Is service engine soon a check engine light?

Category: automotive auto repair
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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. If your vehicle's service engine soon light is on, it will fail the smog test.



Regarding this, what does it mean when your service engine soon light comes on?

Service Engine Soon Light Meaning. The service engine soon light means that there is a minor problem with the electronics or the engine of your car. Some manufacturers are using it as a Check engine light for minor issues. Some manufacturers do have only one indicator for both the scheduled service and engine problems.

Additionally, how do I get the service engine soon light to go off? Reconnect the battery 12v negative cable (black wire) to battery terminal (-). Step 3. Cycle ignition switch to ON position and wait 1 minute, then start your vehicle. Check Engine Light or Service Engine Soon Light should be reset and turned OFF.

In this way, can you drive a car 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.

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. If your vehicle's service engine soon light is on, it will fail the smog test.

20 Related Question Answers Found

Can low coolant cause service engine soon light?

The PCM and Low Coolant
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.

Can engine light come on for no reason?

It might just be your gas cap
Many people don't know this, but a loose, cracked, or faulty gas cap can cause fuel to evaporate, thus cuing your check engine light. So first things first, pull over (as soon as it's safe) and make sure your gas cap is on tight.

Can AutoZone check service engine soon?

Auto parts store.
AutoZone is well known for doing free check engine light diagnostics. The process only takes a couple of minutes and they will provide you with a print out listing the troubleshooting code and diagnosis, a definition and explanation of the potential problem, and probable causes.

What is the most common reason for check engine light?

Replacing a faulty oxygen sensor — a sensor used to optimize a vehicle's fuel-to-air mixture to increase gas mileage and reduce emissions — is the most common cause for a check engine light.

Will check engine light come on for oil change?


When the check engine light comes on, you know you need to get your car into a mechanic as soon as possible. Oil changes are essential maintenance for your car but it won't do anything that could trigger your check engine light to come on. If you notice the light after an oil change, something else is wrong.

Why does the service engine soon light come on?

The intended purpose of the "service engine soon" light is to warn the operator of the vehicle that a malfunction has been detected by sensors in the emissions system of the vehicle. There may be a major problem with the engine or one of its components, but it's usually a minor issue.

Why did my traction control and check engine light come on?

A problem in the system will usually illuminate a dashboard warning light that traction control is disabled and, in some cases, ABS is disabled as well. In some cases, the warning light can come on because wheel-speed sensors are covered with road grime or debris.

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. Secure the negative cable back to the terminal and cover it with the cap (if applicable). Disconnecting the battery will clear the error codes and reset the check engine light.

Does disconnecting battery reset ECU?


These trim values are stored in volatile memory, so removing the vehicle battery for a short while will reset them. The car ECU maps aren't held in volatile memory, so will not be affected by removing the battery. if it did, then your cars ECUs would all reset to factory every time the battery was removed.

How do you turn off the service engine soon light on a Nissan?

The only way to keep the light off is to repair the problem that turned the light on before attempting to turn it 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.

How long does it take for a car computer to reset?

Keep the car disconnected like this for two to three minutes to clear the computer's memory. Insert the fuse back in to the box. Reconnect the battery terminal. Your car should now be reset.