Is there anyway around going into a shop to turn off the "Service engine soon" light? I changed all fluids and filters and its just bugging me like no other. Please help me out!?!

Thank,
Cole

 

Considering that the service engine soon light is not a reminder for regularly scheduled service... There is a problem that your PCM has recorded and the SES light is letting you know that there is a code stored. You can go to a number of different autoparts stores and have the codes read. Once you have the code, let us know and we'll help you figure out what the root of the problem is.

You could try disconnecting the battery, but if there really is something wrong, it'll just come back on.

 

also, posting what the vehicle you're having the issue with helps out immensely.

even though it's kinda easy to guess with a screen name like yours, if you have more than one vehicle, we could be giving you wrong solutions based on your lack of info.

 

Fixing the problem always works for me

 

Does it cost anything to get the codes read? My "Service Engine Soon" light is on like 60% of the time I'm driving (sometimes it's not on, I don't know why), so yeah I figured I could get em read too.

-Joe

 

Most autoparts stores do this for free.

 

but you should still wipe the codes from the ECM.

 

If you fix the problem, in the vast majority of cases, the light will go out on its own.

 

Thats pretty much involved in fixing the problem. Last step is normally to clear the codes once its fixed so you can run it and see if it is indeed fixed or not. But as said even with OBD1 (OBD2 does it faster) the codes will clear them self once the ECM quit seeing the problem.

 

i know the light will go out, but for a DIY, not everyone has a scantool (or easy access to one). besides, the codes stay stored even if the problem has been fixed and the light goes away.