CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON? CAUSES, FIXES & HOW TO RESET IT

Check Engine Light On? Causes, Fixes & How to Reset It

Check Engine Light On? Causes, Fixes & How to Reset It

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Seeing the check engine light on can feel like a warning sign for expensive repairs. But before you panic, it’s worth knowing what triggers it, how to fix it, and whether you can reset it yourself.



Why Is Your Check Engine Light On?


Your car’s check engine light on means the onboard computer has detected an issue. It could be minor or something serious. Here are the usual culprits:




  • Loose or Faulty Gas Cap – If your fuel cap isn’t sealed properly, it can trigger the light.

  • Oxygen Sensor Failure – A bad sensor messes with the fuel-air ratio, lowering fuel efficiency.

  • Faulty Spark Plugs or Ignition Coils – These affect how smoothly your engine runs.

  • Catalytic Converter Issues – If clogged or failing, it can increase emissions and fuel usage.

  • Mass Airflow Sensor (MAF) Problems – This impacts how much air gets into the engine.


Ignoring it for too long can cause long-term damage. A quick visit to Leicester Remaps can help diagnose the issue before it gets worse.



How to Fix a Check Engine Light?


Fixing the problem depends on the cause. Some solutions are simple, while others require professional help.




  • Tighten or Replace the Gas Cap – If this was the problem, the light may turn off after a few drives.

  • Replace Oxygen Sensors – If they’re faulty, your car will run poorly and burn more fuel.

  • Change Spark Plugs & Coils – Old spark plugs can cause misfires, rough idling, and hesitation.

  • Check for Vacuum Leaks – A hissing sound under the hood may mean a cracked or loose hose.

  • Inspect the Catalytic Converter – A failing converter will reduce performance and increase emissions.


Need expert help? Leicester Remaps offers professional diagnostics and ECU remapping to improve engine efficiency.



How to Reset the Check Engine Light?


If the issue is fixed, you can try resetting the check engine light on yourself:




  1. Use an OBD2 Scanner – Plug it in, check the code, and reset the light.

  2. Disconnect the Battery – Unplug the negative terminal for 15 minutes. This resets the ECU.

  3. Drive the Car – If the issue is minor, the light might turn off after a few drives.


But if the light comes back on, the problem isn’t solved. Visit Leicester Remaps for a proper diagnosis.



What If the Light Is Flashing?


A steady check engine light on usually means a minor issue. But a flashing one? That’s serious. It often signals a misfire that could damage the catalytic converter. Stop driving immediately and get your car checked.



Final Thoughts


Your check engine light on isn’t something to ignore. Whether it’s a quick fix or a serious repair, getting it sorted early saves time and money. For expert ECU tuning and diagnostics, check out Leicester Remaps. Want to know more about what your Check Engine light means? We’ve got you covered.

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