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Service Engine Soon Light

The "amber" Service Engine Soon light is amber for a reason. As in the traffic light, the light is a color of caution. Most likely, If your vehicle has a serious problem, you don't need an amber light to warn you. However, the amber light can come on for transmission and engine (emission-related) issues. That does not mean you should ignore it.

1. The first basic rule is to note if the light stays on each time you drive your car or if it flashes. (If the light flashes - immediate attention is required)

2. Pay special attention to transmission operation. "Are the up and downshifts are typical?"

3. On your next gas fill-up, start tracking your gas mileage. (this is critical - higher fuel consumption is a sure sign of a real problem and will cause more damage.)

Other warning lights can be illuminated depending on the year, make, and model. The engine/emissions/ etc., management computer systems will store a "service code" for the Auto Technician. Please do not attempt to turn out the warning light, as this will clear the service code and possibly the recorded data when it occurred.

The service code only gets the Technician in "the ballpark" of what to test. It does not tell him exactly what to replace or repair.

One last note: Disconnecting the battery may cause a module to lose memory and a tow to the Dealership may be required for an expensive "re-learn" procedure!!