Hey forum!

Haven't posted in a while simply because I haven't had time. However I had to make time for this one. I was on my way home tonight and my little message thing said "service vehicle soon." I figure this could mean almost anything, and I don't know what it entails. Please help!

Thanks,
Tyler

 

I'm not 100% sure but I think this could be something as simple as a burnt out light. I believe the "service engine soon" message relates to other more mechanical things. Can't seem to locate my owners manual. I'll update when I find it if it has more detailed information.

 

Wow! Thanks so much! I thought this might be something that would hurt my love if I drove her a lot. Its good to know its driveable.

By the way, I turn on my car morning in the message was gone! We had heavy snow last night so maybe it just got somewhere it wasn't supposed to he and threw off a sensor or something. Not sure, but thanks anyway! )

 

From my 2001 owners manual: SERVICE VEHICLE SOON light
"This message will come on if you have engine problems.
These problems may not be obvious and may not affect vehicle performance or durability. Consult a qualified dealership for necessary repairs to maintain to vehicle performance.
This message may also appear if there are electrical problems with the trunk release sensor."

I thought there was both a 'service vehicle soon' and 'service engine soon' light but it appears I was mistaken at least for my 2001.

You might try having the car read for error codes if you have a place that checks them for free. I don't know if they would be stored the same way as the check engine light codes are though. Sorry if my previous post was in error.

 

Simple advise, when the Check Engine/Service Vehicle indicators come one, most Auto Parts stores will read the data and give you the error code/condition that popped the indicator free of charge.
If you don't know why the message popped up, you should be careful. Prolonged driving, depending on the cause of the light, could result in further damage, reduced fuel efficiency and possibly failing an emmissions check depending on your local laws.

 

Maniac, do you happen to know if these codes are read by a standard code reader or are they separate like ABS codes are?

Gotta love the owners manual info on 'service vehicle soon' saying
you have a problem with the engine, and oh, by the way, it could be the trunk release.

 

All you need is a standard code reader. If you don't want to buy a code reader (about $50 and it will read most OBD II vehicles), then you can go to most auto parts stores and they'll read your codes for free just like The_Maniac said.

 

Actually 'Service Vehicle Soon' is typically a BCM code (and a few non-urgent PCM codes) and not readable by most readers (the PCM ones are, but there are only a couple that trip the SVS)... only some of the high end Snap-On scanners, the Tech-II and possibly HP Tuners can read it

There is no risk of emissions problems with a SVS message... an engine or emissions issue would trigger a CEL (Check Engine Light)

BBEngineer

 

If its anything like my Monte 10$ says its an O2 sensor and the car will run just fine for 2 years. If this is the case that light will be off tomorrow, you will make a mental note to look into it...2 months later it will pop on again... etc.

 

O2 Sensors don't set off the "SVS", they trigger a CEL

BBEngineer