by Greg W Huffman

Created on: December 30, 2010

The "check engine" lamp was originally invented to let the operator of a vehicle know when there was a problem with the engine.  Car manufacturers have now turned this indicator from a safety feature to a money-making device.  Auto companies set these indicator lights to come on after a predetermined amount of mileage.  Drivers think that there is something wrong with their vehicle and end up spending money at the local car repair garage.

There are still automobiles that have check engine indicators that are programmed to come on when there is a legitimate problem.  Cars made by Buick have two separate indicator lights - check engine and service engine soon.  The check engine light reveals when the vehicle has a legitimate problem.  The service engine soon indicator in my vehicle has been on since my car hit 70,000 miles.  I have taken my vehicle in for repairs and yearly inspections with no problems to speak of.

How do you reset the check engine light?  If your light is on due to a legitimate problem, it is always a good idea to check your engine oil.  If your vehicle's oil level is satisfactory, check your gas cap.  The metal surrounding your gas cap may be rusted to a point where the fuel sensor begins to malfunction - causing the check engine light to come on.  Clean this area with rubbing alcohol and steel wool.  Wipe this area clean with a clean cloth.  This should turn off the indicator light.  If this does not remedy the problem, buy a new gas cap.

Check your vehicle's fuse box and make sure that all of the fuses are in working condition.  Replace all blown fuses and turn your vehicle on.  If the problem was due to a blown fuse, this step should fix the problem.

Take your vehicle to an auto parts store to turn your light off.  These stores offer a free diagnostic test and they have a computer that can shut off your car's check engine light.  The diagnostic test plugs into your car's computer and will tell you if your car is having any issues.  In most cases, the technician will be able to turn off the check engine indicator if your car isn't suffering from electrical or mechanical problems.

Taking your car to a mechanic is your last resort.  Let a licensed mechanic determine why your light is on and if they are capable of turning it off.

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