What does it mean when the service engine soon light comes on in your car?

Question

what does it mean is wrong with it? and how do I get it fixed?

Answer 1

It means an engine sensor has detected a problem with your car.

The majority of time it's and emissions sensor, but the only way to know for sure is to extract the codes that caused the check engine light to turn on in the first place.

Answer 2

It varies from car to car!

On my '91 bmw the light comes on after so many miles, regardless of actual condition, until it is properly reset it stays on and is only an indication that some regular maintenance needs doing, whether there exists a problem or not.

On my '88 ford it used to be an egr / 02 sensor / exhaust thing, that's all it was detecting was exhaust related nonsense.

On my '95 dodge it only comes on when there is a problem, and you need a special diagnostic to pull the code which tells you the problem, but the light only detects intermediately serious problems, it's beyond basic maintenance but it's also nothing real serious. Still, it indicates some actual malfunction that could use looking into.

Still others the engine light is hooked to a few specific but very important things, on these cars the engine light is a combination of the OIL and TEMP sensors, indicating a serious problem that requires immediate attention.

So there's no telling without knowing the year make and model, it could mean anything and nothing.

However, until you find out what the problem is and how your car works, you want it looked into.

Answer 3

What Does Service Engine Mean

Answer 4

For the best answers, search on this site https://shorturl.im/NvSNZ

In most cars, the "Service Engine Soon^ light is ONLY A REMINDER that a recommended routine maintenance is needed. When you get your engine serviced, ask the mechanic to reset the light for you. (This light DOES NOT set any codes in the computer). The "Check Engine Soon" light means THERE IS A PROBLEM with either engine performance and/or emission controls and should be repaired ASAP. This light DOES set codes in the computer and can be scanned with an OBD2 scan tool. Most auto parts stores with do this as a free service.

Answer 5

In older cars (pre 1995) means the oxygen sensor has detected an increase in engine emissions.

You can get this reading just by driving from the coast into the mountains. Ask any garage in western Montana and they will tell you about tourists driving up there from Seattle.

In more recent model cars the light is linked to the On Board Diagnostics computer. That can be probed by a garage - or you can buy a gizmo to add to your laptop and download the codes from the internet.

Answer 6

A check engine light or service light usually means there is something wrong with the emissions equipment. The first thing you should check is your gas cap. IF that doesn't clear the light, go to Autozone/Shucks/etc to get your computer scanned for free.

Answer 7

Check engine light usually means your car needs to be service , try to resolve this issue quickly.

Answer 8

could be a number of things like my honda accord's check engine light would come on if I didn't put the lid to the gas tank on tight enough or if I needed an oil change. It could be something small or big. Take it to an auto center place and they can test it and see what it is and turn it off if it isn't anything big.

Answer 9

Anything that your computer senses not right can turn the check engine light on. Spark plugs can do that too.
Check for vacuum leak...
Good luck

Answer 10

Means your car has travelled the set number of miles (or elapsed time) between services. Nothing in particular is wrong it just needs servicing before something goes wrong.