QuestionWhat does "Service Engine Soon" light on dash usually indicate? "Service" is an ambiguous term. Is this an emergency situation or a "do at your convenience in the foreseeable future" situation. It came on on Saturday (no dealerships open)and today is Sunday. There is no reference in the manual to the orange/gold (not red) message.
AnswerHi Suzanne -
You are exactly right. That light, in my opinion, just drives people nuts, and makes them go into a dealership to spend extra $$$. This is why I have always called them "idiot lights".
Well, to answer your question, there are many, many sensors in your vehicle, each monitoring different components - from engine exhaust emissions, to how far you are depressing the gas pedal, and everything in between. That light is also governed by mileage and will illuminate when the car reaches a certain benchmark mileage to have general service done.
This light is definitely not life threatening to the vehicle, and unfortunately it usually can only be reset by taking it to the dealer, but not before they recommend services to be done to the vehicle, costing the owner (usually unnecessary) money.
My advice is, if the car is running OK, don't "repair" it. I have known folks who have lived with that light on throughout the ownership of their vehicle.
If I can find a simple shortcut to resetting that light, I will let you know.
Hope this helps -
aloha
calvin
Hi Suzanne -
Me again. Try this to reset the SES (service Engine Soon) light:
Press and hold the gas pedal all the way to the floor for more that 10 seconds.
When the SES light starts flashing again release the gas pedal.
The SES light should flash 10 times, pause, 10 times, pause, 10 times, pause, and 10 times.
Turn the key to the “Off” position
Wait 3 seconds, and start the car.
Mahalo
calvin
