A flashing service engine soon light is telling you that something needs immediate attention. If your service engine soon light is on, you’ll need to pull these trouble codes to see what is wrong with your Maxima. The trouble codes don’t even necessarily mean that there is an engine problem.
What does the service engine soon light mean on a Nissan?
The majority of late model cars have a check engine light for the computer and a service engine soon light for required maintenance like oil changes. Nissan only uses one light --- the service engine soon light --- to take care of these functions.
Is the service engine soon warning light dangerous?
But do not worry, the service engine soon light is not as dangerous as it seems. In this article, you will learn everything you have to know about the service engine soon warning light. I cleared the Service Engine Soon light, but it came back?
What should I do if my service engine soon light comes on?
Turn the ignition switch to the on position but do not start the car. Count three seconds and then press the gas pedal to the floor and let it up five times in five seconds or less. Count seven seconds, depress the gas pedal and hold it down for 10 seconds or until the service engine soon light begins flashing.
What causes a Nissan to say service engine soon?
Meaning of the Service Engine Soon Light The check engine light is a light to warn you to a possible issue with your exhaust system or emissions system. The service engine soon light can come on for minor issues like a loose gas cap, or for more major problems such as possible engine failure.
Should I be worried if my car says service engine soon?
Depending on the type of car you drive, the service engine soon light could simply indicate what the name says: you are a week or so past the car's next scheduled oil change. That might not be too urgent. However, it could also mean the car's oil level has dropped critically low, so have it checked as soon as possible.
How do you turn off the service engine soon light on a Nissan Maxima?
How Do You Turn Off The Service Engine Soon Light On A Nissan Maxima? Start the car, but not until you turn the ignition switch on, as it will not function on an off switch. Once it has drained for seven seconds, press the gas pedal 10 times or until its cylinder light appears.
Can you drive with service engine soon light on?
That having been said, you can probably drive safely with the service engine soon light on, as long as it is on solid and not flashing. If the service engine light is flashing, you should pull over immediately and call for roadside service and have the vehicle towed to the mechanic.
What does service engine soon mean on Nissan Maxima?
If the check engine light in your Nissan Maxima starts flashing, that means that the problem needs sudden attention and your Nissan should be transported in promptly. This blinking light usually indicates a severe engine misfire allowing unburned fuel to be dumped into the exhaust system.
Can low oil cause service engine soon light?
Can low oil cause service engine soon light? Yes, Low engine oil level can cause the service engine soon light to appear on your dashboard on a lot of car models. It can also mean that other low fluid levels are low or other problems with the car.
Is Service engine Soon the same as Check Engine?
Answer: Both the check engine light and service engine soon light are the same. Both are indicators that a vehicle's engine has identified an emissions related problem which might cause the engine to produce excessive emissions. If your vehicle's service engine soon light is on, it will fail the smog test.
What does service engine soon mean on 2010 Nissan Maxima?
What Does Nissan Service Engine Soon Light Mean? These two warning lamps indicate that something might be wrong with your engine. It is possible that the catalytic converters are damaged by an engine misfire. It is strongly recommended to have your vehicle serviced when your engine light blinks.
How do you fix a service engine soon light?
Can You Fix The Causes For A Service Engine Soon Light?Loose fuel cap. This is by far the cheapest cause for the Service Engine Soon Light to come on. Simply turn off the engine, remove the fuel cap, and tighten it back up again. ... Low fluid levels. You can very easily check and fix this one too, while you're at home.
Is service engine soon light serious?
This light does not mean that you just need routine maintenance. There are many different failures that may cause this light to come on. If the light is on solid, you'll want to bring your vehicle in as soon as possible. If the light is flashing, this is more serious.
How much does it cost to fix service engine soon light?
Common check engine light causes, repair costs Repair costs for the most common check engine light problems range from under $20 to almost $1,200, according to CarMD's analysis of millions of repairs recommended in 2016 in the U.S.
How long does it take for service engine soon light to go off?
In most cases, the light will turn off within a few minutes or hours after the issue has been fixed. However, the light may stay on for a day or two in some instances. If the problem is not resolved after a few days, you should take the car to a mechanic to check it out.
Why does my car have a service engine soon light?
Some manufacturers use the service engine soon light instead of the check engine light when there is just a minor problem with your car and not a severe problem. It could also mean that it is time for a scheduled service, such as oil or spark plug replacement. Some manufacturers only have one indicator for both scheduled service and engine problems.
What does it mean when the engine maintenance light goes out?
If you receive any codes, save them and try to get information about what they mean. If there are codes for emission problems that are not dangerous for your engine, you can try deleting the code to see if the engine maintenance light goes out. If the light goes out after you delete the codes, it means that one of the codes stored in ...
What to check when you have a squeaky engine?
Check all fluid levels, including the engine oil level, brake fluid level, wiper washer fluid, automatic transmission fluid (if you have a dipstick for it), and the coolant level. Check to make sure your fuel tank cap is tightened properly. Listen if you can hear any strange noises from the engine.
Why does my service engine light come on?
The most common cause is that your car has a minor engine issue, low fluid level, a faulty light bulb, or a minor emission issue depending on the car model.
What does it mean when the service engine light appears again?
If the Service engine soon light appears again it means that the problem still occurs and you need to diagnose it again. Electrical problems are often detected imminently and do not require start-up tests to notice it. If the service engine light appears again, you have to reread the trouble code memory and try to get more information and solve ...
Is it dangerous to have a service engine light?
The problems causing the service engine soon light in most cases not dangerous for your car. However, it is good to check all fluids to ensure the level is OK before you continue to drive. We do recommend repairing it as soon as possible, though.
Can low oil cause service engine light?
Yes, Low engine oil level can cause the service engine soon light to appear on your dashboard on a lot of car models. It can also mean that other low fluid levels are low or other problems with the car. It is relatively easy to check the oil level, though, so you should definitely begin with it.
How many service engine soon lights does Nissan use?
Nissan only uses one light --- the service engine soon light --- to take care of these functions. The only way to keep the light off is to repair the problem that turned the light on before attempting to turn it off.
How to start a car that won't start?
Step 1. Turn the ignition switch to the on position but do not start the car. Count three seconds and then press the gas pedal to the floor and let it up five times in five seconds or less.
Does Nissan have a service engine soon light?
Nissan actually has a procedure to access the fault codes and to erase them and reset the computer. The majority of late model cars have a check engine light for the computer and a service engine soon light for required maintenance like oil changes. Nissan only uses one light --- the service engine soon light --- to take care of these functions.
What to do if your service engine light is flashing?
If the service engine soon light is flashing, you should to cease driving immediately in order to avoid doing any further damage to your engine and take your car to a service center. A service technician can hook up a code reader to your vehicle’s computer to diagnose any potential problems. Once the diagnostic code is known, you or your mechanic can consult your owner’s manual or service manual to find out exactly what the issue is.
Why does my engine light come on?
The check engine light is a light to warn you to a possible issue with your exhaust system or emissions system. The service engine soon light can come on for minor issues like a loose gas cap, or for more major problems such as possible engine failure.
What Does the Service Engine Light Mean?
The “service engine soon” light appears when your car’s ECM has identified a potential problem with your vehicle’s engine. And as the name suggests, it is a soft reminder that you need to service your car’s engine soon.
How Do You Check A Service Engine Light?
It is possible to check your service engine light when it comes on. The first step would be to go through the vehicle’s owner manual for some tips on some of the problems that could trigger the indicator light to come on. If you can’t lay your hands on the manual, here are some tips that should come in handy
How Do I Fix My Service Engine Soon?
There are two options to go about fixing the service engine soon issue. You could take the DIY route or get professional help.
Final Word
The presence of the “service engine soon light” is not the end of the world. It is simply an indication that you need to handle some minor issues that may have come up one way or the other. Although it is not a dire situation, you should get the issues fixed as soon as possible.
Service Engine Soon Light
A couple of days ago my service engine soon light came on, and i noticed that there was no check engine light in the dash (or i missed it). Is the service engine soon light actually the check engine light??? Or it is just a light set on a timer to get your car fixed at regular times? I have an 02 maxima se if this helps anybody.
Re: Service Engine Soon Light (StockMuffinSE)
StockMuffinSE wrote: Is the service engine soon light actually the check engine light???
Re: (maxhopper97)
Scott, why don't you start a new stickie with all the codes. Then, we can add posts on how to resolve codes as we run across them. Eventually, the stickie would contain all the fixes.
Re: (maxhopper97)
Sounds like a winner. I know there is some answers on here already, so I will have to track those down and post them when I have the opportunity.
Re: Service Engine Soon Light (maxhopper97)
Yes. Here is how you can pull the code (s) yourself if you need to. Please post if you have any problems when performing this procedure.
Re: (maxhopper97)
I have not actually pulled any codes that way. i've reset my ecu this way a lot of time. I am fairly sure at one point of this cylce you can get the codes. I've seen it blink in a fashion like i've gotten codes before.
Re: (Fezzik)
I can confirm this works on a 2003 maxima as well. Thanks for the tip.