Good afternoon,

I have a 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse RS with 85,000 miles on it.

Today I noticed my SERVICE ENGINE SOON light went on when I started my car, and stayed on while I was driving.

Before I bring it to a mechanic, are there some things under the hood I can check on my own?

Thanks in advance for your help.

The "check engine" or "Service Engine Soon" 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.


The one thing you may want to check first is that your gas cap is on securely. It will set it off is left loose.




78 Corvette Pace Car For Sale-18k mi orig-Florida