What Does Nissan “Service Engine Soon” Mean?

This is a Nissan service technician checking the engine of a car.

It’s important to understand your Nissan model’s warning lights, especially the “Service Engine Soon” indicator. When this light appears on your dashboard, you might wonder what it means and whether it’s something you can ignore. Empire Nissan will help you make sense of this light and keep your Nissan running smoothly in Fontana!

Understanding The “Service Engine Soon” Light

The “Service Engine Soon” light indicates that your vehicle has detected an issue or maintenance need. It’s not as urgent as a Check Engine Light that signals a serious problem, but it still shouldn’t be taken lightly. This indicator can illuminate for a variety of reasons, including:

 

  • Routine maintenance reminders (like oil or filter changes)
  • Minor emission system irregularities
  • A loose or faulty gas cap
  • Sensor alerts from systems like oxygen or temperature sensors 

In many cases, the issue isn’t immediately critical, but it’s telling you that your vehicle needs attention soon to avoid more serious problems down the road. It’s important to have a Nissan-trained technician diagnose and address the root cause.

How To Diagnose & Reset The Light

One of the most common questions drivers ask is how to reset the “Service Engine Soon” light in their Nissan. While DIY steps are available online, resetting the light without fixing the underlying problem may cause issues later. But in the meantime, if you’re adamant on resetting it yourself, here are the quick steps:

 

  1. Turn the key to ON (don’t start the engine), then OFF. Repeat this step 3 times.
  2. Ensure your gas cap is tight and secure.
  3. Disconnect the battery for a brief reset (not recommended without experience). 

However, these methods don’t always work and can sometimes mask issues that need professional attention.

Schedule Your Service Today In Ontario

Bring your Nissan in to have our certified service team read the diagnostic codes. Once the issue is fixed, we’ll show you how to reset the light so it stays off. Whether you are coming from Rancho Cucamonga or San Bernardino, our service center is your destination. It’s better to be safe than sorry! Grab one of our many rotating service coupons before you arrive.

More From Empire Nissan