The Check Engine Light in your Jeep Grand Cherokee is intended to alert you when there is a problem with the engine or emission control system.
When that indicator illuminates, it is critical to address the problem as soon as possible to avoid potential damage to your vehicle and ensure proper operation.
However, even after the problem has been resolved, the Check Engine may remain illuminated, making it difficult to turn off.
Contents
How to clear the check engine light on your Jeep Grand Cherokee.
Identify the issue
It is best to know and resolve the problem that caused the Check Engine to go on in the first place before resetting it.
You will need to use an OBD-II scanner or code reader to read the diagnostic trouble code (DTC) stored in the car’s computer to accomplish this.
This code will provide you with information about the specific problem and can be used to determine the repairs.
Perform any necessary repairs
After finding the problem, you must make the necessary repairs to resolve it. Depending on the issue, this could be as simple as tightening a gas cap or as complex as replacing a faulty sensor. After the repairs have been completed, the Check Engine should be reset.
Remove the battery
Disconnecting the battery is the simplest way to reset the Check Engine Light. This will reset all of the ECU’s monitors and clear the computer’s memory.
- To do so, look for the negative battery cable, which is usually black and marked with a minus (-).
- Loosen the nut holding the cable in place with a wrench or pliers, then disconnect it from the battery terminal.
- Wrap the cable end in a cloth or tape to prevent it from coming into contact with the battery and causing a short circuit.
Reconnect the Battery and wait at least 15 minutes after disconnecting the battery.
This will allow the ECU to discharge and reset its monitors. Reconnect the negative battery cable to the battery terminal after 15 minutes and tighten the nut securely.
Start the engine and inspect it
Start the engine and wait a few minutes in idle. The computer will then be able to recalibrate and relearn the new sensor data.
If the Check Engine does not illuminate after a few minutes, the problem has been resolved and the Check Engine has been reset.
If the error comes back on, it means that the problem is still present and requires further investigation and possible repairs.
Use an OBD-II scanner
If you don’t want to remove the battery, you can reset the Check Engine with an OBD-II scanner. Simply connect the scanner to the OBD-II port, which is usually located under the dashboard on the driver’s side, and follow the scanner’s instructions to clear the codes.
This will reset all of the computer’s monitors and clear the computer’s memory. It is important to note that simply resetting the Check Engine does not resolve the problem.
Wait for the check engine light to go off by itself
If you’ve done all the repairs needed, the check engine light should be reset on its own once the ECU does not signal the previous error. After driving your car for some time the error can turn off by itself.
Good practices to know
Before resetting the Check Engine, it is always necessary to diagnose and repair the problem. Also, if you live in an area where emissions are tested, resetting the Check Engine will not make the monitors ready for testing.
You’ll need to drive the car for a while to allow the monitors to reset and become ready for testing.
Final words
Finally, resetting the check engine light in a Jeep Grand Cherokee is a simple procedure that can be accomplished by disconnecting the battery or using an OBD-II scanner, or waiting for the error to shut off by itself.
Remember that the Check Engine is a vital indicator of any engine or emission-related issues and that ignoring it can result in additional and more costly damage to your vehicle.
If the Check Engine continues to illuminate after the reset, it is best to seek professional assistance from a reputable mechanic.
Furthermore, resetting the Check Engine will erase any stored diagnostic data, making it more difficult for the mechanic to diagnose any recurring issues.
As a result, it is always a good idea to write down the DTC before resetting the Check Engine. This way, you can give the mechanic useful information that will aid in the diagnosis and repair process.
If you have any questions or concerns about resetting the Check Engine, seek assistance from a reputable mechanic who can walk you through the process and ensure that everything is in working order.
