Easy Guide on How to Disable Check Engine Light Permanently

Last updated on June 23rd, 2023 at 11:16 am

If you want to turn off the check engine light permanently, I’m here to assist you. It’s not complicated; follow a few simple steps. However, coming across this issue can be aggravating.

How to disable check engine light permanently

Making use of a code reader
Drive enough to turn off the light.
Putting the battery back together
Leaving your car turned off three times in a row
Remove the fuse for the check engine light

I Have had the same problem with the engine light refusing to turn off. So to get rid of this annoying problem, I had to permanently turn off the check engine light. This guide contains the exact details on all you need to know to get it done yourself.

Why does engine light come on?

Your “check engine light” usually comes on for a variety of reasons. For example, when it’s time for a preventative maintenance service, your vehicle’s check engine light may illuminate. The check engine light is usually lits up because one of the following items listed below is malfunctioning.

Failure of the Mass Airflow Sensor
Spark plugs that have become worn out
The sensor for oxygen has been damaged.
Catalytic Converter Fault
The gas cap is loose.

After carrying out a diagnosis on your car, one of the above should be why your check engine light is on.

Is it illegal to remove check engine light?

Removing your check engine light is fraudulent, and it is considered an act of concealment; in other words, it’s a punishable crime.

In addition, such damages/changes to your vehicle are not allowed in many states. Finally, if the removal of your check engine light leads to an accident that leaves people injured, the whole issue can escalate quickly. Which fuse controls check engine light?

For a graphic description, the check engine light is controlled by a fuse that looks like a small yellow box with two 10mm fuses in the lower-left corner. The ROOM/PLAFON fuse is located in the fuse box underneath the dash.

It would help if you immediately have your car diagnosed at an experienced mechanics workshop. However, there could be several issues with it, which we have highlighted earlier in this article.

How to remove check engine light fuse

Please follow these steps to remove the check engine light fuse to make the process easy and stress-free.

After 1996, On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) scanners are the best option. However, it’s possible that vehicles built after the 1990s don’t have an OBD port under the dashboard. If this is the case, you may need to switch scanners.
Trace the port beneath the navigation column, then bond the scanner’s cord to it.
Without starting the car, insert the ignition key and turn the switch to “on.” When the dash lights come on, turn off all of the car’s frills and examine the check engine light code with the scanner’s red knob.
A series of letters and numbers will be used as symbols. Please make sure you write down all of the codes to figure out what they mean and make the necessary corrections.
Turn off the key and detach your scanner after pressing the “erase/clear” knob. Next, remove the battery’s negative cable.
Reduce the capacitor’s remaining electrical energy.
Sit tight for about 15 minutes before reconnecting your battery.
When the power supply is disconnected for about 20 minutes, the automobile systems will completely reorganize when the battery is connected again.

Note: leaving the fuse removed and non-functional is a violation of state laws and equally dangerous to your car.

Where is the check engine light fuse located?

The check engine light fuse is located under the hood fuse panel next to the brake booster, driverside, 2nd from top 20Amp fuse

Can you remove the check engine light bulb?

Yes, you can. However, it is not advisable to as removing it goes against state laws. However, if you want to remove it for replacement, you can follow these steps.

First, the negative battery cable must be disconnected.
The meter hood should be removed.
The instrument cluster should be taken out.
Remove the bulb by rotating the socket clockwise.

Replace the items in the same order as they were removed.

How to turn off check engine light permanently

In this section, we will be expanding on the points we mentioned earlier.

1. Making use of a code reader

To check for error codes in your engine, you can use an OBD code reader. They can also assist you in clearing engine codes, which can help you resolve various problems.

To begin, connect the OBD reader to the port usually found beneath the dashboard of your vehicle. To do this, you might have to remove the fuse box door. It would help if you then pressed enter after connecting the reader. This should begin looking for any error codes in your engine.

The reader will display all of the error codes if you have to wipe them out after seeing them all.

2. Drive enough to turn off the light

The check engine light can be turned off by doing something as simple as driving your car. It’s the first method I’m going to share because it doesn’t require any additional effort on your part. So, drive for a while, and the check engine light should turn off on its own.

Why it works:

If you want to learn more, the car’s mainframe will retune if you drive it regularly. This will fix whatever problem caused the check engine light to come on in the first place. This is how you can turn off the light without touching it.

3. Putting the battery back together

If the problem is only on the surface, this solution should work regardless of the car you have. This method applies to both newer and older vehicles. This is how you go about doing it.

To begin, you will need a wrench to open your car’s hood. After you’ve opened it, you’ll need to look for the battery. First, a positive power cable should be attached to the battery. Next, you’ll need to use the wrench to separate the power cable.

Ensure that your battery stays disconnected for a minimum least 20 minutes after removing the cable. After that, you must turn your ignition on three times in a row after 20 minutes. This will erase all of the bad records from your memory.

4. Leaving your car turned off three times in a row

This may not be easy to execute in your first trial. However, I will try to make the process as easy to understand as possible. So, here’s what you’ll do: turn on your car for a minute, then switch it off for a moment.

You’ll need to do this two more times to make it effective. All you have to do now is insert the key into the ignition and turn it on and off three times in a row.

This clears any trouble codes that may be present in your vehicle. It’s akin to restarting your car a few times to fix any software problems.

5. Remove the fuse for the check engine light

To carry this out, please refer to the step listed earlier in this article. A code scanner is required to remove the check engine light fuse. If your car was built before 1996, it might not have an OBD port. Unplugging the battery also works in this case.

How to permanently delete engine codes

You should not delete engine codes permanently without first resolving the source of the issue. For example, the light may be turned on because the gas lid is open. It’s possible that your transmission has reached a critical temperature and is about to fail.

To begin, connect your car to the OBD code reader. Then, insert the key and turn the key to start the engine. But, first, make sure your vehicle isn’t running.
Next, turn off any unnecessary features on your car, leaving only the check engine light illuminated. On your scanner, there will now be a read knob. When you press this, the check engine light codes will be examined.
Then, using the symbols you’ve seen, look for error codes. Using the knob on your scanner, clear the codes. After that, turn off your car and remove the scanner.
By disconnecting the negative cable from the battery, you can reset your car. However, it will drain all of the remaining energy in the car capacitor.
Disconnect the battery for about 15 minutes before reconnecting it. When you connect the battery, it will reset all of your car’s electrical systems.

How to remove a permanent code obd2

When a DTC is confirmed, and the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) is illuminated, a Permanent Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) is stored.

One of these two methods can be used to delete a permanent code obd2:

Three fault-free monitoring cycles in a row. The MIL is turned off at the start of the fourth fault-free monitoring cycle, and the obd2 permanent code is cleared.
Following a scan tool’s “clear DTC” request, one confirmed fault-free monitoring cycle.

The module strategy can only clear a permanent code obd2. A scan tool cannot remove permanent code obd2 DTCs with a Keep-Alive Memory (KAM) reset or battery disconnect. Starting with release R104, permanent DTCs will be displayed on the Integrated Diagnostic System (IDS).

How to disable check engine light permanently BMW

To permanently disable the check engine light in your BMW, all you have to go is follow these tips;

Purchase a code reader or OBD2 scanner.
Use the built-in DTC Lookup Library or go online to look up your code.
After the “check-up”, you will be able to locate any faulty component, remove it, and replace it.
The Scanner’s Code Must Be Removed
Use the Battery Disconnection Technique to see if it works for you.

How to always turn off a check engine light

The check engine light can be turned off with a scan tool or disconnect your vehicle’s battery. You may have already read about turning off the check engine light or the service engine soon light before the smog inspection to pass it.

Summary On disabling check engine light

You must have your vehicle inspected by the state, especially if you live in the United States. With the CEK on, you have a slim chance of passing the test. It will be a complete failure right away. You must reimburse or recondition the car if it crashes at state inspection within seven days of the trade.

After fixing the error, you’ll need to drive a few miles and have a history of several starts and stops in the vehicle’s computer. In the event of a vaguely saved history, the car will stall.

FAQ on Disabling check engine light permanently:

Is it illegal to sell a car with the check engine light on?

Selling a car with the check engine light on is, in fact, illegal. Why is that, exactly? A few of the reasons are listed above.

When the check engine light illuminates, it indicates that something is wrong with the vehicle. Either fix the problem in your car or tell potential buyers about it; don’t keep it a secret from them.

How long does it take for a car computer to reset itself?

Before a car can reset the check engine light on its own, it usually needs 10-20 successful cycles. So it could take as little as 30 minutes, or it could take up to a week.

In most car models, the check engine light will turn off after you’ve fixed the problem. It may, however, take some time.

How to permanently disable the check engine light?

You can either remove the bulb/LED or cover it with opaque material. Then it will never light up, even when the key is turned for the self-test.

As a result, anyone who knows what to look for will immediately notice the hack.

Moreover, disregarding the warnings can be very costly for you. However, addressing the issue is a lot less stressful. In addition, the engine control system may choose to proceed to the subsequent phase of failure managing and immobilizing your car.

How long does it take for permanent DTC codes to erase?

A permanent DTC code can be erased in under 15 minutes; in some cases, it could take as little as 5mins and on a rear case, it might take longer than 15 minutes.