Can Oreillys Check Engine Light (2024)

FAQs

Can O'Reilly clear the check engine light? ›

Can O'Reilly Clear Check Engine Light Codes? While O'Reilly Auto Parts can scan and read your illuminated Check Engine light with our O'Reilly VeriScan code reading service, we can not clear your Check Engine light codes.

If you do not have access to an automotive diagnostic scanner, there are alternative ways to read codes without a scanner. Although these are not ideal, using your odometer or ignition key can effectively retrieve diagnostic trouble codes to determine the cause of your check engine light.

Visit Your Local AutoZone Store for Free Fix Finder Service

AutoZone offers a complimentary Fix Finder service that efficiently diagnoses warning lights, including Check Engine, ABS, and maintenance indicators. Simply visit your nearest AutoZone store when a warning light appears on your vehicle's dashboard.

On average, a car diagnostic test typically ranges from $50 to $100. Some automotive parts retail shops may offer simple diagnostics for free, but it's reliant on the vehicle's computer system throwing the correct code.

Turn The Car Ignition On And Off Three Times

Another way to reset check engine light without tapping into effort-requiring techniques is restarting the car three times. Put the key in the ignition, turn it on and then off. The very next second, repeat the process. Repeat once more to complete three times in a row.

The car's internal computer only resets after a set period where it checks all of its sensors once more. The reset can happen automatically after around 10 to 20 cycles. A cycle is a phase where you turn on the car and turn it off again. For other vehicles, you'll have to drive around 50 to 100 miles before it resets.

Everything from gas mileage, fuel filter life, oil pressure, and electrical are tracked and data stored. So, with the right diagnostic scan tool, automotive technicians can quickly and easily read the codes and data from your vehicle, even if the check engine light isn't on.

Diagnosing your check engine light

Buy an OBD-II scan tool: There are affordable tools that allow you to run a diagnosis yourself.

You first want to press and hold the odometer reset button and the trip button at the same time. While holding those down, turn the ignition on and release the odometer reset and trip buttons. After taking these steps, the diagnostic codes should appear in your odometer display.

The reasons for a check engine light turning on can range from something minor like a loose gas cap to something more serious like a faulty catalytic converter. It could even be a sign of internal engine failure. Ignoring the problem can turn a potentially quick fix into a costly and time-consuming repair.

What is the most common cause of a check engine light? ›

The most common problem is with the oxygen sensor. This sensor assesses how much oxygen remains in your engine after igniting the air-fuel mixture. If these sensors detect a problem with your engine's oxygen use or burn out over time, it will activate the Check Engine light.

Check your gas cap first. Many vehicles have a loose gas cap indicator that will be triggered before your check engine light comes on. If your gas cap is loose or the seal is not tight, the vapor leakage can cause your fuel system to trigger the check engine light.

If your Check Engine light is on, don't take a chance on getting stranded, or worse yet, risk damage to your engine. Stop by O'Reilly Auto Parts and we'll test your Check Engine light codes for free. We can even print out a list of common fixes for the codes, and help you find a repair shop if needed.

Press the odometer's Trip and Reset buttons while turning the ignition key ON. After turning the key ON, release the odometer Reset and Trip buttons to check if the Diagnostic Trouble Code or DTC appears on the odometer display.

False Alarms

It is possible that your automobile's check engine light has come on because of a false alarm. This being said, if the engine control module (ECM) turned on the check engine light for no reason, the ECM could be malfunctioning itself. This crucial part is the heart of your automobile.

Simply place your key into the ignition and turn it on for 1-2 seconds, then turn it off for 1-2 seconds. Repeat this step three or four times. If the check engine light remains after the reset, you might still have a problem with your vehicle.

Plug an OBD-II scanner into your vehicle's OBD port and reset it to clear the check engine light. Disconnecting and reconnecting your battery will restart your vehicle's computer and clear the light. Drive an older vehicle around for a few days after repairs. The light will go off on its own once the computer resets.

If the code is still stored after replacement and starting the engine, you can manually clear the error code by setting the code reader to erase it from memory. You asked, we answered. Code readers are on hand at your local Advance Auto Parts to help you diagnose a vehicle problem.

Unfortunately, clearing a check engine light before selling a vehicle is very easy to do. And unfortunatenly, many car dealers do in fact, do this- just to sell the vehicle. It's not the 'right' thing to do, but it is done very frequently.