If you own a GMC Sierra automobile, you’ll likely need to reset the check engine light at some point. Although this procedure is rather simple, it can be challenging for someone who has never done it before.
This article will guide you through each step of the procedure and explain what it entails at each stage. Additionally, we’ll provide an explanation of these warning lights and how they function.
How To Reset Check Engine Light On GMC Sierra
Step 1: Turn on the engine.
This step is necessary because the GMC Sierra’s exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system relies on a vacuum. This EGR valve is opened and closed using this vacuum. When you turn on the engine, the EGR system conducts a self-check to ensure your valve is operating properly. The warning light will come on when your valve is malfunctioning.
Step 2: Switch off the vehicle’s ignition.
Simply turn your key to the “off” position to accomplish this. This also depletes your exhaust system of any extra gas and residual pressure that may have accumulated during the self-check. After doing this, wait for up to 5 seconds before moving to the next step.
Step 3: Test the steering wheel.
Turn your steering wheel to the left and then completely to the right, without turning on the engine. This relieves any pressure that may have accumulated inside the power steering system.
Step 4: Start the engine and check if the warning light is on.
The next action is to start the ignition and check if the warning light comes on. If it does, you must take your vehicle to a professional to have it examined. On the other hand, if the warning light doesn’t illuminate, you have successfully turned off the GMC Sierra’s warning light.
If it initially illuminates and then turns off, it might have been a false alert, and nothing is wrong. However, if it flashes, a more significant issue must be addressed as quickly as possible by a professional.
In other words, if your warning light stays off, you can safely conclude that there was a minor issue with the vehicle’s exhaust system, which has since been resolved. When that happens, you can resume operating your Sierra.
Nevertheless, if the warning light continues to illuminate, it indicates a much more serious issue with the vehicle’s exhaust system or the motor. Therefore, you must act quickly to bring your vehicle to a technician for a thorough examination and solution.
What Does The GMC Sierra Check Engine Light Mean?
When this warning light illuminates, one of two things could happen:
- If you correct the issue, which could be as simple as a loose fuel cap, the light will go off on its own.
- The light will remain on until you take the vehicle to a technician to fix it. The issue might be more serious, such as a motor misfire.
In any scenario, you should get your car checked out immediately.
Why Do The GMC Sierra Check Engine Light Come On?
This light, also known as the “service engine soon” light, indicates that there’s something wrong with the automobile. A loose fuel cap is an example of a minor problem, while a motor misfire is a significant issue. In either case, you need to have a mechanic examine your car as soon as possible.
All automobiles produced after 1996 are equipped with these warning lights as standard. In the US, they are mandated by law to keep motorists safe by warning them of potential issues with their vehicles.
Also Read: Car Repossession Loopholes (How to Protect Your Vehicle)
What is The Function of The GMC Sierra Check Engine Light
Usually, sensors that detect issues with your car trigger this warning light. The computer that manages this warning light receives signals from these sensors, which are dispersed throughout the automobile. The warning light will illuminate whenever the computer detects a problem.
Despite its seemingly tough appearance, your GMC is a complex piece of engineering that includes a variety of sensors that monitor temperature, the movement of different parts, and other factors. The computer that regulates engine operation uses these values to optimize engine performance. However, if one of these sensors produces values that are beyond a specified range, the computer will be alerted. It will adjust the engine’s operation accordingly and activate this warning light on your dashboard, alerting you to a potential issue.
One of the main issues with this warning light is that it doesn’t provide much information on its own. This is because numerous motor or transmission-related problems can cause it. Therefore, when this occurs, pay close attention to a few things. Check if this indicator light flashes occasionally or is always on.
While a steady warning light might indicate a variety of problems, a flashing light unmistakably indicates a motor misfire. Pull over immediately, as this could permanently damage your vehicle’s catalytic converter.
Even if the light is not flashing, it is a good idea to be alert for anything that seems out of the ordinary, such as power loss, overheating, strange noises, and unusual sensations. Once again, if you encounter anything like this, you might want to reconsider continuing your journey.
Warning Signs That Suggest You Need to Reset the Check Engine Light on Your Gmc Sierra
The warning light often illuminates when the car’s sensors detect a problem. The computer that manages the warning light receives signals from these sensors dispersed throughout the automobile. The warning light will come on when the computer detects a problem.
There are a few warning signs, though, that suggest it may be necessary to reset the warning light:
- Your automobile is difficult to start: When your car starts more slowly than usual, it may indicate that you need to reset your warning light.
- You notice that your automobile is emitting smoke: If your car’s exhaust is smoking, there is a problem, and the warning light needs to be turned off.
- Your vehicle is idling harshly: Rough idling could indicate an issue with the motor. To identify and address the issue, the warning light must be reset.
- You just topped off your fuel tank: The warning light may illuminate after you’ve just filled your fuel tank, indicating that the gas sensor is malfunctioning. To identify and address the issue, the warning light must be reset.
As you’ve seen, there are several indicators that suggest it may be necessary to reset your warning light. If you notice any of these symptoms, take your automobile for repair as quickly as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you manually reset the warning light?
The equivalent repair for a car’s indicator lights is the on-off technique. It forces the computer to reboot and restore its previously saved state. Simply switch the ignition on for one to two seconds, then off for one to two seconds using your key. Repeat this procedure 3 to 4 times.
How can you manually reset your warning light?
The positive red cap will be marked with a plus sign (+). Pull the negative connector from the battery by loosening the screw on the negative terminal with a wrench. Keep it aside for thirty to sixty seconds. Reattach the negative cable with the wrench and tighten it.
How can you turn a GM’s service engine light back on?
After the engine has run for a second, turn off the vehicle. Repeat the entire process two more times, letting the engine idle quietly for 2 to 3 seconds.
What is the best way to reset my warning light without a scanner?
To turn off the warning light without a scanner, remove the negative battery cable, wait a few seconds, then reconnect it. This will reset your car’s diagnostic system, and if the underlying problem has been fixed, the light should go off immediately.
Will the warning light automatically reset?
Will the check engine light automatically go out? The warning light will typically turn off automatically once the problem that caused it to illuminate has been resolved, but only after ten to twenty “cycles.”
Can the warning light be reset at Autozone?
Yes, the answer is affirmative, but there are some points to keep in mind: Local automotive parts shops often offer to scan your codes for free, although not all of them will turn off the light due to legal concerns.
Final Thoughts
We hope that the instructions in this article have helped you understand how to turn off the warning light on a GMC Sierra. Consult a technician if you have any further questions.
Never disregard your warning light because it is crucial to maintaining your vehicle. Always seek advice from an expert if you are unsure about what to do.