How to Clear the Car Malfunction Indicator Light?
3 Answers
Eliminating the car malfunction indicator light can be done by starting and turning off the vehicle three times in a row, or by disconnecting the negative terminal of the engine battery, waiting for 30 seconds, and then reconnecting it. It's important to note that when the engine malfunction light is on, it usually cannot be cleared manually. Typically, you need to visit a 4S shop to use a fault detection device for troubleshooting before the light can be cleared. There are three scenarios when the engine malfunction light is on: 1. If the car cannot start, it may be due to a fuel pump or ignition component failure, in which case you should call for assistance immediately; 2. If the malfunction light is on but there are no noticeable driving abnormalities, it could be a sensor malfunction. You can continue driving temporarily, but it's best to drive at low to medium speeds and get the car checked at a repair shop as soon as possible; 3. If the engine malfunction light is on and the vehicle can still be driven but exhibits severe shaking, loss of acceleration power, or other symptoms, you should call for a tow truck immediately.
That little light on the dashboard gives me a headache every time it comes on. Last time the engine malfunction indicator lit up, I tried turning off and restarting the vehicle, and checked if the fuel cap was tightened properly - turns out it was just a loose cap. For these occasional glitches, sometimes disconnecting the negative battery terminal for five minutes and reconnecting can reset the system. But don't randomly disconnect the battery, you'll lose radio presets. If the light stays on, you might be looking at oxygen sensor or emission system issues. I'd recommend finding a reputable repair shop to scan for specific trouble codes with an OBD scanner - minor issues just need code clearing, major problems require part replacements. Don't fall for those hack methods like pulling fuses, they can damage the ECU.
I have three go-to methods for dealing with warning lights: First, identify whether it's a red warning light or a yellow caution light. The tire pressure light usually turns off automatically after driving a few kilometers, while a flashing ABS light might indicate dirty wheel speed sensors. Second, check the owner's manual for corresponding fault descriptions. Third, keep a mobile OBD adapter handy—it only costs a few dozen bucks to read trouble codes. That's exactly how I cleared a transmission trouble code last time. After clearing the code, road test for half an hour to check for recurrence. If the coolant light flashes accompanied by unusual odors, pull over immediately and call for a tow truck. Never ignore any red warning lights—they signal life-threatening issues.
