How to Reset the Engine Management Light: Simple Methods

Cars exhibit a variety of warning signs when something is wrong. Many car faults can be detected by clicking and ticking sounds in the engine, as well as physical damage. The engine management light (EML) illumination, on the other hand, is a very simple way to detect complicated or hidden faults. You must reset this, otherwise, your car's emission test will fail. This light should not be turned on. Have this matter fixed at your earliest convenience or during a scheduled car service in Reading.

Before we walk you through how to reset the engine management light, ensure that you have addressed the issue(s) causing the light to illuminate. This will lead us to possible causes of EML light on.

What Causes the Engine Check Light to Come On?

Before you can solve a problem, you must first determine the source of the problem. This is also true for cars. As previously stated, the engine check light alerts the driver to any electrical or mechanical problems with the vehicle.

 

In some cases, it could be an engine error. Before proceeding with the rest of the checks, make sure your engine is free of flaws. If your engine is in good working order, you may want to have other components checked. Possible causes of an illuminated engine check light include:

1. Faulty Oxygen Sensor 

The oxygen sensor aids in the combustion of gas in your car's engine. This component measures the amount of oxygen in your exhaust that remains unburned. When this component fails, your vehicle consumes more fuel. Excessive fuel consumption will damage your car's spark plugs and catalytic converter. Your engine check light will illuminate as long as the oxygen sensor is not functioning properly. You may need to search online for full car service near me and take it to a professional mechanic to have it replaced. Otherwise, you will fail your car's emission test during a MOT.

2. Faulty Catalytic Converter 

In addition to a bad 02 sensor, poor vehicle maintenance, such as irregular oil changes and driving short distances, can damage your catalytic converter. This can clog the catalyst and cause the engine warning light to illuminate.

3. Vacuum Leakage 

One of the vacuum system's functions is to reduce toxic emissions. When there is a leak, your vehicle will spurt or settle at an unusually high PRM. The leak is usually caused by damaged fittings, loose connections, or the vacuum hose becoming dry.

4. Loose Gas Cap 

If your fuel cap is loose, it could be due to a clerical error on your part. Because it has failed to maintain the proper pressure in your car, a loose fuel cap will disrupt the system that delivers fuel to it. This will cause fuel loss and your EML to illuminate. It's possible that you forgot to replace or tighten the fuel cap after filling up with petrol. This can happen to anyone, especially if they are in a hurry to get out. Because petrol is highly flammable, you should never drive with the fuel cap off. Most of the time, if the problem is with the petrol cap, the EML will go away after you properly fill and tighten the cap. So, after filling up with petrol, make sure to replace or tighten the fuel cap properly. Please look for car service near me and have the cap replaced if it is faulty.

5. Failure of the Mass Airflow Sensor 

This component measures the amount of air that enters your car and allows it to adjust to changes in height. When it fails, you will notice difficult idling, a decrease in gas mileage, and an unexpected change in your throttle pedal.

6. A Faulty Thermostat 

This regulates the flow of coolant to your engine. When it's bad, it causes your EML to illuminate.

7. Defective Alarm Systems 

Car alarms are designed to deter vehicle theft. However, if they do not function properly, your EML will activate. Not all alarms are effective, so make sure you get a high-quality one that can deter theft. Avoid purchasing low-cost alarms. You don't want a faulty alarm that causes your EML to illuminate or damages other vehicle components.

8. Ignition Coil and Spark Plug Failure 

The ignition coil powers your vehicle's spark plug, causing it to emit sparks. In turn, the spark ignites the fuel-air mixture in your car's cylinder. When this coil fails, the spark plugs do not receive enough electricity to function. As a result, the engine check light illuminates. In other cases, if the coil is fine but the spark plugs are old or worn, the engine will misfire and the EML will illuminate. As a result, make sure to replace any damaged engine coils or old/worn-out spark plugs.

9. Dead Battery 

Your battery should last between 5 and 7 years. If it has expired, it may not charge properly, causing your engine light to illuminate. Again, depending on how you use it, it may wear out sooner. So, if it doesn't charge and also causes problems, you'll need to replace it.