4 ways to reset the Check Engine Error

Check Engine Light comes on when your vehicle's computer detects a problem with the powertrain. This may indicate a serious or minor complication, but ignoring it will definitely make the problem worse, leading to significant damage and costly repairs. You can avoid all troubles if you know the reasons for the signal. However, it sometimes does not turn off despite solving the problem. In this case, it won’t hurt you to find out how to reset the “check”.

Most drivers get annoyed if the check light still does not go off, even if the car problem has been corrected. In this case, your car's computer is faulty and a little intervention is required to resolve the issue.

Using the Scanner

Using a scan tool is the easiest way to reset your check engine light. Here are 5 simple steps:

• Connect the scan tool to the OBD connector under the steering column. A laptop or tablet with the appropriate software is installed in the holder;
• Then turn on the car’s ignition and turn on all the gadgets accordingly;
• On your mobile device, in the appropriate section, press the “READ” button to view engine error codes. We write down the codes with a pen in the order in which they were received. This will be necessary for subsequent repairs.
• We delete the error code. Press the “ERASE” button on the scanner. The Check Engine light will turn off when all error codes are cleared. Some scanning tools have many options, such as freeze frame, which captures the sensor readings. When deleting codes, these readings will also be deleted. Note: in some scanners, the option to clear codes may be automatic and the “CLEAR” or “YES” button instead of the “ERASE” button.
• Be sure to turn the ignition on before clearing codes.

Additional recommendations for troubleshooting: what else you can do yourself

In addition to removing errors from the memory of the Nissan Qashqa on-board computer, it is recommended to check:

• cylinder compression (normal 13.0, difference between cylinders up to 0.5);
• engine temperature in operating condition (standardly it is lowered to comply with Euro-3 and Euro-4);
• carbon deposits on injectors and intake valves;
• carbon deposits on the exhaust valves and piston bottom;
• thermostat (change to a hotter one, make sure that it keeps the temperature in the range of 92-97ᵒC).

You should also replace filters (the gas filter is changed every 10 thousand kilometers) and oils (every 5 thousand kilometers in the urban cycle). It is worth noting that if some unit or system still fails in the car, all this will not help, and you will find that the check engine light is on on the Nissan Qashqai, as before. Be sure to contact the service center.

Battery disconnect method

Disconnecting the battery is an old way to reset the check engine light. Here are three steps to clear the check using this method: Step 1: Disconnect the cables from the battery. At this point, you should use a wrench to unscrew the positive and negative cables.

Step 2: Discharge the remaining electricity. The next thing you should do is press and hold the car horn for about 30 seconds. This action will help drain the car battery.

Step 3: Wait and reconnect the battery. After disconnecting the battery cables and draining the remaining electricity, all you have to do is wait about 15 minutes and then plug the battery back in. Error codes will be cleared. (Note: This method may not work on some vehicles.) If after this procedure the “check” lights up again, this may mean that the problem is still much more serious.

Resetting a Receipt using standard means

I won’t go to the OD yet. I read on the website drive2.ru how to reset the CHECK using the gas pedal. I did everything, the CHECK disappeared, the car just became a beast. It's rushing, grinding, if it weren't for the ESP, then it would be on rear-wheel drive and wouldn't get under way. If something is serious (three times ugh), then the CHECK will come out again. Then I’ll go to the OD. Here are the instructions from that page: Erasing errors 1. Turn on the ignition, wait 3 seconds. 2. Within 5 seconds. press the gas 5 times, release the gas. 3. Wait 7 seconds, for 8-9 seconds. press the gas and hold it (about 10 seconds) until the check starts blinking. 4. When the Check indicator blinks, release the gas and count the errors. 5. After all the errors blink, you must fully press the gas pedal and hold it for 10 seconds. 6. Turn off the ignition and release the gas. 7. Check whether the errors have been reset. To do this, start the engine. And here is the link to that page: https://www.drive2.ru/cars/nissan/nav. journal/119937 The emphasis on seconds is not in vain.

Listen, does it make sense to do all this if there are no errors? Maybe the computer will reboot and start driving faster?

An error in engine operation causes the check engine warning light to light up on the dashboard. The indicator will remain on until the normal operation of the failed or malfunctioning element is restored. On some cars, after the operation is restored, the “check” stops lighting by itself; in addition, a so-called “reboot” of the controller may be required, which we will consider below, as well as a software reset of errors in the ECU.

Note that in some cases, even after eliminating the cause and attempting to reset, the “check” still continues to light. Often such errors are critical. In other words, it is impossible to remove such an engine error using simple methods. The fact is that a critical error is recorded in the memory of the electronic control unit and is not erased on its own. In this article we will talk about how engine errors are diagnosed, as well as how to reset the engine error yourself.

Read in this article

Allow the check engine light to go off on its own.

Wait until the “check” goes out on its own. The simplest method because you don't have to do anything. The computer system in most vehicles will automatically recheck for problems that may activate the error light. If it is a minor problem, it will automatically correct itself and the check will go off. However, if the check light is still on after three days, you need to apply the methods mentioned above to reset it.

If this continues to happen despite the following reset procedures, you should take your vehicle to your nearest auto repair shop and have it diagnosed by a professional mechanic. Professional diagnostics use more sophisticated tools and can identify precise problems.

REMEMBER: You can always contact our car service center, where your car will be happy to receive professional technical assistance. You can also make an appointment with us for a scheduled technical inspection! Please familiarize yourself with our car repair and diagnostic services.

How to clear an engine error

Let's start with the fact that engine errors can occur for various reasons, since the control system includes a large number of sensors and controls the operation of individual components, systems and mechanisms. It should also be taken into account that different vehicles may differ in terms of the complexity of a particular system. On some cars, the “check” lights up, for example, only in the event of serious or critical errors (malfunctions in the operation of the air flow control valve, engine detonation error when the knock sensor is faulty, etc.).

At the same time, the check may not light up if there are problems with oil pressure, there are certain deviations from the norm in the throttle operation, etc. On simple cars the light comes on, on more technologically advanced cars in a similar situation the error “loss of engine power” or “oil pressure error” appears in the engine. For this reason, reading engine errors is a necessary diagnostic and preventative procedure, regardless of whether the check light is on or not.

Now about the reset. On many cars, especially in the budget segment, to reset the error in the ECU, you should perform the following steps:

• warm up the power unit to operating temperature;
• remove the “plus” terminal from the battery for 5-15 minutes, then connect the terminal back after the specified time;
• insert the key into the ignition switch and turn it to the last position before starting the internal combustion engine from the starter (the lights and indicators on the dashboard should be on);
• leave the key in the lock in this position for 1 minute, then return the key to its original position;

Such actions in some cases allow you to remove errors from the computer. Now you can start the engine (the check should go out after starting) and let it idle for 2-3 minutes (do not press the gas pedal while running). Now you should turn off the engine, and then repeat the procedure of starting and stopping the engine a couple more times.

Is it possible to disconnect one terminal when storing the battery?

When parking the car for a long time, which does not involve completely removing the battery, it is recommended to disconnect both terminals of the battery. If you leave them in the electrical circuit, the battery will discharge due to operating energy consumers (alarms, individual sensors, radars, etc.). It is not recommended to remove only one terminal due to the following reasons.

1. If you leave the negative terminal connected, leakage currents will remain in the electrical network, and the battery will discharge faster.
2. If you leave the positive terminal connected, a short circuit may occur, which can result in damage to wiring and devices and even fire in the car.

Replace the oxygen sensor (lambda probe)

The oxygen sensor in your car is part of the exhaust system that monitors how much oxygen is not burned in the engine combustion chamber. This sensor helps control the vehicle's fuel consumption. A malfunction of the oxygen sensor (lambda probe) means that the car computer does not receive the correct data and can significantly increase fuel consumption, and at the same time reduce engine power. Most cars have 2 to 4 oxygen sensors. If you have a home car error scanner, then by connecting it to the car you can easily find out which sensor needs to be replaced.

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For what reason does the oxygen sensor in a car become unusable: Over time, the sensor becomes covered with a layer of used and regular engine oil (oil soot), which reduces the accuracy of reading sensor readings for regulating the gasoline mixture and distributing optimal fuel consumption. A malfunction of the oxygen sensor in a car leads not only to increased fuel consumption, but also to an increased content of harmful CO2 substances in the exhaust.

What needs to be done: If you do not change a faulty car oxygen sensor, this may lead to failure of the car's catalyst (it may burst), which will result in expensive repairs for you. So, gentlemen, do not delay replacing the oxygen sensor. Although replacing the sensor itself and its cost are decent, it is still not commensurate with the cost of the exhaust gas catalyst system itself. You can save money on replacing this sensor by doing it yourself. Many car manuals have detailed instructions on how to replace the oxygen sensor yourself. If you know where the oxygen sensor is located, then it will not be difficult for you to disconnect the faulty lambda probe and replace it with a new one. Remember that you cannot delay replacing this important element!

Incorrect "lighting"

Sometimes, when trying to start someone else's car from their car through jumper wires, drivers get confused and damage their vehicles. If the connection sequence is incorrect, and even with the motor running, you can guarantee that the generator (or rather, the diode bridge) will fail.

Along with it, the stator, relay-regulator and wires burn. In addition, you are less likely to burn out the engine control unit (ECU), security system and radio. Sometimes drivers get lucky and the fuses just blow.

How to check engine errors and erase the error in the ECU memory

To carry out engine diagnostics and read error codes, as well as to reset them, many drivers prefer to go to a service station where there is a scanner. Service station specialists, at the owner’s request, can issue a printout that will display the error codes recorded in the control unit’s memory. Note that this procedure is optimal in the case when the check is constantly on. If the error is “floating” (the check periodically lights up and goes out), then a visit to the service may not yield anything.

In such a situation, you can buy a scanner for personal use, but its cost and the need to study the features of the software make this method impractical, especially when it comes to diagnosing only one car. Let us add that the scanner is used in parallel with a laptop or personal computer, which creates additional inconvenience.

All kinds of third-party BCs (on-board computers) also rightly belong to similar ones in terms of ease of use, cost and feasibility of purchase. The solution is capable of reading and deciphering error codes and displaying additional information about the parameters and operating modes of the internal combustion engine. At the same time, the BCs require proper connection and separate installation in the cabin.

Among the main advantages of such adapters is that the device is a small, compact “box” that is inserted into the diagnostic socket of your car. This means that the need to connect, lay wires, place the device itself in the cabin, use a PC and perform other additional actions is completely absent.

The adapter in the connector remains almost invisible and connects to a tablet or smartphone “over the air” thanks to bluetooth/wi-fi technology. This is especially convenient when the engine error lights up periodically. In other words, you can drive with the adapter in the connector as long as you like, and at the moment the check light comes on, immediately read the fault code. You only need to secure your smartphone or tablet to a stand or holder to be able to monitor the readings on the screen while driving.

As for the software, it may be supplied with the adapter. The necessary programs are also available in the Play Market for Android and similar solutions for devices on other operating systems. The software must be installed on a smartphone/tablet. Note that among the various available solutions, the Torque program is very popular (a free version of this application is available in the Market for Android). The program allows you to flexibly customize the interface, has the ability to not only read, but also decipher errors, and has the ability to reset engine errors.

Using the solution looks like this:

• The adapter is inserted into the vehicle's diagnostic connector;
• A smartphone/tablet with installed software is installed in the holder;
• Next, the car starts;
• Bluetooth is turned on on your smartphone or tablet;
• A program (for example, Torque) is launched on the phone/tablet;

Now you need to wait for the adapter and device to synchronize with the program, after which the parameters of the operating power unit are displayed. To determine why the check is on, you need to go to the appropriate subsection on your mobile device. Error codes will be displayed there, and it is also possible to provide options for decoding them. At the same time, it is possible to collect individual errors or all of them at once, as a result of which the check engine light goes out.