What's the most common reason my Service Engine Soon light is on?

Question

I'm too broke to go to the mechanic now and want to avoid taking my car in as long as possible before something goes wrong.

It's an '03 Pontiac Grand Prix.

It's an '03 Pontiac Grand Prix.

Answer 1

Emissions. Things like a leaking gas cap (or one that isn't on tight enough), a misfire in your engine triggering an O2 sensor (from bad fuel or a lower-than-required octane rating), etc. VWs and BMWs are notorious for this.

I'd bet that 90% of SES alarms are emissions-related. That said, go have a look (and listen) to your engine -- check all the fluids. If it sounds OK and runs Ok you're probably OK.

You can also go to an AutoZone or Napa AutoParts and used one of their OBD (On Board Diagnostics) computers for free to download the error code that triggered the SES alarm fromo your car's computer. Then you can go online and look it up to see what it's all about.

Dealers will charge you ~$100 to do this.

Answer 2

Here's what you should do, since money is tight: find an AutoZone that will loan you their code reader (most AutoZones will do this for free, but call first to avoid driving the car further than you have to.)

Use the code reader to pull the code from the check engine light, then look up the code. Now you know what's wrong! If it's a sign of imminent emissions failure or whatnot, you're okay driving the car for now (at least until the next smog inspection); if it's something more urgent, you'll know to stop driving until you have the money to get it looked at.

The good news is, the check engine light is more of an early warning system than an imminent failure system. If your oil pump dies, for instance, or your car is overheating, there are gauges and/or lights dedicated to such malfunctions so that you'll stop driving immediately. So, don't worry -- but don't wait to pull that code, so you know exactly what you're in for.

Answer 3

The cap may look and feel tight, but the seal may be broken.Usually Service engine soon or Check Engine lights go on are because of fuel or emissions problem. The most common is loose gas cap.If the cap does not properly seal, air gets in and the fuel system cannot keep the proper pressure. Also if you filled the tank with the engine running or the key on, it will trigger the light.

Answer 4

Alot of people confuse the Service or Service Engine Soon light with the Check Engine light. The Service Engine Soon light is programmed to come on to remind you that it is time for your next service (consult your owners manual, but at the very least, you'll need an oil and filter change.) Some cars are programmed to have the light come on every 3000 miles or every 3 months, whichever comes first. Some have longer service intervals. Scape together some cash and head to the quick lube center before too much longer. Driving with dirty engine oil will cause the moving parts of your engine to gunk up, reducing your fuel economy and the life of your engine. Good luck

Answer 5

Are you too broke to buy a new car? If you are, I would either park it until I had the money to fix it, or take it to the mechanic and tighten up the budget. It may be as simple as changing the oil, or it could lead to a catastrophic breakdown. It's your car, your choice, but I wouldn't ignore the light.

Answer 6

The most common reason would be a loose gas cap. Beyond that, there are so many other things, so I'd say go to your local auto parts store and they'll scan it for free.

Answer 7

"hook up" the scanner . and bring that code to yahoo answers.
for free Auto Zone Store.