If you search the Internet, you’ll find all kinds of hacks to reset your vehicle’s check engine light. Whether these hacks work or not we couldn’t tell you here at Padron Automotive. We recommend you never try to reset your check engine light. The check engine light comes on for a reason, and ignoring that reason can seriously damage your automobile.
Yes, it Can Malfunction
We will not argue with the fact that sometimes a check engine warning is a false alarm. This dashboard warning light can be turned on because the engine control unit that operates it is malfunctioning. We certainly have seen our fair share of check engine warning false alarms throughout our careers. This being said, there’s no way to tell that the check engine light warning is the result of an error without the proper vehicle diagnostic inspections. Just resetting it is tempting, but it is also dangerous.
But What if it Isn’t Malfunctioning
A diagnostic test will tell us why your check engine warning has come on. We can see whether the dashboard warning was a false alarm or a true alert of problems under the hood. The check engine light covers vehicle systems that do not have another warning system. If your automobile’s check engine light comes on, your vehicle may very well have problems with the
- Catalytic converter
- Combustion
- Detonation
- Electrical system
- Engine control system
- Exhaust system
- Fuel system
- Mass airflow sensor
- Oxygen sensor
- Spark plugs
- Transmission
As you can see, this list of reasons why a check engine warning comes on is quite extensive and, in some cases, dangerous. For example, if your check engine warning comes on because there is a detonation issue in the combustion chamber, you can damage your engine if you keep driving. If it comes on because of an exhaust system problem, you might end up with carbon monoxide in your vehicle’s cabin.
Plus, You’ll Void Your Extended Warranty
If this isn’t enough reason to prevent you from resetting your check engine light yourself, it’s also important to understand that you will void any extended warranty you have on your automobile if you reset the light. This is considered a prohibited act, and any repairs that would normally be covered under the extended warranty will not be covered if you reset your engine light yourself.
Padron Automotive in Topeka, KS, can easily determine why your vehicle engine light came on and fix the problem. Don’t run the risk of damaging your automobile by resetting the light yourself.
