Service Engine Soon Light On(1997 Mercury Sable GS)?

Question

I need to get my car inspected and my lights on. I know its my O2 sensor but I just don't have the funds right now to get it fix. So i was wondering if anyone knew how to turn it off. Like I took the ign fuse out and it turned of but then my car wouldn't start. I know a mechanic that can turn it off with that machine but I don't know how long it will stay off. If anyone knows any tricks then please let me know.

Thank You.

Answer 1

No tricks. O2 sensor has to be replaced. Take the money that you would pay the mechanic to diddle with the light and use it to replace the O2 sensor.

Answer 2

I think Charlie^^ has the light confused with the "Change Oil Soon" light which is a GM thing and not on your Sable.



Anyway, It's an OBD2 system which started in 1996. (On Board Diagnostics 2)

You need to put an O2 sensor in it plain and simple.

If not, you dont need a mechanic to hook it up, you can clear the code by simply disconnecting the battery for 10 minutes then hook it back up which will turn the light off but if it's anything like MO.'s inspection, which I'm sure it is, it will still fail because the car's computer has to go through a 'self check' after the memory's been cleared and it takes like 30 miles of driving. This would be the SAME SITUATION if a mechanic cleared it with his diagnostic device hooked up. If it doesn't complete the 'self check' by the time you get it inspected, it will say 'not complete' on the inspection station's computer and the car still fails. By the time the car does complete the 'self checks' it will notice the 02 is bad and turn the light back on with a code.

I have seen people get lucky however. You could disconnect the battery and drive it up there and as long as the light is off there's a SLIM chance the car could send a 'complete' and as long as there's no code or light on yet,... it will pass. The light will come on eventually since there is something wrong but hopefully after the test but it's like playing the lottery.

If you do clear the computer codes and hook the battery back up and the light is still on immediately,...the sensor is just plane broke or shorted out or similar.

Answer 3

I have a 97 Mercury Sable also and my O2 sensor's are messed up also. I didn't have alot of money either but what I did was take my car to the auto supply store and they will run a computer check for free and I had them give me a copy if the parts I needed for the car, and I ordered them off of ebay. In the store they were originally like 64.00 a piece I ordered four of them for like 26.00 a piece. If you can't afford to get it fixed now park it, because the more you drive the faster the remaining sensors will start to fail and eventually catalic converter.

Answer 4

just leave it on

Answer 5

hi.. service engine soon light is different from check engine light...service engine light means that an oil change and other maintenance are needed to be done.

a check engine light will mean that one or more devices or sensors maybe out of specs  or bad. so, if it is just a service light, and not the O2 sensor, u still need to spend some funds to do a preventive maintenance work to be done unless u can do it ur self like an oil filter and oil change. then to turn the service engine light off... u need to put the key to ignition on and step on the gas pedal to the floor  three times in five seconds then turn ignition off. and it will stay off for another three thousand miles. enjoy..