How to Reset Car Computer

Resetting a car's check engine light is not as easy as it was several years ago. In the past, resetting the check engine light and car computer could be performed by simply disconnecting the car battery. Now, with the installation of the OBD 2 in most modern vehicles, the process has become slightly more complicated. Drivers who have been unable to figure out how to reset their check engine light may benefit from the information contained within this article.

The OBD 2 systems was installed in almost all commercial vehicles manufactured after the year 1996. If your vehicle was built after this year, it would not make much sense to attempt to disconnect the car battery to reset the check engine light. The manual delivered to you when you first purchased your vehicle may contain relevant information on the mechanical procedures involved in the resetting of the check engine light. Take some time to review the manual, as it is possible that it will give you the knowledge necessary to do this operation smoothly and without mistakes.

With the OBD 2 system, it is possible that your vehicle's computer system may need a constant flow of electrical energy to keep the memory accessible. In this case, do not disconnect the battery in an attempt to reset the check engine light. If the vehicle you know is equipped with a robbery deterrent radio system, the system could cease to function if the car battery is disconnected. This may give you unnecessary complications. In order to get the radio functioning again, a security code will have to be entered. The code may not be easy to find if the vehicle was purchased from a second-hand car dealership and happened to not come with a manual. The security codes are usually contained within the car manual. For this reason you will want to be sure that you have the car manual before you attempt to disconnect the battery.

If the car battery were to be disconnected to reset the check engine light, the memory stored onboard could be erased. This could cause you several problems, as memory stores important information on specific driving patterns you have established. After reconnecting the battery, you may experience irregular stalling or gear shifting. It may take some time for the system to re-learn driving patterns after the battery is reconnected, so take this into account before performing any further operations.

The simplest way to reset the check engine light of your vehicle is to use an automotive scanner. These can be purchased at a variety of auto stores. They can also be bought online. The automotive scanner is capable of resetting the vehicle's computer without causing any of the complications that could be experienced if the battery was disconnected. The automotive scanner will gather any relevant security codes for you and reset the check engine light easily.

Buying an automotive scanner will save you a lot of trouble in these cases. These instruments are relatively easy to find and are sold at affordable prices.

Photo Credits: Robert Couse-Baker

This post involves:

car battery, Car Computer, check engine light, computer system, electrical energy, obd 2, radio system, security code

... and focuses on:

Car Computer, Car Tips

Posted by How To Car on in Car Computer, Car Tips. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.