The vehicle you drive comes equipped with sophisticated onboard diagnostics, all designed to keep you safe behind the wheel and keep your ride running as smoothly as possible. Unfortunately, the meaning of those diagnostic lights can be difficult to interpret, and the Service Engine Soon light is a case in point.
It is easy to confuse the Service Engine Soon light and the Check Engine light, and many drivers do just that. But while the verbiage of the lights is similar, these two diagnostic signals have very different meanings.
While the diagnostic in question references the engine, the Service Engine Soon light is more concerned with the emission system and its operation. When something goes wrong with the emissions control system on your vehicle, you may see the Service Engine Soon light illuminate, and if that happens, it is important to do further research.
If the Service Engine Soon light comes on right after you put fuel in your vehicle, the problem could be with the quality of the gasoline or diesel. Even a small amount of moisture or contamination could be enough to turn the light on, so check with the service station and let them know about the problem.
In many cases, these issues will be temporary, and as you use the fuel, the problem may go away. If your Service Engine Soon light comes on, try pulling off the road, turning the vehicle off, and turning it back on. If the light goes off, you can continue driving. If it stays on, you will want to contact your mechanic — and notify the gas station if you just filled up your tank.
It’s also important to check the status of the Service Engine Soon light. How it behaves will give you a clue about the potential problem’s seriousness. If the light comes on and stays steady, you should contact your mechanic and schedule a service call. You should be able to drive the vehicle in the meantime, but prompt service is still important.
If the Service Engine Soon light is flashing, however, immediate attention is required, and you should call a tow truck as well as your mechanic. A blinking Service Engine Soon light could indicate a serious problem with the emission control system, and if left unaddressed, that issue could harm your engine and other components in your vehicle.
You never want to see a light on your dashboard, and the Service Engine Soon diagnostic can seem especially scary. Once you know what the light means, however, you can drive with greater confidence and take better care of your ride.