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"Service engine soon" light won't go off


patarusky
07-04-2005, 02:16 AM
Heads up experts- 2001 Malibu- 3.1 of course. When I start this jewel of the nile, Everything's fine. Put it in gear, still fine. Drive 10 feet, "service engine soon" light comes on. NOT CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. Hooked up my little auto xray scanner. No codes found. Hit reset anyway. No change. I've been told that some codes in these chevys are a "b" class code. Not serious enough to turn on the check engine light but enough to trigger the service light. Is there a different plug for transmission diagnostics? I know that Kias have a second plug under the hood for more detailed testing but I don't know about Chevy. I do think it's tranny related since I can start the car, put it in any gear ,even reverse, and no problem till it moves. And of course it runs just fine. Tried the battery disconnect to clear it but nothing changed. Any ideas out there? Thanks in advance.

GMMerlin
07-04-2005, 04:07 AM
Heads up experts- 2001 Malibu- 3.1 of course. When I start this jewel of the nile, Everything's fine. Put it in gear, still fine. Drive 10 feet, "service engine soon" light comes on. NOT CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. Hooked up my little auto xray scanner. No codes found. Hit reset anyway. No change. I've been told that some codes in these chevys are a "b" class code. Not serious enough to turn on the check engine light but enough to trigger the service light. Is there a different plug for transmission diagnostics? I know that Kias have a second plug under the hood for more detailed testing but I don't know about Chevy. I do think it's tranny related since I can start the car, put it in any gear ,even reverse, and no problem till it moves. And of course it runs just fine. Tried the battery disconnect to clear it but nothing changed. Any ideas out there? Thanks in advance.

There are 2 warnings you could have "Service Engine Soon" or "Service Vehicle Soon"
The SES light is also the "Check Engine Light" and if that light comes on you should get a code.
What you may be seeing is the SVS light..this light has nothing to do with the emission system, but has to do with the DRLs and headlamps

LancerZero
07-04-2005, 06:26 PM
Have you checked your coolant? You're describing the behavior of my 'Bu just as she was sucking the overflow tank dry.

tom3
07-04-2005, 07:13 PM
Wondering if it might be pointing to the ABS system? Usually after moving a few feet the system will pressure up, maybe a problem with this? Time for trip to the dealer, and a second mortgage to pay for it.

JTrujillo86
07-06-2005, 08:15 PM
You probably have a daytime running light out. I had a 97 Malibu and the Service VEHICLE Soon light came on just for that.

Jeremy

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