How to Reset Check Engine light on GMC Sierra

The ‘check engine light, also known as the “malfunction indicator lamp,” or “MIL” for short, is a standard feature on almost every vehicle these days. The reason for its existence is quite simple. It lets you know that a problem exists somewhere in your vehicle.

In the case of GMC Sierra, the check engine light will usually turn on when there is a problem with the emissions system. This could be a result of any mechanical failure or irregularities in the fuel system as well. In addition to that, if your GMC Sierra is equipped with the OnStar Communication System (or anything like that), then the malfunction indicator lamp can notify other people to include emergency services that you are.

Although there may be a different code for your GMC Sierra, depending on its model, the most likely reason behind the ‘check engine light being illuminated is because there might be a fault with one of your exhaust sensors.

In this article, I will share with you the simplest way to reset the check engine light on GMC sierra and clear any pending codes that are causing your dashboard warning light to come on.

How to Reset Check Engine light on GMC Sierra – Complete Guide

The Check engine light reminds you that something is wrong with your vehicle, and it needs to be checked. If you don’t fix the problem, it could potentially lead to an accident. So, without wasting more time, let’s move forward and find out how to reset check engine light on GMC Sierra truck.

Step 1: Get your vehicle’s engine running. This is because the exhaust system on GMC sierra has a vacuum that runs through it, and when you start again after resetting the check engine light, this vacuum will draw out any excess gas or fumes.

Step 2: As soon as your GMC Sierra starts up, turn the ignition off. Your exhaust system is now clear of excess gas or fumes.

Step 3: After turning off your ignition, use the steering wheel to make sure that you can still drive your GMC Sierra. Please do not attempt to start it again yet.

Step 4: Now, turn on the ignition switch and see if the check engine light stays on or flashes for a bit and then turns itself off. This will tell you whether there is a problem with the sensor or a bigger problem like your engine.

Step 5: Assuming that the check engine light stays off, you will know that it was just an issue with your exhaust sensors and now they are functioning correctly again. If this is the case, you can continue driving your GMC Sierra as there is no problem.

Step 6: If your check engine light goes off after you reset it, there is a good chance that the problem has been solved. If this is the case, do not worry about it. However, if you continue to experience issues with your exhaust sensor or anything else related to your emissions system, then we highly recommend taking your car in for an inspection.

Step 7: If you notice that the check engine light is still on after driving your GMC Sierra for a while, then there is a bigger problem with your exhaust system. In this case, you should take it to a mechanic as soon as possible so that they can perform some diagnostics and repairs.

Step 8: Once you have reset your check engine light on GMC Sierra, ensure that the light returns ON again. This shows that your exhaust sensor is now functioning normally.

Important Signs when you need to Reset your Check Engine light

In the first situation, your truck shows signs of an engine misfire. If this happens, the truck will show you resistance while trying to drive it.

You might notice that the RPMs will also increase quickly without much power behind them. The check engine light will also turn on, so there’s no way for you to miss it.

You have to get your truck repaired as soon as possible if this happens. Otherwise, things like a loss of power can lead to something serious like an accident.

Also Read: How to Reset Speedometer on Chevy Silverado

FAQs

Which is the easiest way to reset the check engine light on the GMC Sierra?

I have found that the easiest way to reset the check engine light on GMC sierra is to drive your car. The Check Engine Light will turn off when all problems are fixed and any current codes are cleared. in this way, you can drive your GMC sierra without worrying about the check engine light flashing up. And yet, if the engine light doesn’t go off even after driving for a long time, then there is something wrong with your car, and it needs to be fixed immediately by a professional mechanic.

How do I find out what’s wrong with my GMC Sierra?

To find out what’s wrong with your GMC Sierra, you need to connect your car with a scan tool and see what the scanner tells you. From there, you can determine whether it is something simple like an exhaust sensor or something more serious like a catalytic converter issue.

What if I don’t have a keyless entry remote?

If you do not have a keyless entry remote with you to try this method, you can use another ignition switch similar to yours.

I have a 2002 GMC Sierra and the check engine light is on. Why?

The most likely cause behind this issue is that one of the sensors inside your exhaust system has failed, which is causing an incorrect reading to be sent to your check engine light.

Where can I reset my check engine light on GMC sierra?

You can reset your check engine light by disconnecting the positive side of your battery. This will make the computer think that there is no problem with your vehicle. Then, turn on your ignition and see if the check engine light goes off or not. If it does, then you need to take your car in for an inspection. If not, then there is a bigger problem with your vehicle.

What if I don’t have a driveway and don’t want to wait for my car to warm up?

If you do not have a driveway, then we recommend that you start your GMC sierra after it has been parked for some time, turn off the engine and perform this procedure immediately.

What if my check engine light doesn’t turn off?

If the check engine light does not go off after you reset it, then there is a good chance that the problem has been solved. If this is the case, do not worry about it. However, if you continue to experience issues with your exhaust sensor or anything else related to your emissions system, then we highly recommend taking your car in for an inspection.

Note: If your truck’s check-engine light remains on even after you made the necessary repairs, you should take your vehicle to the nearest GMC sierra repair center. It will be better to ask for help to prevent more damage from occurring.

Final Thoughts

Now that we have gone through all the ways to reset your check engine light on GMC Sierra, you don’t have to worry about taking your car into the shop, which is a big hassle and will cost you money that you would have spent on other essential things for your vehicle.

So next time when a check engine light comes up on your GMC sierra’s dashboard, do any of these methods and see how it works out for you.