Advice
How to reset an engine management light
Wondering why your car’s engine management light has switched on? Read our guide to find out what the symbol means and how to switch it off.
Words by: Nimisha Jain
Published on 21 November 2025 | 0 min read
What is an engine management light?
The engine management light (EML), also known as ‘check engine light’, is a dashboard warning light. The EML lights up if there’s an issue affecting your car’s engine, exhaust or emissions system. The issue could be minor or major such as emissions systems fault or a problem with the ignition system.
What does the engine management light look like?
You can find the engine management light on the dashboard behind your car’s steering wheel. It looks like an outline of the car’s engine.
You can find the engine management light on the dashboard behind your car’s steering wheel. It looks like an outline of the car’s engine.
Why does the engine management light come on?
The engine management light comes on when your car’s sensors detect a potential problem with your car’s engine.
It’ll either light up amber or red and can be solid or flashing light, depending on the issue. A steady amber light indicates a less serious issue whereas a flashing amber indicates a more serious issue with the car. A steady red light means a critical issue which should be checked be a professional as soon as possible, before you start driving again. If the engine management light turns red while you’re driving the car, you should safely pull over and call your breakdown prover or a local garage for help. In rare cases, the EML may also switch on if the car’s sensor is broken. No matter what level of warning comes on, we recommend getting it diagnosed and fixed as soon as possible to avoid further damage and to stay safe on the road.
It’ll either light up amber or red and can be solid or flashing light, depending on the issue. A steady amber light indicates a less serious issue whereas a flashing amber indicates a more serious issue with the car. A steady red light means a critical issue which should be checked be a professional as soon as possible, before you start driving again. If the engine management light turns red while you’re driving the car, you should safely pull over and call your breakdown prover or a local garage for help. In rare cases, the EML may also switch on if the car’s sensor is broken. No matter what level of warning comes on, we recommend getting it diagnosed and fixed as soon as possible to avoid further damage and to stay safe on the road.
How to reset engine management light?
The engine management light will switch off automatically once the issue has been addressed.
Once your car’s been checked and fixed by a technician, the technician will reset the car’s engine control unit (ECU) and the engine management light should go off. If the lights stay on, it means that the issue needs further looking into. Does the engine management light mean an MOT failure? Yes, if an amber or red engine management light comes on during an MOT, your car will fail its MOT test instantly. Some older cars and classic cars are exempt from the EML part of the MOT. This includes petrol cars with less than eight seats that were registered before 1 July 2003, petrol cars with eight or more seats that were registered before 1 July 2008, and gas and bi-fuel cars registered before 1 July 2008. Can low AdBlue cause engine management light to switch on? No, it’s unlikely that low AdBlue would trigger the engine management light. Many cars have a separate AdBlue warning light on the dashboard which should come on in case of low AdBlue levels. Can I sell my car with the engine management light on? Yes, you can sell a car with the engine management light switched on but it may be worth getting it fixed before as you may struggle to find buyers. Cars with an EML on can’t pass their MOT, so you must make it clear in the car’s advert if you decide to sell it privately. You may also want to consider part exchanging or selling the car directly to a dealer instead as it can be easier than finding a potential buyer – however, this will usually fetch you a lower price for the car, and an EML light will lower the value of the car even further. Can I drive with the engine management light on? If you notice a steady amber light which indicates a minor issue, you can keep driving – although we recommend getting it checked sooner rather than later. If you notice a flashing amber or a steady red light, you should park in a safe location and contact your breakdown provider or a local garage as soon as possible. Do electric cars have an engine management light? The engine management light indicates a problem in the car. So, while electric cars don’t have an engine, they still have an engine management light. The engine management light switches on if there’s a fault with the electric car’s electronic control units (ECUs), battery management systems, or motors. Now that you know why engine management lights come on and what to do when they’re on, read more about breakdown covers to find out how they can help if your car breaks down unexpectedly.
Once your car’s been checked and fixed by a technician, the technician will reset the car’s engine control unit (ECU) and the engine management light should go off. If the lights stay on, it means that the issue needs further looking into. Does the engine management light mean an MOT failure? Yes, if an amber or red engine management light comes on during an MOT, your car will fail its MOT test instantly. Some older cars and classic cars are exempt from the EML part of the MOT. This includes petrol cars with less than eight seats that were registered before 1 July 2003, petrol cars with eight or more seats that were registered before 1 July 2008, and gas and bi-fuel cars registered before 1 July 2008. Can low AdBlue cause engine management light to switch on? No, it’s unlikely that low AdBlue would trigger the engine management light. Many cars have a separate AdBlue warning light on the dashboard which should come on in case of low AdBlue levels. Can I sell my car with the engine management light on? Yes, you can sell a car with the engine management light switched on but it may be worth getting it fixed before as you may struggle to find buyers. Cars with an EML on can’t pass their MOT, so you must make it clear in the car’s advert if you decide to sell it privately. You may also want to consider part exchanging or selling the car directly to a dealer instead as it can be easier than finding a potential buyer – however, this will usually fetch you a lower price for the car, and an EML light will lower the value of the car even further. Can I drive with the engine management light on? If you notice a steady amber light which indicates a minor issue, you can keep driving – although we recommend getting it checked sooner rather than later. If you notice a flashing amber or a steady red light, you should park in a safe location and contact your breakdown provider or a local garage as soon as possible. Do electric cars have an engine management light? The engine management light indicates a problem in the car. So, while electric cars don’t have an engine, they still have an engine management light. The engine management light switches on if there’s a fault with the electric car’s electronic control units (ECUs), battery management systems, or motors. Now that you know why engine management lights come on and what to do when they’re on, read more about breakdown covers to find out how they can help if your car breaks down unexpectedly.