What does it mean when you see "Maintance Engine"?

Question

I have a 4dr 1998 Honda Accord and the "Maintance Engine" light is on. I was wondering if that means I need an oil service because i do not get that light every 3,000 miles and how do I turn it off?

Answer 1

This is why I keep plugging the benefit of having an OBD II code reader. It can tell you all this in less than 10 minutes. Spend the money on one and you'll save spending it over and over at the shop, and still wonder if they're telling the whole truth when they hand you a big list of things they say need attention.

It could be that you got a load of bad gas at Costco which has fouled one of your oxygen sensors, but  who knows better than you how you treat your car, or loan it out or keep it well maintained? If there's an Autozone near you, they'll plug in their  OBD II tester to see if they can sell you any parts. The computer in the car knows what's going on, but he's not saying without somebody paying.

Answer 2

it means your computer has detected a problem and you need to go in for service to reveal the code

Answer 3

Maintance Engine light  can mean may things.... so best thing is to have it scan autozone and they can tell you and yes the gas cap will do it.. its got to click a few times

Answer 4

it could also mean your fuel cap its not on right check yuor manuel

Answer 5

It means there is an emmission related problem with your vehicle.  It is illegal for lights like that to come on every 3000 miles (you're suppoesed to have the good sense to keep track on when you need oil changes and such).  You will need someone with a code reader to scan the codes and erase it, though you really shouldn't erase the code until the problem is fixed.  I think Autozone does it for free hoping that you'd buy the part you need from them.  Shops will definitely be able to do it, let alone find your problem, but some don't do the diagnostic for free (mine does).

Answer 6

lol just go to your local murrays or auto parts store and get a  FREE SCAN   usually it means pay attention to a speciffic situation  ABOUT  to occur in youf engine functions  good luck again go to your local  GOOD  parts store and they usually offer free diagnostic scans ( take it w/ a grain of salt they might have their scanners tweeked to their speciffic sales potential . good lucki

Answer 7

im guessing its like a check engine light.. may mean the same thing you will just have to check ur manual...

Answer 8

It means your cars computer has detected a condition that requires repair. 80% or so of "Check engine lights" are caused by malfunctioning emission controls. Other times they are caused by a misfire in the engine, and on SOME vehicles, if the transmission is acting weird, that can cause a code to be stored as well, making the light come on. You need a scanner tool to read the code, and then you test the parts in the particular system that malfunctioned to determine the repair needed. Sounds hard but not really. A good shop can get it done for you, and you should because, well in my state anyway, when annual safety/emissions test time comes up, if the light is on, you FAIL. Period, do not pass Go, do not collect $200.00

You could save some fuel by repairing too =)

Answer 9

It means exactly what you said. It comes on after so many cycles of the ignition. Have the oil changed then you can re-set it by the following. Sit in your car, put keys in ignition but dont turn the key yet. With your left hand if you look on the speedometer cluster, you will see a plastic piece sticking out. With your left hand hold that in, with your right hand turn the key until the red lights on the dash come on but dont start it, hold that position for 15 seconds and it will reset.