When determining how long it takes for the check engine light to come back on after reset, it is key to know why your engine light is on in the first place, what can reset the light, and causes of this light appearing on your dashboard. Sometimes it can illuminate because of a drastic problem, and sometimes it can be a minor issue that is fixed in just a few minutes. Let’s find out the main reasons why your check engine light is on in your car.
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The engine-shaped icon that illuminates in orange or yellow in your vehicle can give you a heart attack if you are not expecting it. However, you shouldn't panic necessarily when you see it – it doesn’t automatically indicate that you are going to spend a fortune on a fix. Problems that turn on the check engine light are sometimes basic and easy to repair.
Diagnostics of the check engine light
When noticing your check engine light, there are many issues that could turn on this warning on your dashboard. Although you might have figured out the problem and fixed the issue, the light could STILL be – but why? The main answer is that after you clear the car’s internal computer, the engine control unit, you will need to continue driving for around 50-100 miles to determine the answer to how long does it take for the check engine light to come back on after reset.
As you drive your car, the computer will be able to completely reset, monitoring all of the vehicle's sensors, and then registering the results to the internal database.
If you are using a diagnostic tool to see what the issue with the check engine light is in your car, there are three system statuses that you need to analyze to determine how long it takes for the check engine light to come back on after reset. The first is the system status of “READY” – this means that the check engine light didn’t come on and the system is working correctly.
The next system status is “NOT READY” – this means that your car has not been driving around for long enough (between 50-100 miles) to completely reset the codes. The solution to this system status is to keep driving until the diagnostic code shows the READY condition.
Lastly, if your system status is “NOT APPLICABLE”, then this means that your car doesn’t support the status monitor, so you will need to get a new mechanism or bring your car to a mechanic so they can check it for you.
In addition, if your check engine light ends up turning back on your dashboard, then the diagnostic scanner will alert you that the bad trouble code still remains. This indicates that you actually DO have a component failure as directed by the specific trouble code. In this case, the benefit is knowing that you will need to fix a real issue with your car, and not just the check engine light being faulty.
Symptoms of Check Engine Light On
In order to find out how long it takes for the check engine light to come back on after reset, you should know the most common problems that can trigger the check engine light to turn on in your dashboard. The fault code that turned the light on in the first place is located in your car’s electronic control unit, and you can find this code by using a diagnostic tool.
Oxygen sensor failure
The oxygen sensor, also known as an o2 sensor, measures the amount of unburnt oxygen that is stored within the exhaust system in your vehicle. The oxygen sensor is in charge of transmitting the signals to the vehicle’s electronic control unit, which then uses this key information to determine how much air and fuel mixture enters the cylinders and at what ratio.
The engine will be able to stay functioning and running even if the oxygen sensor is faulty or has become damaged over time. However, just because it is running does not mean it is running efficiently. An engine will end up burning more fuel than usual, leading to a lower fuel economy and changing how long it takes for the check engine light to come back on after reset.
This can also cause the car to fail an emissions test, which means your vehicle will be unsuitable to drive on the road, leading to unsafe driving conditions for you, your passengers, and the other cars on the road. On average, if you find that you need to replace the oxygen sensor, it will usually cost you an average of around $175. Along with this you need to tack on the additional price of labor, which can vary depending on your specific type of vehicle. Replacing the o2 sensor can affect how long it takes for the check engine light to come back on after reset.
Loose fuel cap
Luckily for drivers, when they noticed this is the issue that has spurred check engine light, they are looking at a very simple, inexpensive, and quick fix for their car. A loose fuel cap is also one of the most common reasons why it turns on – if you just filled up your tank and forgot to screw the cap back on tightly, it can immediately turn on at night, which will alert you as soon as you drive away from the gas station.
The cap is a key part of the car’s fuel delivery system, ensuring safe delivery and preventing any spills. It keeps the gasoline fumes from leaving the fuel tank and helps keep the system under the right amount of pressure. If your check engine light turns on after you fill up, make sure the cap is tight and does not tend to be replaced. If it does, this will only set you back around $15, and can affect the timing of how long does it take for the check engine light to come back on after reset.
Catalytic converter failure
The catalytic converter is a key part of your engine and exhaust system, with the main function being to turn the gaseous carbon monoxide that was produced during the combustion process into a usable carbon dioxide. Although this part is fairly simple, it is definitely expensive when it needs to be replaced. Luckily, since it is so simple, it is pretty easy to prevent failure by staying on top of your regular maintenance. A new catalytic converter and replacement cost between $200 and $600, and can influence how long it takes for the check engine light to come back on after reset.
Performing regular maintenance on your car is key to keeping this part working safely and efficiently. Simple things like oil change at regular intervals can keep this part a long-lasting staple in your car. If you mainly drive short distances, like back and forth to work or school, make sure you open your car up every now and then by driving longer distances to ensure the converter does not get clogged over time.
Spark plug and ignition coil problems
The main function of the ignition coil in your car is to provide the necessary electricity the spark plugs require to ignite the air and fuel mixture within the cylinders. Although older generations of cars have just one coil, many modern cars on the market use more than one coil, with one coil per cylinder. If you have a sports car or a high-performing vehicle that contains a V8 engine, you could have up to 8 different ignition coils.
No matter how many ignition coils you have, a bad coil or damaged coil will turn on the engine light on your dashboard in no time. In addition, spark plugs that have become worn down or broken over time can cause a wide variety of issues in your car, like engine misfiring or shaking and hesitating during acceleration. A worn coil can cause the car to ever die unexpectedly, with the repair cost coming to between $10 and $20.
The ignition coil is slightly more expensive, with the coil coming to $50 to replace. These are inexpensive fixes and can influence how long it takes for the check engine light to come back on after reset.
Bad spark plug wires
In addition to the spark plugs themselves, bad spark plug wires that have become corroded or broken down over time can wreak havoc in your vehicle. A spark plug wire has a main function of transferring electricity from the ignition coil to the spark plug. It is the highway transportation system between these parts, and without it, the air and fuel mixture won’t be able to ignite within the cylinders.
Signs of bad spark plug wires in your car include engine rough idle, a huge decline in the performance of your car, and reduced gas mileage and fuel economy. Spending $50 for a new spark plug wire can help you figure out how long it takes for the check engine light to come back on after reset.
Mass airflow sensor failure
The mass air flow sensor monitors the amount of air entering your engine, and is a huge component of your engine management system. Without this part, your car would not be able to react to the changes in altitude. Symptoms of mass airflow sensor failure include engine rough idling, troubles starting your car, and a change in the position of the throttle. To replace this part, you can expect to pay between $120 and $150 to figure out the answer to the question of how long does it take for the check engine light to come back on after reset.
Aftermarket alarm
The aftermarket alarm can alert you to any issues with your vehicle and security problems – however, a poorly installed alarm can cause numerous issues with your vehicle, with the negatives far outweighing the pros. An improperly installed alarm can cause the battery to drain extremely fast, the check engine light to turn on, and even keep the car from starting completely.
If this sounds like exactly what is occurring in your car, you will need to pay the price to have the alarm fixed, reinstalled, or completely replaced. Although replacement will cost more money, it can help you answer the question of how long does it take for the check engine light to come back on after reset.
Vacuum leak
The vacuum provides a wide variety of jobs in your vehicle, all of which are extremely important to keeping all the parts working correctly and safely. The brake booster is vacuum operated, with the vacuum system helping to reduce the potentially harmful emissions by changing the pathway of fumes as the gasoline evaporates. If you notice that your car has a rough idle or your vehicle has a high engine RPM, this can be a sign of the vacuum leak in your car.
Over time, just like any part that undergoes extreme wear and tear and high temperatures, vacuum hoses can dry out and crack. Replacing the vacuum line is very inexpensive, so make sure you do this fix as soon as you notice the symptoms to help determine how long it takes for the check engine light to come back on after reset.
Exhaust gas recirculation valve failure
The function of the exhaust gas recirculation system is in charge of lowering the amount of nitrogen oxide that is emitted from the car's engine, helping it to run at a high performance level and remain efficient. The recirculation system redirects the gases back into the combustion chambers, making the fuel easier to burn and reducing harmful emissions.
If the EGR valve gets clogged or completely becomes damaged during use, you can try to do the repair yourself. This requires you to remove the valve, clean the valve and the seal, and reinstall it. However, if you need to get an entirely new valve, you will pay around $125 for a new one, which can help you answer the question of how long does it take for the check engine light to come back on after reset.
Dead battery
The battery could arguably be the most important mechanism in your vehicle. Without this part in your car, your vehicle will not start. Today’s batteries last longer than older ones in more classic cars, but you will still need to spend at least $100 to replace the battery in the case of it dying.