How Serious Is A Service Engine Soon Light?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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The Check Engine/Service Engine Soon light comes on when there is an

emissions, ignition, fuel system or transmission related failure

. … If the light is flashing, this is more serious. If the vehicle continues to be driven in this condition it could lead to very costly emission repairs.

How long can you drive with service engine light?

Can you drive a car with the engine light on?

It’s okay to drive for a few miles

, but be sure to schedule an inspection of the engine as soon as possible. If the check engine light comes on while you’re driving, don’t panic! Pay attention and see if the car is driving any differently than normal.

Can I drive with the 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.

Do you have to reset a service engine soon light?

The service engine soon light of your vehicle will turn on if the computer notices some defects in the engine. If it still remains on even after the required repairing, then you need to reset it to clear the error code.

You do not need any expertise to reset service engine

soon light.

Is Service engine Soon the same as check engine light?

The “Check Engine” light is a notification that something is wrong, the range can be anything from a loose gas cap to a faulty ignition coil. … The “Service Engine Soon” light

indicates that your vehicle is due for its next service maintenance

.

Does service engine soon mean oil change?

A Service Engine Soon light will appear when your cars onboard diagnostic system (the ECM) detects

a potential problem

. Its purpose is to alert you of any minor issues before they become major concerns. Common causes include needing an oil change, or a new cabin filter or air filter.

What causes the service engine soon light to come on?

Since the sensors that turn on the service engine soon light are often triggered by

a malfunction in the emission control system

, the problem could be as simple as a missing or ill-fitting gas cap. … The service engine soon light can also be triggered by problems with your most recent fill-up of gasoline.

How do you get my service engine soon light off?

  1. Turn the ignition switch to the on position but do not start the car. …
  2. Count seven seconds, depress the gas pedal and hold it down for 10 seconds or until the service engine soon light begins flashing.

Can AutoZone check service engine soon?

Does AutoZone Scan Check Engine Lights? AutoZone does. If your light is on, and you are wondering why, head down to your local AutoZone where one

of our store associates can help diagnose the issue through our free Fix Finder service

.

How do you fix a service engine soon light?

  1. 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. …
  2. Low fluid levels. You can very easily check and fix this one too, while you’re at home.

Can low oil cause service engine soon light?

Low oil pressure: If your car is low on oil,

it can cause your check engine light to go off

. This is often shown in its own glowing light along with the check engine light on the dashboard. Overheating: If your car’s engine temperature is heating up, it can once again trigger the check engine light.

Can low coolant cause service engine soon light?

Low coolant in the radiator of your car can

trigger the malfunction illumination light (MIL)

, also known as the “check engine” light. Low coolant can affect the internal temperature of the engine, which is protected by the antifreeze.

What does the service engine soon light mean on a 2000 Chevy Silverado?

The service engine soon light only turns on when an OBD II

trouble code is present in the engine control computer (ECC)

. Trouble codes are only triggered when the ECC finds a problem that can cause engine emissions to increase.

Can spark plugs cause service engine soon light?

The answer is –

yes

! Worn spark plugs can cause your vehicle’s check engine light to illuminate, indicating an issue. It may even be a flashing check engine light. This is because bad spark plugs can cause your engine to misfire, which will trigger the check engine light to turn on.

Will disconnecting battery reset service engine soon light?

Leaving the battery disconnected for about 15 minutes will ensure the vehicle systems will completely reset when you reconnect the battery. …

Disconnecting the battery will clear the error codes and reset the check engine light

.

How do you clear an engine code?

The simplest most straightforward way to get rid of the check engine light is

to drive it for a little bit

, and the light will turn off by itself. Once you drove your car for a couple of days (e.g., usually three days), the check engine light should be gone.

Juan Martinez
Author
Juan Martinez
Juan Martinez is a journalism professor and experienced writer. With a passion for communication and education, Juan has taught students from all over the world. He is an expert in language and writing, and has written for various blogs and magazines.