There’s no doubt about it, and there’s nothing more annoying, frustrating, and vague than your car’s ‘check engine’ light.
Depending on what triggered the light to come on, there will be a wide variety of things that might end up being wrong with your trusty transportation method.
But whatever it is that’s going on, it’s probably a good idea to address it and find out the process of the Hyundai check engine light reset.
Often, once the underlying problem is addressed, the Hyundai check engine light will need to be reset manually.
If that’s the case, we explain the Hyundai check engine light reset process in this blog post.
Topic Summary
What Does the Check Engine Light Mean?
The check engine light is part of Hyundai’s onboard diagnostics or OBD system. A check engine light means that the car’s system has detected a malfunction in your vehicle’s engine, transmission, emissions, or another critical system.
Typical causes are gas caps not tightly sealed, faulty oxygen sensors, or catalytic converters.
Resetting a check engine light without diagnosing and then repairing the real problem guarantees a greater problem and additional expense in the future.
Guide To the Hyundai Check Engine Light Reset
After you finish settling the problem and you have the time, you can reset the check engine light by following any of the options below:
1. Using an OBD-II Scanner
The only genuinely reliable way to reset the check engine light is with an OBD-II scanner, a device that connects to your vehicle’s data port. Here’s how to use one for that job.
Connect the OBD-II Scanner: Locate the diagnostic port under the dashboard on the driver’s side. Plug the scanner into the port.
Turn On the Ignition: Turn the ignition of your car ‘On.’ (Don’t start it up.)
Use the Scanner: Select ‘Clear Codes’ or ‘Reset Check Engine Light’ on the scanner. Using a scan tool, follow the steps that prompt.
Reset the Light: Select the codes clearing option, and the check engine light should shut off.
Turn Off the Ignition and Unplug the Scanner: Turn off the ignition, unplug the scanner, and then turn on your vehicle to ensure that the light has been reset.
2. Disconnecting the Battery
If you don’t have access to an OBD-II scanner, you might be able to reset the check engine light by disconnecting the battery:
Turn Off the Engine: Ensure your car is turned off completely.
Disconnect the Battery: With the wrench, unhook the negative (black) battery cable from the battery terminal. Leave it disconnected for about 15 minutes.
Reconnect the Battery: Reattach the negative battery cable and tighten it with the wrench.
Start the Car: And this time, check to see if the check engine light has gone out.
Important Reminder: Unplugging the battery completely will reset the computer in your vehicle, meaning you’ll lose your radio presets and time, and if you’re on a freeway on-ramp, you’ll start a couple of hundred meters back from where you had been.
3. Drive and Wait
In some cases, the check engine light resets itself once it has been driven for some time if the problem has been fixed:
Fix the Issue: Make sure you’ve fixed the thing that originally caused your check engine light to come on.
Drive Your Car: Drive your Hyundai a few cycles (meaning turn the engine on and off a few times) and check the light. If your ‘check’ light has gone off, great job, you fixed it.
What If the Check Engine Light Doesn’t Turn Off?
If the P1590 check engine light remains on, it could be that the problem wasn’t really fixed or a new issue has come along.
In this instance, you’ll want to have your Hyundai towed to a trusty auto repair shop so a certified mechanic can diagnose the issue and tell you how to get it fixed.
Can I Reset the Check Engine Light Myself?
Yeah, you can reset it yourself. I know this because I worked in a Hyundai dealer, and the light was a pain in the butt for many of our customers.
The best way to reset the check engine light is to use an OBD-II scanner. They can be inexpensive, and after connecting to the car’s diagnostic port, you can display the error codes (the ones that triggered the light) and clear them all.
There are different types of scanners you can purchase. I know OBDByte is a quality one.
If you’re lucky, you can simply remove your vehicle’s battery for 15 minutes, which should reset that dreaded check engine light but it will also reset your car’s other electronic devices: radio, clock, backlighting, and the windshield wipers.
Remember, if you do a reset and if you don’t fix the real problem, the light will probably come back on again soon. Don’t reset until you get the cause diagnosed and remedied!
How To Prevent Future Check Engine Light Issues?
Although it’s not possible to eliminate all the problems that can cause the light, regular testing and maintenance help limit that likelihood:
- Routine Maintenance: Follow the Hyundai recommended maintenance schedule, including oil changes, filter replacements, and inspections.
- Check the Gas Cap: Tighten the gas cap after filling it up to make sure it isn’t loose, as this can be a frequent culprit for the check engine light.
- Address Issues Promptly: If that illuminated light tells you something’s wrong, don’t delay. Repair issues as soon as they turn on to avoid additional nickel and diming when a minor issue might add a five figure price tag.
FAQs on Hyundai Check Engine Light Reset: All You Need To Know
What Should I Do Before Resetting the Check Engine Light On My Hyundai?
Before clearing the check engine light, it is important to diagnose and address whichever fault triggered the light in the first place. Anything from an incorrectly tightened gas cap to a faulty sensor to a catastrophic engine failure. There’s a reason why an airbag will not go off when it’s supposed to, and fixing it will help prevent more severe problems down the road.
Can I Reset the Check Engine Light without an OBD-II Scanner?
True, you could reset the check engine light without an OBD-II scanner. Cutting the battery power for about 15 minutes would do the trick, but this would erase the electronics screens, radio presets, and clock, too.
Will the Check Engine Light Reset Itself?
There are situations in which the check engine light may still reset if the problem has been resolved and the car has been driven through several start/stops (cycles). However, this may take a while and isn’t always guaranteed.
Why is My Check Engine Light Still On After Fixing the Problem?
Next time the light comes on after repairing the problem, it might be that it was not completely cured or that something new has occurred. Using an OBD-II scanner to read the error codes or consulting with a mechanic again would be useful.
Is It Safe To Drive with the Check Engine Light On?
Sure, you might be able to drive your car with its check engine light on, but that isn’t such a good idea, even if a minor glitch, such as a loose gas cap triggers the light. It might also signal a major problem that will cause engine damage. Get the underlying problem fixed sooner rather than later if you want to keep your car out of trouble.
Conclusion
If you run into problems with your Hyundai, usually the check engine light will still save your ass.
Once you’ve identified and (hopefully) fixed the issue that triggered the light, it’s a cinch to reset, either with an OBD-II scanner, by unhooking the battery, or by simply driving it around.
If you’re unsure what’s causing the onset of the check engine light or need help resetting the light in your Hyundai, visit a mechanic for additional help.
Regularly maintaining your Hyundai will guarantee that it runs well for years to come.