What does the service engine soon light mean on my 2002 pontiac grand am?

Question

I just bought my car last week and my service engine soon light came on, my dealer said to bring it back so they could take care of it, no charge (Yea!) but I would like to know so that I can save the trip. And maybe time I've read through some other sites that said it could be just the computer being screwy! Any input would be greatly appreciated!
XOXO

Answer 1

It literally could any of a couple of dozen things. It might be as simple as a loose gas cap. It might be something as complicated as a transmission problem. A dealer will probably charge you some money for diagnosis. But based on my experience, you will get a more accurate diagnosis at a dealer. You don't have to get the problem repaired if you don't want to. Some components are covered for more than the 3 year/36 mile warranty. Might be worth your while to get it checked out.

Answer 2

The MIL or Maintenance indicator light which takes many forms;service engine soon, check engine or a picture of an engine. Usually an amber light is the on-board computer throwing up a white flag and screaming help. The list of things that can cause this is very long, you need a diagnostic computer to tell for sure. 80% of what causes that light to come on is emissions related, those items are warrantied for either 50 or 80 K miles by federal law regardless of what the Mfg offers as a warranty. Also while that light is on you most likely get the optimum fuel mileage or performance due to the computer running on default settings. Also if you live in an area that requires some sort of smog check/emissions test that light being on more than likely will cause it to fail

Answer 3

Service Engine

Answer 4

That could be any number of things. Some may need serious dealer attention, some may not.

Take it to them. They said no charge. If they have to do anything major, you're not obligated to get it done right now.

Just get them to give you a write up of what needs to be done, and how much it's going to cost. At least then, you'll know what you got for sure.

Answer 5

it means your car needs maintenance, i remember a car i bought and every other week something went wrong with it and dealer was telling me that it was nothing and they will fix it free of charge, the point is how many times are you willing to take it in, i would have another mechanic take a look to make sure the car is not a lemon,

Answer 6

the engine light is programed to light up whenever the computer senses a problem that will cause your emission levels to exceed 1.5 times federal standards. it's possible that a sensor sent a freak out of range signal, it's also possible that there is a problem that you can't notice. If it's an engine related problem your gas mileage will not be as good as it should be. you should get it checked out, especially if they say it's on them.

Answer 7

Could be significant, could be nothing.

But now that you reported it to the dealer, you are on the hook if the car has problems and you don't go in.

So, take it in real soon, get a complete explanation in writing.

Answer 8

Hey Chelle,
Any warning lights that come on can be VERY un-nerving,espec-ially for us old guys.We don't like "idiot-lights",born of experience.
It does'nt require a lot of amperage to light them up or turn them
off.
If your dealer told you to bring it in,no charge for diagnostics,then,
by all means,take it in.
If they said "no charge",then it sounds like a warranty deal to me.

Answer 9

It is screaming as loudly as possible that something isn't right! It actually could be telling you,-- that if you don't get this checked out asap, - you may become a pedestrian!!

In this case, it could be at a inopportune and unpleasant time also!!

Answer 10

my neon did that a few years back when i bought it, take it in, a chip needs to be reset. no big