How to Reset a Volkswagen Check Engine Light

Imagine driving down the roads of Pittsford. You’ve just picked up your partner’s parent, and they notice that your Volkswagen check engine light is flashing. All day afterwards, you hear things like, “You need to take better care of your things”. Avoid scenarios like the above by learning how to reset a VW check engine light yourself, and you’ll also save money! Just make sure you know why your Volkswagen check engine light is on in the first place. Have questions? Call (585) 586-2225 or schedule service online.

If There Is a Problem, Have It Resolved

Let’s take a step back. Why do you need to get your VW check engine light reset? That’s a question you should be asking. After all, your Volkswagen check engine light was designed to alert you when something is wrong with your vehicle’s engine or emissions system. That said, it can sometimes illuminate due to electrical gremlins or for reasons that are minor, therefore not of concern. Still, if in doubt, it’s best to hand your vehicle over to the VW experts at our service center in East Rochester.

Disconnect the Negative Battery Cable

If you do know that the reason why your check engine light coming on is minor or of no concern and you are ready to reset your check engine light, here’s what to do:

1. Turn off the ignition and put on safety glasses and gloves
2. Find the negative battery terminal. Usually, it has a black cap and a negative (–) symbol. (The positive cap is red and will have a positive (+) symbol).
3. Loosen the nut on the negative terminal with a wrench, then pull the negative connector from the battery. Keep it to the side for 30 to 60 seconds.
4. Reconnect the negative cable and tighten it back up with your wrench.

Remember: when you perform a battery reset in Webster, doing so will also reset all vehicle systems like the radio (and thus, presets), clock, and more. 

Check Your Gas Cap

Cracked or loose gas caps cause a small amount of fumes to escape from the fuel/emissions system, which is often the culprit of a VW check engine light flashing or solidly on. Thus, you should ensure that your gas cap is on tightly and there’s no debris preventing it from closing.

Visit the Ide VW of East Rochester Service Center for More Help

Want to learn more about how to reset your check engine light? We can help. We can also diagnose the problem for you with our state-of-the-art equipment. Visit our Fairport area service center today for further assistance. To take matters into your own hands, feel free to order genuine VW parts like gas caps from us directly!