1. To reset the check engine light on your Chevy Cavalier, this is what you have to do. First, open the hood to the car, then turn the retaining nut on the battery’s negative cable clamps counterclockwise. Remove the cable clamp off the negative battery terminal by sliding it. Leave it unconnected for 5 minutes and then reconnect. Turn the ignition on and the check engine light will reset itself by blinking a few times and then shutting off.