HOW TO RESET CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, FREE EASY WAY!

[@TampaTec]

UPDATED VIDEO- "4 WAYS TO RESET CHECK ENGINE LIGHT" goo.gl/xsfnoJ under $20 scanner (works with gasoline cars 1996 and newer) scans for errors & resets code but fix the issue otherwise error will trigger again. OBD2 plugin Scanner amzn.to/2kEjN6E & OBD2 bluetooth Scanner-amzn.to/3n34xDP * affiliate links *point of the video is an error light might trigger by simple loose/bad gas cap and to show how to reset light.

[@iammatty777169]

Hey Now Tampa Tec... Great video and information about this technology. I really appreciate it I'm a tech who also lives in Tampa (via Philadelphia) Good job my friend, Matty.

[@TampaTec]

+I Am The SONOFOVERBROOK thanks, I tried to fix some parts few people were upset about but can't edit this video, so I made a better version "4 WAYS TO RESET CHECK ENGINE LIGHT" goo.gl/xsfnoJ

[@martincastro7026]

Tampatec

[@erikhykes2140]

Martin Castro

[@halliemoorthy7436]

Martin Castro pl

[@trinacote1683]

Why is everyone so negitive? He is only trying to help! I thank him for his insight and his time for making the video. It may not work for long but it will pass inspection.

[@rafaelavazquez1412]

nope,!!! it won't and it will turn back on between 2 to 5 miles. and one last thing you don't have to wait 5 minutes for the computer to reset. once you disconnect the cable it resets QUICKLY.

[@charlesadams1654]

Trina Cote no it won't pass inspection

[@55bsbear]

You are a Godsend, my first day for college and my engine light goes on. I'm a single lady and am broke at this time. I LOVE KZbin for all the helpful videos and yours showed me that my gas cap was barely on. Hope that is the fix. Thank You again for saving my mind. Brenda

[@richardlanteigne7262]

Was about to take my Mazda 5 into the dealership, would have cost 115 just to look at it. I already knew that the gas cap had been left off, but the engine light wasn't re-setting after it was screwed on properly. Your video just saved me the time, trip, and expense. Well done and thanks!

[@marcorodriguez7576]

Thank you for your video, I never thought the gas cap could be the reason why my check light was on, but couple days ago I went to the gas station to fill up the tank, then close the cap and realized couple blocks away that the light went off. I almost spent a lot of money buying the converter and sensors online. Thank you for sharing this video!

[@ottolee100]

what 's up with all the negative comments, this video was just explaining how to reset the light, not fix any problems. so STFU ! I came here to find out about reset and I am happy for this video!!!!!!!! thanks for the video!

[@VincentJenks]

Just wanted to thank you. This saved my ass. My Mitsubishi Endeavor's light would not turn off. The dealer charged me $110 just for the privilege of speaking to them about it, where they proceeded to hand me a bill for over $3000 in repairs, insisting I would not pass an emissions test without all of it. I yanked the negative on the battery for a couple minutes, plugged it back in, completed the drive cycle (about 40 mi. of city and highway driving), and the light never came back on. Passed emissions without a single error. Thank you, thank you!

[@oz_media]

+Vincent Jenks 1 in 10000000000000. You either had a false positive trigger or you are driving around killing it slowly. Had hundreds of people call BS on emissions repairs and see their cars dropping dead regularly.

[@oz_media]

+Harry v.d.akker "Trust only yourself": If you are a licensed tech with emissions diagnostic training. if not you are just a fool forcing your car to relearn driving strategies at you future expense..

[@bbogacz]

You are a GENIUS - thank you so much for your advice on canceling out the 'check engine light' - it worked like a charm!

[@jesuscontreras4873]

Hey man had that problem I have a new car so I shouldn't have any problems saw ur video tried it worked thanks man U save me some MONEY

[@TampaTec]

try unplug both battery connections for 5 minutes, that works for me.

[@Reyvey]

This is so good to know. I was about to take my 2002 Ford Taurus to the garage before I saw this video. I have never replaced the original gas cap, so I'm definitely going to head to Amazon first, and then I will do the ground battery routine. I love the internet. I save so much money this way.

[@bigron8346]

good for you for doing it yourself people could save so much money watching videos like yours

[@vitalegianluca]

"Happy Wife is a Happy Life" - you made me SMILE and I LIKED. Thank you

[@15ritvik]

You are the best man! thanks a lot it worked for me I borrowed my girl friend's car and engine check sign came up, she would have killed me if I had messed up with the engine, you saved my ass! thanks again

[@w19ely85]

You just know this guy is to be trusted. He removed the bolt on his battery terminals with a non insulated set of mole grips #professional​

[@ETLD]

[Just got back from the parking lot] Thanks man! You've saved the day! Richard - The Netherlands

[@speerzy11]

i was so damn happy when i found out that mine was simply a loose gas cap too! just solved this issue and now im about to start drinking haha.

[@frankgonzalez24]

FIX THE PROBLEM FIRST. Resetting the C/E light is done only AFTER the problem that caused the C/E is fixed. If you don't fix the problem that caused your C/E light to come on and reset the light, the light will come back on.

[@MellowSoFocused]

i bet the light was back on the next day 😂

[@JohnDoe-bd5sz]

So basically i should buy a big ass toolkit on ebay but still use a Tool that is not at all made for the task. Thank you for THAT brilliant piece of advice.

[@greenmarine5]

LOL this video is Funny to anyone that knows vehicle maintenance.

[@IndonesiaGreat]

May be he only knows a few, but he shares.. what have you done for others?

[@greenmarine5]

Always gotta be a troll in the comments

[@completelyunknown1]

way to go use a vice grip on a battery terminal 😅

[@beast11135]

Lol. For real. I'm not A Technician but I like to work on my cars when something Is wrong with It.

[@Skipperj]

Hey vise grips are fine and I've done some amazing things with them in the last 48 yrs

[@klwhitacre]

Thanks for sharing. Here are a couple things that might help you n the future: 1. If you are going to suggest to viewers that they buy a tool kit, I would suggest that they buy a wrench to remove the battery terminal instead of locking pliers. Using anything other than a wrench or socket will damage the nut, making it harder to tighten and loosen the next time. 2. The only part of the gas cap that matters is the seal around the top. Yours looked fine. As long as the cap locks down tight against the top of the filler tube, and the seal isn't cracked/damaged, its fine. 3. It can take up to 100 miles of driving after a "battery reset" to throw the same error codes. This isn't a fix, it just turns the check engine light off. The problem that turned the light on is still there, and will not go away by turning the light off. Think of this as removing the bulb behind the check engine light icon in your dash. The light isn't on, but the problem is. Take care, and good luck with your van.

[@ibenzawla]

As long as the problem is there the CL light will come on again. It looks like your problem is a fairly common one easy to pin point and solve. One good advise is never to tighten the gas cap in a rapid way. I spent a lot of money on 02 Santa Fe until I realized and then learned to close the cap slowly and not more than three ticks. This may work for some as well.

[@spirosservos7220]

Thank you very much !!! I had the same problem and I was quoted £698 to fix it. Your advise resolved the problem.

[@jeffgriffiths7059]

Learnt one thing with these videos Americans and Canadians love the sound of there own voices .

[@ocimarlacerda9724]

wowwww what a genius,,, 24 hours later the light will be back on...

[@DejoR79]

+ocimar lacerda right

[@eone30]

hahaha 20 miles later!!! lol

[@charlesdomingue7522]

Awsome vid,.....used it to correct my mother-in-law's problem!

[@DejoR79]

+Charles Domingue you didnt solve the problem, just turn off lamps, but i think now is on again, right

[@charlesdomingue7522]

Then I suggest you go to AutoZone. They'll diagnose the check engine light for free.

[@btterflyqueen6854]

Thank you soon much for this video!!! Just tried it and IT WORKED!!!!!! My husband pumped my gas the other day with the engine running which we never do and it keep reading my gas cap.

[@erickercamarillo4159]

OMG!!!! you are not going to believe this but, my light had been on for over a year and I'd taken it to many mechanics and it seemed like no one knew how to get the light to go off. They took out this scanner and did some reading and I had things replaced that I was told that needed replacing. Afterwards the light went off to only come back on after driving a couple of miles. I'm not saying the light will not come back on but they did not know something so simple would make it go off. If it stays off I will come back and repost and let everyone know. Not that is probably matters but...Tampatec, thank you for posting this to youtube. I am subscribing to your channel for sure. Thank you. Now I got to get her smoged and serviced. She need it so badly.

[@jimtuck1958]

That's the same thing as doing a "hard reboot" on your laptop, smartphone, or tablet (unplug from the charger, remove the battery, wait 30 seconds, reinstall the battery, and turn it on). In many cases, this will also wipe out some rather nasty viruses.

[@kentm5569]

Useful video, thanks. liked the adage, A happy wife is a happy life!

[@myoung48281]

Thank you so much! I was gonna take car to mechanic for check engine light 99 honda civic. Watched your video, gas cap wasn't on tight, reset as per your instruction.

[@JohnHilman1968]

mark y FYI... if you have a loose gas cap, you don't need to clear the code. It should clear on it's own after some drive time.

[@myoung48281]

John Hilman it didn't, so i had to reset it...99 honda civic

[@mikekeirns5023]

mark y

[@dollmm23]

My husband will do what you said in your video. I'll post the results. We have a Honda Civic 2004 and the engine light is on since about 10 months ago. Everything seems to ok, but the light is still on. Thank you for sharing.

[@TampaTec]

sometimes its bad o2 sensor or air in gastank. Fix problem or check engine light will activate again. good luck 8^)

[@truthwithoutfear8116]

Wicked, worked a treat, I had run for a while without the temp sensor so it threw up the engine management light, I then had a new starter put on it (which is why the wire was disconnected because it worked with the lead off (management system thinks cars cold so heats the plugs so a worn starter will start the car). Anyway all sorted now, thanks.

[@christopherrobin8251]

OHHHH MYYYY this video..... is.... by far...... the most entertaining thing I have ever seen on youtube . I watched this video 20 minutes ago ...and I am still laughing.the content of this video....lolthe amount of plays it actually has...LOLthat people on here have actually taken his advice, tried it out... and came back and commented ..hahaha

[@detroitbluesguy]

A happy wife is a broke Hubby..

[@TampaTec]

😆 I just saw this years later but hope my wife doesn't.

[@TA-Mike7]

Good. Always use the right tools for the job. In this case a wrench otherwise eventually you'll mess up the nut on the battery clamp.

[@ephetas1]

Whoa!! This works on my 2002 Dodge Grand Caravan So so so easy to do, it took me 5 minutes. Awesome!! Thank you a bounch my friend.

[@kender1412]

I worked in emissions repair for years until recently when I started at the University...locking gas caps are notorious for leaking. A standard gas cap with a good soft rubber seal is perfect. Now, idiots at auto zone saying there was "air in the tank" needs to be fired. There's ALWAYS air in the tank. When the system doesn't pressurize properly, due to a leak, the computer sees there isn't enough flow coming into the carbon canister and throws this light. Most times it's a gas cap, but the code reads a leak SOMEWHERE in the system. Now, you may have reset the MIL and set all of the emissions "readiness indicators" to "Not Ready", but when the drive cycle is completed, the light may come back on. Until the system hits proper conditions to test the pressure of the fuel storage system, the light stays out, but the "readiness indicator" for that particular system is not set as "ready". If too many (more than 3 in AZ) are not yet "ready", you are told to look up and drive the "drive cycle" for your vehicle.

[@TampaTec]

+Jason Nichols good to know thanks, very smart comment and informative.

[@Nighthawkzone2]

What we have learned to today: Tools can be used in a strange way. OMG :D

[@aprillynn1527]

I want to thank you so very much, Yesterday I changed my filter in the car and I drove about 20 miles on my way back home my engine light came on, but I just changed the sensor in march. I will put back the old filter and try your way. Thanks a million.

[@guzmanjose5906]

dont expect to reset your check eng. light and then pass the state inspection. I am a state inspector for mass. If you reset the check engine your vehicle will not have the monitors ready (o2 sensor, cat, emissions, ect.) so good luck. also this wont damage your car but like some people have said. it will reset everything and unless you know how to program your sunroof, power mirrors and sometimes radio you may have to take it to the dealer for a little bit of money.

[@e.g.5806]

worked in my 2005 Toyota Corolla LE! thanks!

[@Super_Lancashire]

A happy wife is a happy life..Love that..

[@JohnHilman1968]

hahaha... I love that you suggest the purchase of a car tool kit at :53, then use a vise grip plier that wasn't even in the kit to loosen the battery terminal nut and pull up the battery terminal.

[@SlightlyMisunderstood]

Hmmmm...looks like a good tip. Will try tomorrow. The light just came on in my car tonight. Had not driven it for about 2 and a half months. And just changed to a new battery too. Hopefully it's just the electronics messing around and nothing serious

[@cooksoff3109]

Man what a pro Vicegrips on a battery terminal and then you proceeded to hit the battery with them! Pretty sure a 7mm socket would work even better

[@normichtrailrider.7343]

dayumm bro .. you made that light go away like "bye felicia "

[@jeffmacdougall9190]

Well thank you for this video. This was driving me nuts on my 2013 Impala LTZ. Works as advertised.

[@wiickedyeah]

Just tried this out on my 2006 Ford Falcon XR6 BF and it worked great!! You're a life saver!

[@riverking4u]

It worked !!!!! 10 minutes with the negative off. Please use wrenches :)

[@hkw39]

Thanks for your efforts and your attempt to be helpful. I would like to repeat the caution noted by several others that you should always use a wrench of the proper size when removing a nut. If I see a mechanic who is working on my car attempt to use pliers or channel locks to remove a nut, I ask him to use the proper wrench. I would not return to his shop. My thinking is that if he's slipshod about using the correct tool, he is likely to be slipshod on other issues.

[@gweedomurray9923]

'99 Chevy Tahoe here. Got the light and used the free meter at O'Reillys. The interpretation I got from an old boy at the counter was that a vacuum leak is usually a failed gas cap. Put the new cap on and the light went right out. Another unrelated problem I had where I did the battery trick.. and the light came back on in less than half a minute.

[@JahanZeb1976]

Good technique. Most cars today needs a scan tool to trouble shoot the check engine light and to reset it. The negative battery technique don't work for them. Regards,

[@Lee-70ish]

I have a Mazda Mx5 nd if you remove the battery it needs the tyre pressure sensor resetting the tracker alarm recalibrating and a couple of other items it's easier to just do the clutch brake sequence to reset the E Management warning light as long as you know what the reason for it is. However this was a useful bit of info for those who cannot locate the reset sequence on line.

[@TexasHeathen]

Thank you. I forgot to ask my husband before he went to work, & its time to do an inspection. :-)

[@retrogamer149]

just replaced an aftermarket gas cap with an oem and one plus tried this. Sure enough, check engine light went away on my pt cruiser. thanks!!

[@dmitriy0408]

Take your vehicle to Auto Zone they will clear it for your for free!

[@caribe2017]

right!

[@SvddenDeth]

Dmitriy Bildeiko will they do it on a 91 celica? or it has to be 96+ for obd2

[@eduardoovalle1380]

Great thanks a gas cap was bad toyota dealer not have to change my car thanks.

[@REEFBLUENOTCH]

Also, remove the positive connection from the battery and hold it to the negative post for 30 seconds or so.

[@Sipifok]

I tryed to do this but i couldn't do it for 30 seconds it was just really painful .. am i doing something wrong???

[@fantomasz9525]

Disconnect battery for 5 minutes,and job done.i did twice,easy.

[@oz_media]

+Asz Fantom Fixed nothing, just force it to go into emissions readiness testing mode again, this thread is just a never ending circle for the misguided.

[@mikepalisak1155]

It dosent stay off it will come on in like 20 mints of driving trust me I knoe

[@Eveatlv]

WOOOOWWWW!!!!!! you tube have only genius people!!! damn if it was that easy, why there is mechanics at all? and the highly sophisticated tool that was use, is that a NASA Approved sonic screwdriver? but seriously, i got rid of my check engine light by just taking out the light bulb and voila!!! did not have to disconnect any battery......

[@oldfoxbob1]

Hint...when working around a battery...take off your rings....Last thing you need to do is touch the pole on the battery and have your ring hit the side of the body....there goes your finger....burned to a crisp. Use caution.

[@biytor9071]

Some people should never work on cars, you are one of them.

[@jbooboo836]

This worked for my Toy. PU Tacoma 6 cyl. but the light came back on, so it is probably my MAF sensor.

[@hisdukeness3037]

I have a mustang with a "no cap" gas tank. It's a few years old with a little over 11,000 miles. It gives me so much trouble between trying to fill it up. Today my check engine light came on. Although I should have gone to autozone and get a reading... It worked. So far after a good drive not on again.

[@oz_media]

+HisDukeNess Fords do collect debris in the cupped area right below the filler hole, also teh seal around the cover sometimes splits or leaks, the door spring gets weak etc.

[@s0nnyburnett]

Most people who turn the CEL off simply to make it go away will just end up screwing this up horribly. They'll either disconnect the positive terminal and short it against the body, strip the nut using the wrong tool like you did, and in some cases probably not even find the battery depending on manufacturer. Not to mention if they don't have their radio code, the alarm system resets, etc. More trouble than it is worth. Idk why you didn't just have autozone clear the code for you if that's all you wanted. Or better yet just stick a piece of tape over the light if you're not interested in diagnosing the real problem.

[@nickv4073]

Autozone will read codes for free but they are not allowed to clear codes. They won't do it.

[@anniegog]

Whilst I agree with most you have said, re, not getting to the root cause of the problem I fail to see how a disconnected positive wire could short against the body, once it is disconnected there is no circuit.

[@Stantonv]

Thomas Barrett What if your tool touches the ground WHILE the battery cable is being disconnected?

[@davidphillips5363]

Stantonv Does not matter if the Negative is disconnected first.

[@Stantonv]

David Phillips Just be very careful not to ground out the positive while disconnecting the battery. It could explode.

[@scotttaylor215]

Definitely get the reader, you can diagnose many problems with one of those. No point in resetting the engine light unless you can read the codes first, and the reader will reset it for you.

[@juanstanziola696]

Thanks the light is back on 5 minutes later

[@dannywalter2478]

Thank you, thank you. I thought I broke my Lexus sc430 Toy. I had my dash looking like a Christmas tree. Detailing the engine!

[@Mr572u]

Never wash a newer car engine like we did in the old days.

[@XentDuB]

And he breaks out the Vise grips wow what a PROFESSIONAL I want hims to teaches me how to fix them things and trucks too Ohboy I will be the bestest mechanical guy anywheres yuppers MUHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

[@anordinarydog6272]

He never said any of that. This is just a diy video. Why are you here if you are just heckling?

[@oz_media]

+An Ordinary Dog It's misleading bullshit. People here have been mislead already and it delays their ability to pass a smog test.

[@LynnR40]

+An Ordinary Do ::: you are so correct with your comment this is DIY and I HAVE had mechanics PROFESSIONAL MECHANICS Tell me to do the same thing after they have ran all the diagnostic test and found nothing wrong with the car other then this light was defective and it would cost way more to replace the light then was needed some people just look for reasons to belittle and complain. they have nothing better to do !

[@anordinarydog6272]

Lynn Reedy I dont know if I should be taking your word. Please understand as there are a lot of one legged astronaut PhD Emperor Ambassadors on the internet.

[@MrBrotherLou]

Thanks alot.....i knew that ............BUT I FORGOT......For that great video..i owe you ..thanks..take my advice.............don't get OLD like me..i just realized that i am going to start a car repair guide book of things i fixed so i can do it the next time.....i appreciate your help

[@ILuvTrading]

excellent video! thx mate.

[@leomella46]

It works! Fixed my 2004 ford f250 5.4

[@omardoshka4338]

thank u i had the same problem and i am very happy i fix it .

[@Bellathebear777]

You fix androids! Excellent ! Because Motorola Cant. That gas cap is WOW, did it fall off on the highway?

[@santiagoalmiron]

It worked!!!Thanks a lot man !!!!

[@G.O.A.T594]

U mean MVP lol great video

[@Warrior-ps7cl]

This was very interesting and helpful! I will definitely use this video to reset! Keep up the good work!

[@klajdibaco1071]

I like the wise words in the end

[@JorgeDjManrique]

Thanks my friend!!!...very helpful.

[@esmeraldarussell6245]

Thank you so much!!! I did this all by myself today!!! Thanks again

[@TheBeerswine]

There's an "O" ring in the gas cap, if it leaks it because of the "O" ring and not the cap unless there's a hole in the middle of it....

[@samiam1150]

The cap seals on the brown rubber gasket inside . Yours is fine. The thread are a little rough, but serviceable.

[@motorcityman401]

NEVER use vise grips or pliers to tighten or loosen a nut. micky mouse tool useage!!

[@tommyfitz1882]

I unhooked my battery cable then hooked it back up and the engine light turned off. Then I went to get my inspection and they hooked it up to an "EVAP" machine and it detected that the engine light was on. How can I get past this issue? YOU MENTIONED THAT REMOVING THE FUSE AND PUTTING IT BACK RESET THE COMPUTER, WILL THAT HELP BYPASS THE "EVAP" DEVICE? I live in North Carolina and they are real strict about inspection. "I DRIVE A '96 Mercury Sable"

[@tyronebanks3818]

When you turn your gas cap and hear the clicks it helps sometimes to turn it an extra 3 to 4 times.

[@tompok76tompok76]

Nice and easy, but don´t forget write down your radio security code :D Thks ...and by the way, You must know a source of a problem, such as bad gas cap. Withnout knowing motor things can be worse. I wish you good luck! :D

[@imtheman3039]

That is very half assed to use a vice grip on that 10mm nut, good way to strip it out bro...

[@guglielmodicarlo4139]

nothing like useing the right tool for the right job ha? vise grips to loosen a nut,,,, very professional

[@savanoble5714]

South West Florida Aerial

[@rosahodge420]

Yeap...time to go and get it inspected...HEHE

[@gweedomurray9923]

170324341a Here on the front range in Colorado (9 county area) if they even see a check light on you'll never make it to testing, and no charge either.

[@SvddenDeth]

170324341a good thing for me haha i have a 91 celica

[@jacquelinehall2348]

I really like that you undid the battery terminal with metal vice grips...I know you think this was informative and useful, but by not figuring out what is wrong with your vehicle, you're putting yourself and others at risk for a huge issue while on the road. I'm not an expert but I have a years experience under a very skilled mechanic and am on NY way to AES cert. I wouldn't recommend using this for as month to month fix, but what do I know...I'm just a girl...

[@andresstyle]

worked on a mazda cx7, thanks!!

[@khailun8791]

Thanks for share this video, it was a Big helful , thanks a gain.....

[@eddiesuertefelipe1532]

You don't have to wait for 2mins or so to reset the ECM (Engine Control Module). All you need to do is remove the negative terminal of the battery (you can use your hand don't worry, 12v will never fry you) then short circuit the NEGATIVE CABLE to the positive terminal of the battery using any conductor or cable. In this case, all capacitor will be discharged. NOTE: Removing the battery terminal will reset your radio, if your radio is coded, then you have to make sure that you have that code. Otherwise, dealer will make a fortune from you. Also, don't use tools like he used, that will worn out your terminals.

[@brendonosborne2522]

i'm not sure who told you putting power to the ground was a good idea.

[@COYOTE165A]

Eddie Suerte Felipe Iv'e taken off my battery cables before & my Radio settings stayed the same etc.No problem with it.

[@gigdog1000]

he is a great idea never hit or put any pressure on the battery contact polls it is the quickest way to destroy your battery

[@garykovach5065]

...and your FACE. Unless you dig being like Stevie Wonder, NEVER smack the battery, it hits back.

[@ayman171819]

after 40 more or less check eng will back.

[@sefuupload]

This worked for me...went to refill gas and the attendant never replaced cap well ..Thanks Tampatec