Service engine soon error message
I am looking at a car for sale. It was just safetied. I noticed the error message 'service engine soon'. The guy says it goes on sometimes and then does not appear. Is this a serious concern?
My car has 169000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.
Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
If the check engine light is on (aka, "service engine soon"), that means that there is a malfunction in the engine, typically involving the engine controls such as ignition, fuel, air induction, emissions and so forth. There are thousands of trouble codes that can cause the light to set, ranging from the mundane (the gas cap is loose, increasing emissions) to the potentially catastrophic (the cylinders are misfiring which if not addressed promptly will destroy the catalytic converter). Most problems are "in between" but ALL problems must be addressed otherwise obviously the check engine light would be rendered meaningless as a guide to the operating status of the car. A good way to protect yourself in a used car transaction is to request a pre-purchase vehicle inspection. That inspection of the specific vehicle you want to purchase, carried out by a certified Mechanic, dispatched to your location, will give you very specific data regarding any current problems that the car has and in your case that would include the Mechanic using a code scanner to download the diagnostic trouble codes that have caused the check engine light to illuminate. Once the mechanic has downloaded those codes, he or she will be in a position to let you know of the potential significance of the codes.
Any time a vehicle’s check engine light illuminates, there is a malfunction that should be diagnosed and repaired. If the check engine light is flashing, that means there is a serious fault, such as cylinder misfiring, that requires immediate repair. Misfiring, in particular, has the potential to damage the catalytic converter which can result in additional costly repairs. If the check engine light is "steadily" illuminated (not flashing) the seriousness of the malfunction is hard to judge unless and until a Code Scanner is used by the Mechanic to download the specific trouble codes from your car’s computer (PCM or ECU) that have caused the light to illuminate. Sometimes the check engine light will illuminate if the gas cap is loose. If the rubber seal on the gas cap is intact and the cap is tight, then all other causes of the light illuminating would have to be evaluated in a check engine light diagnostic. During such a diagnostic, a certified mechanic from YourMechanic would use a code scanner to retrieve diagnostic trouble code(s) from your car’s PCM. Using those codes the appropriate individual vehicle components or sub-systems (often a sensor, circuit, and the like) are tested to pinpoint the cause of the fault or the reason why the check engine light has illuminated. Once the faulty part or component is identified, it is explained to your satisfaction and the mechanic will let you know of the cost to repair. If you have further questions or concerns, do not hesitate to re-contact YourMechanic as we are always here to help you.
How to Identify and Fix Common car Problems ?
Our sources include academic articles, blog posts, and personal essays from experienced mechanics :
The “Check Engine” or “Service Engine Soon” light indicates there may be a repair or replacement of your engine or transmission. It means there is more than a routine repair or service requirement, and instead, a system failure to the fuel, transmission, ignition, or emissions.
If the check engine light in your INFINITI starts flashing, that means that the problem needs attention promptly and your INFINITI should be brought in swiftly. This blinking light usually indicates a severe engine misfire allowing unburned fuel to be dumped into the exhaust system.
The simplest way to describe the difference is that the Service Engine light informs us of upcoming expected maintenance. On the other hand, the Check Engine light informs you of an unexpected problem occurring in your engine or exhaust system.
Some common reasons for check engine lights include: Loose or broken gas cap. Oxygen sensor. Catalytic Converter.
Once you see the check engine light, it is safe to drive with the light on for 50 to 100 miles. This is because if the issue is with the sensors, then this will buy some time for it to reset, turning the check engine light off. However, scan the computer for the appropriate error codes if the light remains.
A flashing light indicates a more serious problem like an overheating engine or engine misfires, which can cause irreversible damage. If the check engine light is flashing, you should stop, turn off the car, and call for assistance.
A check engine light flashing– as opposed to a continuously illuminated check engine light – should never be ignored. A flashing CEL indicates a severe problem, one that requires immediate car repair. In other words, if your check engine light is flashing, pull over and call a tow service.
The most common reasons an INFINITI G35 has a check engine light are an emissions system component, a sensor, or a catalytic converter.
If a yellow “check engine” light (CEL) has illuminated on the dash, there`s no need to panic or pull over immediately. While it does mean something`s amiss, it`s most likely not an indication of a catastrophic engine failure. (If it was, you`d probably know it from how your vehicle is—or isn`t—responding.)
If the torque converter is broken, or if there is a low fluid level in the transmission, the converter will not do its job, and the car will be unable to maintain power at low speeds, which causes the engine to shut off. A defective TCS or torque converter solenoid can also cause this issue.
Check your gas cap first. Many vehicles have a loose gas cap indicator that will be triggered before your check engine light comes on. If your gas cap is loose or the seal is not tight, the vapor leakage can cause your fuel system to trigger the check engine light.
The “service engine soon” light indicates that upcoming vehicle maintenance is due. This can indicate service is required for an oil change, air filter, or transmission fluid service. The “check engine” light (CEL) is more urgent than the service engine soon light.
Sometimes, the check engine light comes on to let you know that there`s a problem with the car`s internal diagnostic mechanism. That means the system could be “finding” a problem that doesn`t exist, or it could be that loose wire systems are creating a false positive in the system.
In most cases, successfully repairing the issue that caused your light to come on will cause the check engine light to turn off automatically—but only after 10 to 20 “cycles”. A cycle, in this instance, refers to the process of turning the vehicle on, running it for some time, and turning it off again.
A check engine light will shut itself off if the condition that caused it is remedied. So, if your converter is marginal, and you did a lot of stop-and-go driving, which creates high demand for the converter, that may have turned on the check engine light.
The “service engine soon” light indicates that upcoming vehicle maintenance is due. This can indicate service is required for an oil change, air filter, or transmission fluid service. The “check engine” light (CEL) is more urgent than the service engine soon light.
A failed O2 sensor is the most common cause of a flashing check engine light. The O2 sensor is a critical part of the exhaust system, monitoring how much unburned oxygen is exiting the engine in the exhaust. The sensor sends messages back to the engine to adjust the mix of oxygen and fuel being used.
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.
The reasons for a check engine light turning on can range from something minor like a loose gas cap to something more serious like a faulty catalytic converter. It could even be a sign of internal engine failure. Ignoring the problem can turn a potentially quick fix into a costly and time-consuming repair.
Sometimes an engine warning light can come on for something as simple as contaminated gas. This should go away after the car has worked through one or two tanks of good gas, but if you`re unsure, have the car hooked up to a diagnostic reader to check.
Relevant Questions and Answers :
the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue
Service engine soon error message
ANSWER : If the check engine light is on (aka, "service engine soon"), that means that there is a malfunction in the engine, typically involving the engine controls such as ignition, fuel, air induction, emissions and so forth. There are thousands of trouble codes that can cause the light to set, ranging from the mundane (the gas cap is loose, increasing emissions) to the potentially catastrophic (the cylinders are misfiring which if not addressed promptly will destroy the catalytic converter). Most problems are "in between" but ALL problems must be addressed otherwise obviously the check engine light would be rendered meaningless as a guide to the operating status of the car. A good way to protect yourself in a used car transaction is to request a pre-purchase vehicle inspection. That inspection of the specific vehicle you want to purchase, carried out by a certified Mechanic, dispatched to your location, will give you very specific data regarding any current problems that the car has and in your case that would include the Mechanic using a code scanner to download the diagnostic trouble codes that have caused the check engine light to illuminate. Once the mechanic has downloaded those codes, he or she will be in a position to let you know of the potential significance of the codes.
Any time a vehicle’s check engine light illuminates, there is a malfunction that should be diagnosed and repaired. If the check engine light is flashing, that means there is a serious fault, such as cylinder misfiring, that requires immediate repair. Misfiring, in particular, has the potential to damage the catalytic converter which can result in additional costly repairs. If the check engine light is "steadily" illuminated (not flashing) the seriousness of the malfunction is hard to judge unless and until a Code Scanner is used by the Mechanic to download the specific trouble codes from your car’s computer (PCM or ECU) that have caused the light to illuminate. Sometimes the check engine light will illuminate if the gas cap is loose. If the rubber seal on the gas cap is intact and the cap is tight, then all other causes of the light illuminating would have to be evaluated in a check engine light diagnostic. During such a diagnostic, a certified mechanic from YourMechanic would use a code scanner to retrieve diagnostic trouble code(s) from your car’s PCM. Using those codes the appropriate individual vehicle components or sub-systems (often a sensor, circuit, and the like) are tested to pinpoint the cause of the fault or the reason why the check engine light has illuminated. Once the faulty part or component is identified, it is explained to your satisfaction and the mechanic will let you know of the cost to repair. If you have further questions or concerns, do not hesitate to re-contact YourMechanic as we are always here to help you.
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My car is having power issues. I get a message that says engine power reduced/ service traction along with headlights flickering and engine cutting out.
ANSWER : Hi there. Check the battery and alternator to the vehicle. With all of the electrical issues that you are having, it sounds as if the battery is not charged and making the engine stall out due to lack power. Check the battery for a 12.6 volt reference and load test the battery. If the battery fails, then replace the battery. If the battery passes, then check the alternator and see if its putting out the full amount of amps. If you need further assistance with electrical issues, then seek out a professional, such as one from Your Mechanic, to help you.
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"Service Engine Soon" light came on today. Do you know what this means? and how soon should I get it checked? 2004 Nissan Sentra
ANSWER : Hi there – usually, the SES light indicates a long-term maintenance item requires attention (i.e. fuel filter, oxygen sensors, catalytic converter, etc.). Check for problem codes, whether the Check Engine light is on or not before making repairs. I recommend a Check Engine service by a mobile, professional mechanic, such as one from YourMechanic, who will come to your location, diagnose this problem, give you an accurate assessment of damage and cost estimate for repairs.
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First the service traction control message came up and after it was the service stabilitrak. Two days later the reduced engine power light came on.
ANSWER : Hi there. There is an issue with the traction control system and it may be active with the loss of power happens. Check the brake system for any loose or damaged wheel speed sensors. The traction control system works when a wheel is spinning differently than another when driving straight. When the system acts up, the computer (ECM) will put the engine into limp mode to stop the vehicle from driving under a slippery condition even there is none. Also, check the computer for any codes to give you a starting location for diagnostics. If you need further assistance with your traction control being active, then seek out a professional, such as one from Your Mechanic, to help you.
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Dsc malfunction, engine service soon, and engine malfunction reduced power.
ANSWER : The most common cause for the DSC coming on is a speed sensor at one of the wheels not working properly. The Check Engine Light comes on anytime a critical system is having a problem. The reduced speed is due to the engine control module that has not seen a major failure of a critical function and going into failure mode. You need to have the Check Engine scanned for codes and diagnosed. Once the scan is done and code is retrieved, then a pinpoint test for the code(s) will locate the cause of this problem.
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Stabilitrak & traction control service message with reduced engine power
ANSWER : It sounds like your traction control system may have some faults in it such as a faulty control module or potentially faulty wheel or angle sensors. The traction control system works by reducing engine speed and determining which wheel to apply brake pressure to in order to prevent the vehicle from sliding in adverse weather conditions. The computer uses information received from electronic sensors regarding the rotational speed of each wheel, the horizontal motion of the vehicle, and the vertical motion of the vehicle to determine how to direct the traction control system or the anti-lock braking system to best control the vehicle when needed. When this warning indicator light comes on in the dashboard, this could be an indication of several issues such as faulty wheel speed sensors, a faulty steering angle sensor, a faulty rotational speed sensor or a problem with the steering rack. I would recommend having a professional from YourMechanic come to your location to properly diagnose your traction control system.
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Reduce engine power / check engine light is on
ANSWER : Hi there. Most of the time, reduced engine power is caused by a restriction of fuel, or the throttle body’s inability to efficiently mix air and fuel. This could be caused by a failing mass air flow sensor, EGR valve or other fuel system components. Since the check engine light is on, you should have a professional mechanic complete an inspection at your location to determine what codes are stored and which components require repair. This should resolve your issue.
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Check Engine light on. Would the computer give all error codes in one shot? How do we know the engine’s condition?
ANSWER : Hi there. From the description you have provided, I’m am inclined to agree with your assessment of a used engine being installed in your vehicle. An inspection of the engine, by a qualified technician could determine whether the engine is sound. The Check Engine Light on and having a TPS (throttle position sensor) code does not necessarily mean the sensor is at fault. Circuit tests should be performed to confirm the fault. The likelihood of the ECM (electronic control module/computer) giving you all the codes at once is remote. Other component failures could occur. Address those as they come up. Even though you already made the purchase, I recommend having your vehicle inspected by a certified technician so that you can get a thorough evaluation of the car’s true condition.
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