How to Reset the Check Engine Light in Your MINI

Have you noticed your vehicle’s check engine light (CEL) on lately? If you’ve ever driven around Sterling and noticed that your MINI check engine light is on, then this guide is for you. One important thing to note is that if you’re not sure why your MINI CEL is on, you should immediately schedule service at your nearest MINI-certified service center.

Get Known MINI Issues Resolved at MINI of Sterling

If you already know that the reason for your check engine light being on is not major, or not cause for concern at any rate, then you’re okay to continue following along with our guide on how to reset a MINI Cooper check engine light. But, if your MINI check engine light has come on unexpectedly and you haven’t been to a service center like ours at MINI of Sterling to have it looked at, then you should do so first. Remember, when your check engine light comes on, it’s usually for a good reason unless perhaps there’s a sensor malfunction or other minor emissions system malfunction. Even still, a CEL usually won’t come on for no reason at all. 

How to Reset a MINI Check Engine Light

You can manually reset your MINI check engine light by following this procedure for removing and replacing your battery. Just remember that doing so will reset your infotainment system, seat presets, radio, clock, and other electronic systems:

1. Turn off your vehicle and put on safety glasses and gloves
2. Find the negative battery terminal. It is often identified by a black cap and a negative (–) symbol. For reference, the positive cap, by contrast, should be red, and have a positive (+) symbol.
3. Loosen the nut on the negative terminal with a wrench, then remove the negative connector from the battery. Keep it to the side for 30 - 60 seconds.
4. Reconnect the negative cable and tighten it back up with your wrench.

If the above procedure for how to reset your check engine light fails to work, then the next best alternative is to check your gas cap; sometimes, MINI check engine lights come on when the onboard computer detects that there’s an emissions system issue, which can stem from a loose or faulty gas cap seal.

Check Your MINI Gas Cap

Your gas cap seal could be cracked or loose, which could cause small amounts of fumes to emit from your vehicle, triggering your MINI check engine light to go off. To remedy this issue, when you’re safely parked, remove your gas cap and put it back on again. If the engine light doesn’t turn off right away after you perform this check, follow the steps above to disconnect the battery, and you should be good to go!

Visit the MINI of Sterling Service Center for Additional Help

Looking for additional information or assistance when it comes to maintaining and servicing your MINI Cooper or resetting your MINI check engine light? Call us or contact us online and we’ll be more than happy to assist you no matter if you're from Potomac Falls or Herndon areas!