Can I reset my check engine light myself?

B HERNANDEZ

MEMBER
1998 HONDA CIVIC
4 CYL
FWD
MANUAL
200,000 MILES

Okay, my check engine light is on in my car listed above (LX). Last night when I parked it it was off this morning spark plug cable #4 was not connected. I pulled out of the driveway in reverse and proceeded to drive forward approximately 3 houses when I realized the car did not feel right and remembered and pulled over and reconnected the spark plug cable. When I restarted the car the check engine light did not go off and has remained on since. Is that the reason for the check engine light to come on? If so is it possible to reset the light myself?

1 Reply

DANNY L

MECHANIC
5,648 POSTS

Hello, I'm Danny.

Yes, to answer your question you can turn the check engine light off yourself. Here is a tutorial showing how to erase codes:

https://youtu.be/ahK_eucFi-k

If you don't have access to a scanner or code reader then you can just disconnect the positive battery cable. After disconnecting the battery cable leave it disconnected for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes reconnect the battery cable as any stored codes will be erased. If any other fault codes are stored after driving your car for 25-50 miles after reconnecting the battery any fault codes will return and the check engine light will come back on. If the system is ok the check engine light will remain off. Hope this helps and thanks for using 2CarPros.