How to Reset a Check Engine Light

Let’s say you’re driving home in Larchmont and your Mercedes-Benz check engine light pops on. What should you do? While it’s important to get the issue diagnosed and resolved at a certified service center, there are certain circumstances in which drivers can manually reset the check engine light. Luckily, it’s a simple task that many drivers feel comfortable doing in their own garage. Take a look at how to reset a check engine light properly with help from Mercedes-Benz of New Rochelle.

Step 1: Check Your Gas Cap

Learning how to reset a check engine light is a great skill to have on hand, but one of the most common culprits behind check engine lights is just a loose gas cap. When a gas cap is loose or cracked, fumes are released from the tank. This triggers the check engine light to pop on, even though there is no major issue under the hood. We recommend parking your car, removing your gas cap, and putting it back on for a quick troubleshooting session.

Step 2: Schedule Your Service

Your Mercedes-Benz check engine light means something, and it’s important to get the issue checked out before it leads to larger issues down the road. We recommend visiting a certified service center as soon as possible to make sure you can continue to drive safely throughout Mamaroneck. You can even schedule your service online with our techs at Mercedes-Benz of New Rochelle!

Step 3: Reset Check Engine Light

Sometimes your Mercedes-Benz check engine light will remain on even after your repair is done. In this case, it’s perfectly fine to reset the check engine light yourself. Just follow these steps in your Bronxville garage:

1. Put on safety glasses and gloves for protection, and make sure your car is turned off.
2. Find the negative terminal. Look for a black cap and a negative (–) symbol. For reference, the positive cap is red and will have a positive (+) symbol.
3. Use a wrench to loosen the nut on the negative terminal, then pull the negative connector from the battery. Keep it to the side for 30 – 60 seconds.
4. Reconnect the negative cable and tighten using your wrench.

Disconnecting the battery will reset your check engine light, but it may also reset your electronics system – including the infotainment system. So, keep that in mind before you begin!

Learn More Car Care Tips with Mercedes-Benz of New Rochelle

Now that you know how to reset your check engine light, feel free to contact us at Mercedes-Benz of New Rochelle with any questions like what color is transmission fluid. Our service department is happy to help with any maintenance or service needs, so don’t hesitate to reach out to us in New Rochelle.