Service engine soon light

[krishmk]

I get "Service engine soon" light on my dashboard. This started the next day after I replaced my alternator and battery.

The funny thing is I get this light only in day time. After dark, if I start my car, I dont see this light. I hate to take to the dealer as my past experiences tell me that they charge me 500 for sure..

Any ideas???

[4kQuad]

Did you pull the ground wire off the battery when you changed the Alt?

if not that may have set the code, pull the ground off and let it sit for 5 minutes, then put the ground back on. See if it goes away.

Also may as well take a couple sec's and clean the battery connections good while your there.

Else get the code read at a parts store if it comes back, then post that and see what help may be had here.

[b2089]

If only comes on during the day then something about the lights being on must correct the fault. If you start the car with the park brake up the headlights shouln't activate. Start it at night and see if that makes the light come on, then turn the headlights on manually and see what that does. Also turn them on during the day when the light is on to see if that cuts it off.

[rixGAphx]

Are you certain it's the SES (Service ENGINE) light?
If so, this is an engine/tranny/emissions problem, and you should have the codes read at AutoZone/Checker/etc. (free).

If it's the SVS light (Service VEHICLE), then it's most likely a lighting issue related to the BCM (Body Control Module, the 'puter that controls lights and power windows, power locks, etc.).
The scanners at Checker/AZ/etc. generally can't read these codes.
Check for a burned-out light bulb, that's the usual cause of an SVS.

Hope this helps.
-Rick

[krishmk]

Well I just found out that right front headlight is blown out.. so I will replace it and see if it still showing the "service engine soon".

Thanks everyone for their feedback..

[lilniemo]

Yeah, SVS light kills me everytime. Haven't had the problem yet with the '03, but on my '00 it was the same damn headlight everytime. I swear last year I replaced the drivers side one 3 times and the Sylvania Silverstar's aren't cheap! The seal was tore up and it kept getting a lot of condensation.

I also noticed that sometimes after the "pain in the butt" replacement of the bulb, the light will stay on for a start or two then it goes out. Just thought you'd like to know :)