Is there a difference between check engine and service engine soon? 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.
What does "service engine soon" message mean?
The yellow or orange "service engine soon" light may mean something is wrong with your anti-lock brake or safety restraint systems, there is a computer problem in your car or something is wrong with your emission system. A cap left off one of your fluid containers can cause the light to turn on, as can an overdue oil change.
What does service engine soon mean on a car?
What Does Service Engine Soon light Mean?
- Loose gas cap. This is one of the most common causes of the service engine indicator light to go on. ...
- Spark plug issues. Spark plugs are an essential part of the combustion process in your engine. ...
- Malfunctioning oxygen sensor. Oxygen sensors monitor the levels of oxygen in the gas that is leaving the engine. ...
- Faulty Mass Airflow Sensor. ...
How to reset the 'service engine soon'?
- You need to put the key into the ignition and then turn the vehicle key to the on position without starting the engine.
- Then find the diagnostic port under the driver’s side dashboard near the pedals. ...
- Check for the arrows on the faceplate of the scan tool and then use them to scroll through the menu until you see the Read All Codes command. ...
What does the service engine soon mean?
The service engine soon light means just what it says – that you should have your engine serviced soon. It does not mean that the engine has broken down, or even that it is in danger of imminent meltdown. What it does mean is that you should make an appointment with your mechanic at your earliest opportunity to trace the source of the malfunction and have the vehicle repaired if necessary.
What does it mean when it says service engine soon?
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 I fix my service engine soon?
It means that your regularly scheduled maintenance is coming up soon. The easiest way to fix this light is to take your car to a mechanic and have them look over your vehicle. The service engine soon light often indicates liquids need topping off or it's time for an oil change.
Can I drive with service engine soon?
The rule of thumb is that if the check engine light is flashing, you can't keep driving the car. It's an emergency. Often it indicates an engine misfire. If you keep driving, you will likely cause irreversible damage, mostly to the (expensive) catalytic converter.
What would cause my service engine soon light to come on?
The Check Engine/Service Engine Soon light comes on when there is an emissions, ignition, fuel system or transmission related failure. This light does not mean that you just need routine maintenance.
Can service engine soon mean oil change?
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 long can you drive with the service engine soon light on?
Depending on the issue that triggered the Check Engine light, you may be able to continue driving indefinitely or only for a couple of days. Covering a distance between 50 and 100 miles gives the engine computer time to recalibrate certain sensors, which may solve the problem.
What is the most common problem when the check engine light comes on?
One of the most common reasons your check engine light may come on is that your oxygen sensor is failing. Your local auto repair shop in Western Washington can replace it for you quickly, which will restore your vehicle's ability to measure unburned oxygen in its exhaust system.
How serious is a check engine light?
The light could be a minor issue, such as a faulty gas cap, or it could mean something more serious, such as a misfiring engine. In many cases, it means that you'll be visiting the car dealer to repair the issue and get the light turned off.
When should I be worried about check engine light?
Unlike a Temperature or Oil Pressure light, a Check Engine light is usually not an urgent, “Stop right now or you may cause permanent damage!” type of situation, unless it is flashing. If the check engine light is flashing, a more severe problem has occurred.
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 the service engine soon light bad?
As the names suggests, the Service Engine Soon light usually warns you that your car is due for its usual maintenance. It lights up in text, showing 'Service Engine Soon', or 'Service Due'. Alternatively, it could also light up when there are minor issues with the car, but are not immediate or catastrophic in nature.
How do I turn off service engine soon light?
You may turn off the check engine light using a scan tool or by disconnecting your car's, truck's, van's or SUV's battery. You may have already read information describing how to turn off the check engine light or service engine soon light prior to the emissions test in order to pass the smog inspection.
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.
