What Does “Service Engine Soon” Mean on a Car?

The “Service Engine Soon” light is one of the most common warning lights that you’ll see on your car’s dashboard. It can be a bit scary when you first see it, but it’s important to stay calm and not panic. In this article, we’ll explain what the “Service Engine Soon” light means, what causes it to come on, and what you should do when you see it.

What Does the “Service Engine Soon” Light Mean?

The “Service Engine Soon” light is an indicator that there is a problem with your car’s engine. It can be caused by a number of different things, including:

Loose gas cap
Faulty oxygen sensor
Clogged catalytic converter
Misfiring spark plugs
Vacuum leak
Faulty fuel injector

When the “Service Engine Soon” light comes on, it means that your car’s computer has detected a problem and has stored a code in its memory. This code can be used by a mechanic to diagnose the problem and make repairs.

What Should I Do When I See the “Service Engine Soon” Light?

If you see the “Service Engine Soon” light come on, the first thing you should do is not panic. It’s important to stay calm and not ignore the light. Ignoring the light can lead to more serious problems with your car down the road.

The next thing you should do is have your car inspected by a mechanic. A mechanic will be able to use a diagnostic scanner to read the code that is stored in your car’s computer. Once the mechanic knows what the code is, they can diagnose the problem and make repairs.