Nissan Check Engine Light

If the Check Engine light on your Nissan has recently illuminated, it’s not uncommon to have some questions about what this alert might mean. Why does the Check Engine light come on? How do you turn off the Check Engine light? To help your vehicle keep running its best in Huntington Park, Downey, or wherever your travels take you, the Nissan of Downtown L.A. service team answers these questions in detail below.

Why Does the Check Engine Light Come On?

So, why does the Check Engine light come on? Simply put, it lights up to tell you something is amiss with your vehicle. Now, it could be something minor, like a loose gas cap, or it could be an indicator of more serious issues, like engine trouble. Here are some of the more common reasons the Nissan Check Engine light may come on during your drives around Bell Gardens and beyond:

• Emissions System Failures – The Nissan Check Engine light may be letting you know that there is a problem with your emissions control system, which can impact how harmful gasses are released from your vehicle.
• Engine Issues – Engine misfires, dirty coolant, leaks, and other engine-related issues can trigger the Check Engine light.
• Loose Gas Cap – As mentioned above, a relatively benign and easy-to-fix problem that can cause the light to come on is a loose gas cap.
• Sensor Malfunctions – If one of the sensors, like the oxygen or mass airflow sensor, isn’t working properly, your Check Engine light will typically illuminate.

How Do You Turn Off the Check Engine Light?

Because there are so many potential reasons the Check Engine light might come on, it’s important to bring your vehicle in for service sooner rather than later. Once the problem has been addressed, here’s how you turn off the Check Engine light:

1. Find the OBD-II Port – The On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) port can usually be found under the dashboard on the driver’s side. You might have to remove a cover to get to it.
2. Connect the OBD-II Scanner – Connect the scanner securely to the port; OBD-II scanners can be purchased from auto parts stores.
3. Start Your Car – Put the key into the ignition and turn it to the “on” position, which allows power to flow to the scanner so it can communicate with the engine control unit.
4. Get the Trouble Codes – Next, follow the instructions that came with the scanner to get the trouble codes in the ECU, as these codes will tell you just what’s causing the light to come on.
5. Clear the Trouble Codes – Make a note of the trouble codes, then clear them using the scanner’s menu. Confirm that you want to clear the codes, and this should reset the Check Engine light, though it may take a few minutes for the process to complete.
6. Confirm the Reset – Once you clear the codes, shut the vehicle off and disconnect the scanner. After several seconds, restart the ignition to check that the light has been reset.

Now you can resume driving your Nissan. However, keep an eye on the dashboard lights. If the Check Engine light lights up again, the triggering issue has not been resolved and further service is needed.

Schedule Service in Los Angeles Today

If your Nissan Check Engine light has come on and you’d like professional assistance, Nissan of Downtown L.A. is here to help. Contact us or schedule an appointment online today. And take a look at our current service specials for possible savings opportunities. By staying on top of any problems indicated by a Check Engine light, you are ensuring a maximum return on the investment you’ve made in your Nissan.