1999 Buick Century Logo
R
Ray Duffy Posted on May 14, 2014
Answered by a Fixya Expert

Trustworthy Expert Solutions

At Fixya.com, our trusted experts are meticulously vetted and possess extensive experience in their respective fields. Backed by a community of knowledgeable professionals, our platform ensures that the solutions provided are thoroughly researched and validated.

View Our Top Experts

Why does my service engine soon light come on when the car is working properly but not when it doesn't?

The service engine soon light does not come on when the engine stalls on my 99 Buick Century. It comes on prior to starting the car when it does start but not when it doesn't.

1 Answer

W.L.

Level 3:

An expert who has achieved level 3 by getting 1000 points

Superstar:

An expert that got 20 achievements.

All-Star:

An expert that got 10 achievements.

MVP:

An expert that got 5 achievements.

  • Master 2,511 Answers
  • Posted on May 14, 2014
W.L.
Master
Level 3:

An expert who has achieved level 3 by getting 1000 points

Superstar:

An expert that got 20 achievements.

All-Star:

An expert that got 10 achievements.

MVP:

An expert that got 5 achievements.

Joined: Aug 17, 2009
Answers
2511
Questions
1
Helped
523916
Points
8345

The light is in test mode when you start, so you can check the bulb is working. The light has nothing to do with whether you stall it only estimates whether you need a service based on time, number of starts (and probably some other parameters - perhaps someone else knows what they are).

  • Ray Duffy
    Ray Duffy May 14, 2014

    Thanks for the response. I am stumped. the car stalls without pattern and restarts without a pattern. I thought it was the ICM, I had it checked, they said it was bad. But replacing it didn't fix the problem.

  • Marvin Chisom
    Marvin Chisom May 28, 2014

    It could be the security system and/or chip key. Sometimes the ignition lock cylinder wears out and the system does not read the chip key. You can take the chip keys to a locksmith and have them checked to assure they are OK.

×

5 Related Answers

Anonymous

  • 3 Answers
  • Posted on Apr 09, 2009

SOURCE: 2003 Buick Century Custom and the Service Engine Soon Light

You will need to have a reputable mechanic do a diagnostic check on the car to determine the problem. This should pull up a code number in your car's computer and help point the mechanic and you in the direction of the malfunctioning part/s.

Just today, I had a diagnostic check done on mine for nearly $45.00. The mechanic was able to figure out the reason why my service engine light was staying on. I knew my car's radiator fans failed to run when car's engine was hot except when the A/C was running. I had changed out the sensors and was never able to get the light to go out or get the fans working. They were able to determine that the 25 amp fuse for the fans located under the hood was blown. After replacing it, the fans worked as they should, my car runs cooler and the engine service engine light is now out. Of course there are many possible reasons why the service engine light may come on including problems with the car's emissions. A reputable mechanic can solve your problem.

Ad

Anonymous

  • 365 Answers
  • Posted on Jun 22, 2009

SOURCE: I have a 2000 buick lesabre. The fix engine soon

It NEVER was the camshaft sensor! Unless, you've removed the engine lately, which I doubt.
RUN to Advance Auto Parts and buy a can of "SeaFoam" and add to your gas tank per instructions...drive at least 100 miles and the problem should go away...IF it doesn't you'll have to replace the O2 sensors in the exhaust system...Any good mechanic should be able to do this for much less $$ than the dealership DO NOT go to the dealer for repairs!
Good Luck

Anonymous

  • 40 Answers
  • Posted on Oct 22, 2009

SOURCE: Service engine soon light comes on my 2002 Buick

the service engine light means that the computer has detected that there is something wrong. it doesn't mean that it is anything serious. it could be something very simple. if you want to find out what it is exactly and avoid repair shop costs, take it to auto zone or another parts store. most of them have scanners that they will hook up and tell you why the light is on without charge. 

Testimonial: "Great. Easy enough. Will do."

Anonymous

  • 1 Answer
  • Posted on Jun 30, 2010

SOURCE: Service Vehicle, Trac Off, & ABS lights 2001 Buick Century.

I just put in new fron pads in my 2000 buick century and the track off and the anti lock brake light and the service engine soon stays on

emissionwiz

Marvin

  • 85242 Answers
  • Posted on May 05, 2011

SOURCE: 2004 buick century service engine

The information below was complied by me, it explains what causes the check engine light to come on and the process of finding the cause.
When the Service Engine Soon light is turned on the computer control unit (called the PCM) has sensed a fault in the electronic controls of the engine and/or the emission system. When this happens you will seldom feel the car engine run any different. There are about 200 possible faults that turn the Check Engine light on, to know what has developed a problem you must have the system tested, this is called an OBD2 fault code test, Kragen and Autozone parts stores do this testing for free.

Ad

Add Your Answer

×

Uploading: 0%

my-video-file.mp4

Complete. Click "Add" to insert your video. Add

×

Loading...
Loading...

Related Questions:

0helpful
1answer

How to replace 2003 Mitsubishi Galant ES service engine soon light bulb

Does the engine need servicing? The service engine soon light will only comes on if there is a problem. It will not come on if the bulb is burned out. Or. If there are no issues.
0helpful
1answer

Had car serviced Service Engine soon light will not go off - what can I do?

Go to a quality repair shop & have it
properly diagnosed & the issue resolved

Gadget doesn't help us- help you
1helpful
1answer

I have a 2004 jeep liberty, what is EATX?

Try unhooking your battery. It should reset the light. If that doesn't work it could be the relay again. I have had that happen to me with my 2001 Expedition. Was told it was caused by me giving someone a jump and it caused the service engine soon come on.
0helpful
1answer

1990 olds 88- the service engine soon light is always on

This car probably doesn't have a obd2 connector. More and likely it is the obd1 which most car part stores wont check. find someone that knows how to take a paperclip to access codes from the service engine soon light. If the light is staying on your "brainbox" sees that one of the sensors is not working to the cars standard. They make a obd1 connector that will plug in and will do the same thing.
1helpful
1answer

What usually is the problem when the service Engine soon light suddenly comes on and the engine sounds fine?

could be many things, but the first thing I would check is the gas cap, if it is not tight or is not sealing properly the purge system will not work , and that will cause the service engine soon light, but keep in mind the car has over 30 sensors that can turn on the light.
4helpful
2answers

I have a 2003 Buick Rendevous. My service vehicle soon light is on. I just bought it and the guy that sold it to me said that he didn't find anything wrong and this light didn't affect the engine in...

your vehicle has two lights..one is a service engine soon and the other is a service vehicle soon,if the S.V.S light is on..its most likely an abs problem and it needs to be scanned or your alternator might not be charging and the system voltage is a little too low for some things to operate correctly,either way the car needs to be scanned and/or have the charging system checked,hope this helps
1helpful
3answers

Service engine soon light came on

When i had this issue, it was my gas cap not being on properly... took 3 days for it to reset itself.
1helpful
1answer

1998 nissan altima dashboard display engine service soon

Hello and thank you for using FixYa!

The service engine soon light comes on when a fault is detected in the emission system. The service engine soon light is the same thing as a check engine light. A scan tool will be needed to get the code for the failure, so the proper repairs can be made.

Thanks Jay!
0helpful
1answer

The 'service engine soon' light comes on repeatedly

I'm thinking the oxygen sensor is not working properly. Autozone or Advance Auto will do a check at not charge.
18helpful
2answers

Service engine soon light

How do you turn off or reset the "Service Engine Soon " light off without taking my Infinity I35 to dealer. Trying to avoid $200.00 dealer charge!
Not finding what you are looking for?

488 views

Ask a Question

Usually answered in minutes!

Top Buick Experts

ZJ Limited
ZJ Limited

Level 3 Expert

17989 Answers

Ronny Bennett Sr.
Ronny Bennett Sr.

Level 3 Expert

6988 Answers

Thomas Perkins
Thomas Perkins

Level 3 Expert

15088 Answers

Are you a Buick Expert? Answer questions, earn points and help others

Answer questions

Manuals & User Guides

Loading...