My '04 MC SES light came on yesterday, steady not flashing, runs absolurely normally fine, no other warning lights on. I called the dealer who said I really have to come in, eventually, and offered me an appt soon but the earliest I can drop the car off is in 3 weeks and the MA said no problem to wait the 3 weeks. I asked about getting the code read at my local Autozone but the MA said that they might get only a general type code so I would need to bring it in to the dealer anyway to get the more specific code read....few questions:

I've done a search here, and it has been mentioned that a loose gas cap could be the cause, but the car has a 'check gas cap' light and I would think that would come on too....right?

I've also read that sometimes after a few cycles of the car turned on /off that the SES light may go off....it has been 7 cycles on/off so far and the light is steady...does that help in diagnosing this?

My wife and I are plannning tomorrow to drive off for a few days on vacation and I was looking forward to driving off in Umberto, but I guess it probably would be safer or at least less anxiety-producing to take my wife's Civic.....any thoughts?

 

The best thing is to get the code (or codes) from any reader... Agreed, if you have a MINI specific code - a standard code tool might not be able to clear the code. But once you have the code #'s it is much easier to advise on the next steps to resolve..

So my vote is to go to Autozone and read out the codes.. If you don't know the definitions of the codes... You could search fo that code or post the codes retireived and I am sure someone can help translate the # to possible the issues..

Good luck.

 

Just found this for generic DTC for most cars...Not MINI specific codes.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Powertrain_%28P%29_DTCs

 

Okay, I give...what's the SES?

 

SES - Service Engine Soon..

 

I had a SES light problem once two months ago, according to the dealer it's caused by an accidental power loss (battery connector came loose?), so he simply reset it and it has been fine ever since. I guess SES light on doesn't mean the airbag system will not be funtional, it may record an unusual event and serve as a reminder for a check. It doesn't harm to try an OBD scanner and even try to reset it.

 

The light is specific to emissions sensors and electronics and in my case it was caused by an unplugged o2 sensor. It is not an indication of impending doom. If you had an oil pressure light or high water temp that would be worth worrying about. There is normally no great rush to repair that and the car will remain undamaged and driveable.