Most of them will be happy to hook a code scanner up and tell you why the service engine soon light is on, and provide you with the code number. Once you have this information, then you can look into what is involved in fixing it. This site has an article for most of the popular trouble codes, such as P0300, P0171, P0420, etc.
Full Answer
What does service engine soon mean on a Nissan Versa?
Your Nissan Versa’s service engine soon light is there to let you know that some sort of problem has been detected with the vehicle. Any vehicles made in 1996 or newer use OBDII codes, which can easily be retrieved from a good code scanner.
How do I find the service engine soon light code?
You can pick one up pretty inexpensively. Or, you can head to the local auto parts store. Most of them will be happy to hook a code scanner up and tell you why the service engine soon light is on, and provide you with the code number. Once you have this information, then you can look into what is involved in fixing it.
What does a flashing service engine soon light mean?
Any vehicles made in 1996 or newer use OBDII codes, which can easily be retrieved from a good code scanner. A flashing service engine soon light is telling you that something needs immediate attention.
Why does my Nissan 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.
Can I 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.
How do you read Nissan engine codes?
Instructions. A particular trouble code can be identified by the number of four-digit numeral flashes. The 'zero' is indicated by the number of ten flashes. The length of time the 1,000th-digit numeral flashes on and off is 1.2 seconds consisting of an ON (0.6-second) - OFF (0.6-second) cycle.
Is the service engine soon light the same as the check engine light Nissan?
The simplest explanation for the difference between a check engine light and service light is the former indicates a major problem and the latter indicates a need for maintenance or regularly scheduled service.
Can service engine soon mean oil change?
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.
How serious is a service engine soon light?
The "Check Engine" or "Service Engine Soon" light indicates there may be a repair or replacement of your engine or transmission. It means there is more than a routine repair or service requirement, and instead, a system failure to the fuel, transmission, ignition, or emissions.
How do you read a Nissan code without a scanner?
Press the odometer's Trip and Reset buttons while turning the ignition key ON. After turning the key ON, release the odometer Reset and Trip buttons to check if the Diagnostic Trouble Code or DTC appears on the odometer display.
How can I read my engine code without a reader?
Flip your car's ignition on and off a couple of times without cranking the engine and finish with the key in the on position. Your car will then check for any saved trouble codes. All the lights on the dash should light up until one remains on—usually the “service engine” light.
Where can I read car codes for free?
If you have a problem with your car and you don't know what it is, most auto part stores (such as AutoZone, Pep Boys and Advance Auto Parts) will provide a free diagnostic code reading. It is also called an OBD reading.
What's the difference between service engine soon and service vehicle soon?
1:193:25The Difference Between Check Engine Light vs. Service ... - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipFlashing check engine light well that means you need immediate attention to your vehicle. And itMoreFlashing check engine light well that means you need immediate attention to your vehicle. And it should not be driven as you can do serious.
How do I fix my service engine soon?
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.
Can Low fluid cause check engine light?
There are many, many reasons that the check engine light may come on in you car, truck or SUV. A malfunctioning sensor, low tire pressure, low transmission fluid and so much more will cause the light to come on.
How to Reset the Service Engine Soon Light on My Nissan
Your Nissan vehicle comes equipped with a service light which reads 'service engine soon.' This light warns you that there is a problem with the vehicle's emissions control system. This system is very important as it regulates and controls the air to fuel ratio as well as a number of other vehicle ...
How to Reset the Service Engine Soon Light on a Nissan Altima
There are two methods for resetting the "service engine soon" light on a Nissan Altima. One method, which is the most convenient, is to use a code scanner, which you can purchase at any auto parts store. The code scanner will display the codes automatically and has an accompanying code sheet. There is also a ...
Service Engine Soon solid light | The Nissan Club
I got out in my car late last night ready to go to a party and noticed my "Service Engine Soon" light turn on. Read the manual and it stated that if it was a *solid* light, then chances are the gas cap was loose or not on. Basically this triggers off the EEC sensor and needs one or more trips...
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 can a service technician do?
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.
What to do if your car has a leak?
This includes your engine oil, brake fluid, windshield wiper fluid as well as transmission fluid. Physically inspect your car to check for any leaks, wear or signs of damage.
What does the service engine soon light on a Nissan Frontier mean?
Your Nissan Frontier’s service engine soon light is there to let you know that some sort of problem has been detected with the vehicle. Any vehicles made in 1996 or newer use OBDII codes, which can easily be retrieved from a good code scanner. A flashing service engine soon light is telling you that something needs immediate attention.
Why is my service engine light flashing?
A flashing light is letting you know that something is so wrong that continued vehicle operation can lead to permanent damage. Make sure to check the oil, brake fluid, and transmission fluid levels. Low oil can cause some trouble codes to flash related to VVT.
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 ...
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 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 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 is engine control module?
The engine control module performs all engine components tests at each engine ignition and after the vehicle has warmed up. If it has failed a test several times, it will determine something is not as it should be. Therefore, it can take a long time for the engine control module to detect these problems. If the Service engine soon light appears ...
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.
What does a check engine light mean on a Nissan?
Here are five indicators that a check engine light means you should have your Nissan serviced immediately: Your vehicle is making strange noises, such as knocking and rattling. You see smoke coming from your vehicle. Your vehicle has experienced a major loss of power. Your gas mileage has decreased.
What does it mean when a Nissan engine light is on?
However, that could be costly and dangerous.#N#If your check engine light is on, it means your Nissan is trying to communicate with you. It's best not to ignore your check engine light to ensure any small issues don't turn into larger problems down the road!#N#Is your Nissan's check engine light trying to tell you something? Head to an authorized Nissan retailer or service center to have your vehicle diagnosed to ensure everything is running as it should. For additional genuine parts and accessories, shop Nissan Parts & Accessories online to ensure the part you're looking for will fit your Nissan's model and year.
Why does my check engine light come on?
If the check engine light (also known as the Malfunction Indicator Light) comes on — either steady or blinking — while the engine is running, it might mean a malfunction with the emission control system. The Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) also might come on steady if the fuel-filler cap is loose or missing or if your vehicle runs out of fuel.
What to do if your Nissan light is not turning off?
If the light does not turn off after a few trips, get your vehicle inspected at a Nissan dealer. You shouldn't need to have your vehicle towed to the dealer in this situation. When the light remains steady, it could signal that there's a problem with the emission control system.
What are the issues with check engine light?
Four Major Issues Related to the Check Engine Light. Several things can trigger your check engine light, but four major issues are almost always directly related to an illuminated check engine light. 1. The O2 sensor needs to be replaced.
Why does my Nissan light stay on but not blink?
A Malfunction Indicator Light that stays on but doesn't blink typically means your Nissan should be serviced soon but isn't in jeopardy of being harmed right away. You may be able to keep driving your vehicle, but you should set up a service appointment with a Nissan dealer when you get a chance.
What is mass airflow sensor?
The mass airflow sensor monitors and controls the amount of air entering the engine to ensure efficient engine operation. Failing to replace the mass airflow sensor can harm the spark plugs, O2 sensors, or catalytic converter.
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.