1999 Chevrolet Lumina Service Engine Soon Light

EKLMATTKE

MEMBER
1999 CHEVROLET LUMINA
FWD
AUTOMATIC
162,300 MILES

Hi,

My service engine soon light came on last week, and I checked the fluids in my car, and got the oil changed, but after a while it went off. I didn't drive the car over the weekend, and I did get gas while making sure the gas cap was on tight, but today it came back on and then went off. What could be the problem? Is there one? Does it just need to be reset? Thank you.

1 Reply

WRENCHTECH

MECHANIC
20,761 POSTS

The "check engine" light is an indicator for a system that monitors many electronic functions in the system, also called the "malfunction indicator lamp" (MIL). It can come on for any of hundreds of different causes from any of the systems that the computer monitors. Some are very important and can lead to further component or engine damage and some are emissions related not as serious but still a problem and need to be repaired.

Your first step is to have the computer scanned to retrieve the trouble codes that were set when the check engine light came on. Those codes will give you specific information about what the computer saw and will get you pointed in the right direction to find your problem. With a 1996 or newer and some 95 cars and you have an AutoZone or Advanced auto parts in your area, they will read them for free. Once you have these code numbers, we can be a lot more specific about what your problem may be.