Hey folks,

I was starting the car this morning and the Service Engine Soon light came on and stay lit. Car's running fine, and I'm still 5k miles to the next suggested service. Shutdown and restart and the light's still there (sounds like a PC doesn't it??) Anybody know what they light is for?

Thanks in advance.

 

Could be any number of things. Maybe have your local AutoZone check the code for you or your local dealer. Also double-check your gas cap is on right

 

I vote for the gas cap check first. If that doesn't solve it, find out the problem code.

 

your owners manual has the answer. All you have to do is read it. I know that's a lot to ask(more harmless sarcasm), but there you have the easiest answer/solution.

 

doubtful.

as above SES can be triggered by MANY different parameters.

i would also suggest taking it into Autozone and get the code read. they can tell you what triggered it. (i have my own OBDII reader and can clear it at home).

why don't you use your computer that your on and search what DTC's and SES is all about? (inside joke for FL tolls)

 

Well the gas cap didn't seem make a difference. As some of you might seen before the SES light goes off on it's own with nothing done to it. It doesn't bother me but I just want to know what happened.....once again, thank you guys for helping out.

 

Mine was the knock sensor on a '05 MCS. Took it into the dealer and it was a 4 hour job! (albeit free)

 

Could be a zillion different things. Mine was a "burned out wheel sensor." (Service Advisor's words.)

As my Service Advisor explained to me, what the SES light really means is that something has raised a flag and the computer is signalling that you need to bring the car in to the dealer.

 

Even if your light shut-off, wouldn't hurt to check all fluid levels, caps tight, air filter clean and hose connections, then if it turns on again go to your local AutoZone get the code and find out what triggered the light to go off in the first place.

 

Mini has a fix for the service light. I got it and it has never come back on again. ski

 

I tried going to AutoZone and they don't have a read out code for Mini's or Beamers..

 

Wow, nothing like reviving a generic thread that's 7 years old.

They can read it, you might not get some of the specific codes, but they should have at least tried.

 

OK, so my "Service Engine Soon" light came on recently. I tried the gas cap tightening suggestion. It turned off. A few miles down the road it came on again. I had a recall/service schedule (2005 model) so waited until I took it in, however the light turned off (again) before I went in. They did a whole service and (I believe) diagnostic and nothing came up. That was about a month ago and suddenly the morning the light came on again. I have some repairs/maintenance scheduled for end of July (gasket value leak and the right side the axles). The car is driving fine, no difference in feel/sounds.

Any thoughts?

 

Typically, a CEL will store the code until it is cleared. Since it is on now, I'd suggest bringing it by to a local MINI indy shop or dealer to see if they can pull the code while the symptom is present.

 

Thanks. Am taking it to my local shop to read the codes and see whats up! They didn't made it sound like it just might be an old code that needs to be cleared. Hopefully it is as simple as that

 

MOST codes are a result of an out of range number for the emissions control system ... an oxy sensor or something like that.

I had the light on and off for years .... wet and cold in the AM the light would be on ... drive 30 miles (and heat up the motor) light off . . .

I don't say ignore it ... but don't loose sleep over it . . .

 

Thanks. I did take the car in and they read the code. They said it was actually a current common problem with a car of this age. It the measuring the difference (I think) between the fore and aft O2 sensors (or something). The code was showing that there was a difference between the two, but it was coming from the back one, so could be cleared (which they did) and to just watch it.

Thanks all!

 

Good, hopefully it's the O2 sensor and not the cat.

 

My 'Service Engine Light' just came on and I checked the gas cap. I had noticed that I could usually turn the cap to the right and hear around 4 clicks to close it. Now it only clicks once and is too easy to unscrew. I plan to swing by my Mini garage but I wonder if this has happened to anyone else -- a 'somewhat' stripped gas cap after 14 years wouldn't sound strange to me.

 

Wait what??? Since when is "SERVICE ENGINE SOON" the same as "CHECK ENGINE"?

I thought check engine threw codes related to emissions and service engine soon meant you were due for service.

Please clarify. Isn't check engine a special yellow engine light regulated by the government and tied to the OBDII system?

Thanks,
Peter

 

Took my Mini in and they ran the computer check. It was an emissions problem. Not dangerous to drive but they ordered the part and replaced the old one. No problems since then. It wasn't the gas cap. (Obviously.)

 

Post #12 here (just the first sentence): https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ml#post3648107.