, please contact our service center at Robert Basil Cadillac in Orchard Park. However, if the issue has been addressed and the light isn’t going off, read our easy-to-follow guide on how to reset a check engine light. We want you to drive confidently around East Aurora!

First, Diagnose the Issue Before You Reset the Check Engine Light

Sometimes, a Cadillac check engine light can come on due to an improperly sealed gas cap. Simply stop the vehicle, remove the gas cap, re-tighten it, and drive around West Seneca for a few miles. If the issue was caused by the fumes from your gas tank, a reset of the check engine light should happen on its own without any further effort. If the Cadillac check engine light comes on when your vehicle experiences another problem, like an overheating vehicle or a sudden loss of power, then it’s time to pull over, contact roadside assistance, and schedule service with our team in Orchard Park.

Do not reset the check engine light before an issue is fixed. Important repairs can be overlooked. While Cadillac diagnostic tools can be useful, it’s best to talk to an expert before making major repairs. Contact us because we’re happy to help in any way if you need to know how to clear the check engine light on your Cadillac.

How to Reset the Check Engine Light with Two Methods

When learning how to reset a check engine light, there are two ways you want to do this.

Reset the Check Engine Light by Turning the Car on and off Several Times

1. Start the engine.
2. Let it run for one second.
3. Turn it off.
4. Let the engine sit for two or three seconds.
5. Repeat the process two more times.

If the first method doesn’t reset the check engine light, that doesn’t always mean your vehicle has an issue.

How to Clear a Check Engine Light by Performing a Hard Reset of Electronic Systems

This method will reset the car’s entire electronic system and in-vehicle diagnostic system:

1. Turn off the vehicle.
2. Put on safety gear necessary for handling a car battery, like gloves and safety goggles or glasses
3. Identify the negative terminal. It’s typically identified by a black cap and a negative/minus sign on top.
4. Use a wrench to loosen the nut on the negative cable.
5. Pull the negative connector away from the battery.
6. Ensure the negative battery cable is secured away from the terminal so it doesn’t touch and create sparks.
7. Keep it disconnected for a minute or two.
8. Carefully reconnect the negative cable and tighten the lug nut with the wrench.
9. Replace any coverings that were moved for access to the terminal and battery.
10.  Test-drive your vehicle for a few miles.

If the dashboard warning light doesn’t turn on immediately, the process was successful. However, if the light turns on again, a reset of the check engine light won’t solve the deeper issue in the vehicle.

Schedule Service at Robert Basil Cadillac

If your Cadillac check engine light indicates a problem with the engine, contact us or schedule service with our team. We’ll gladly diagnose the problem and give you an estimate for repairs. We also handle oil changes, brakes, tire rotations, and other regular maintenance for your vehicle. If you’re still curious about how to clear the check engine light, stop by!