When something goes wrong with your engine or emissions system, your check engine light may come on or start flashing. Although you shouldn’t ignore the issue or try to reset a check engine light without solving the problem, there are certain cases where you may want to learn how to reset a check engine light at home! Here’s how to get started if you drive with BMW.
If you’re thinking about resetting your check engine light automatically, ask yourself a few questions first. Have you solved the problem that caused the light to come on? Since most BMW models use a Condition-Based Servicing system, your check engine light should reset itself automatically if and when the offending issue has been resolved. If your gas cap isn’t loose, and you’re pretty sure that you solved the problem that caused your check engine light to come on, it may be time to perform a manual reset. Although it’s always a safer bet to schedule service or run a diagnostic check with a scanner at home, there is a way to reset your check engine light.
If you’ve determined that your check engine light is not supposed to be on, you can perform a manual reset by disconnecting your negative battery cable:
This process should cause your check engine light to go off, however, you may need to drive for 20-40 miles before the change can take effect. If the light still doesn’t go off, it’s likely that you’ve missed the core issue. Bring your vehicle into our Bloomington service center.