Will disconnecting the battery to shut off the check engine light affect anything else?

Question

I currently have a 2008 Impala and as the question suggests I have a check engine light on. In the past if I had this problem I would do the old unhook the battery trick but this is a much newer car than I've ever had and it's like driving a computer with an exhaust pipe. I'm worried about doing something to screw with the digital odometer if I try this, I'm not even sure it would work given how computerized it all is (I half expect there to be some failsafe to keep me from doing it). Any insight into this would be appreciated. Thanks!

Michael S · Accepted Answer

There is one "trick" that will get the light out and cause no more problems.

Get the problem fixed because whatever it is that is wrong, you are messing up you vehicle more as the computer tries to adjust whatever it sees as being out of parameters.

Pancakes · Answer

No, it will not cause any damage nor affect the odometer.  However, it will reset all saved fuel matrices in the computer and the first 3-5 miles might feel like it's a little rough while the computer regains all the sensor's limits.  As it does on all vehicles.

jimmymae2000 · Answer

You can take it to any Auto Zone and they will read the code free of charge. The battery trick will still work but light will probably come back on after 30 miles of driving.

Will disconnecting the battery to shut off the check engine light affect anything else?

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