What does the "service engine soon" indicator light specifically mean?

Service engine soon ? Do you mean SERVICE VEHICLE SOON Indicator
The amber SERVICE VEHICLE SOON indicator is an alert to the driver whenever there are specific current codes stored in the BCM or in the event of a loss of Class 2 serial data.

If your vehicle has a check engine light ,it doesn't have service engine soon .One or the other .

Service Engine Soon

If the Service Engine Soon indicator light stays lit after you've started the engine, the On Board Diagnostics system (OBD) has detected a malfunction of the vehicle emissions control system. Contact your authorized dealer as soon as possible.
If indicator light is blinking, an engine misfire may be occurring, which could damage your catalytic converter. Drive in a moderate fashion (avoid heavy acceleration and deceleration), and have your vehicle serviced immediately.*
The Service Engine Soon indicator light illuminates when the ignition is first turned on (prior to engine start) in order to test the bulb, as well as indicate whether the vehicle is ready for Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) testing.
Normally, the Service Engine Soon light will stay on until the engine is cranked, then turn itself off if no malfunctions are present. However, if after 15 seconds this light blinks eight times, it means that the vehicle is not ready for I/M testing.Check this link out Gary.
https://owner.ford.com/how-tos/vehicle-features/dashboard-instrument-cluster/warning-lamps-and-indicators.html

There is a diagnostic procedure in the factory service repair manual for engine light lit ,no codes . Did you take it to ford dealer ? MIL - is referring to check engine , service engine soon etc...

• MIL always on when engine is running (no DTCs):
• MIL circuits

• For Focus, Mustang, Town Car, Continental, LS6/LS8, Escape, Windstar, F-150, Expedition and Navigator/Blackwood:
• Instrument Cluster, Section 413-01 of the Workshop Manual.
• All Others:
• GO to NB1

SERVICE ENGINE SOON indicator After the engine is started, the SERVICE ENGINE SOON indicator will prove out for a duration of three seconds. If the instrument cluster does not receive a message from the PCM within five seconds, the instrument cluster will illuminate the SERVICE ENGINE SOON indicator and log a diagnostic trouble code (DTC).

• An indicator is inoperative/always on - SERVICE ENGINE SOON

• Circuitry.
• Bulb.
• Instrument cluster.
• PCM.

• GO to Pinpoint Test P .

PINPOINT TEST P: AN INDICATOR IS INOPERATIVE/ALWAYS ON - SERVICE ENGINE SOON CONDITIONS DETAILS/RESULTS/ACTIONS P1 CARRY OUT THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER SERVICE ENGINE SOON INDICATOR ACTIVE COMMAND Trigger the HEC active command MIL.

• Did the SERVICE ENGINE SOON indicator illuminate?

Yes REFER to Powertrain Control/Emissions Diagnosis (PC/ED) manual.

No INSTALL a new instrument cluster; REFER to Instrument Cluster . CLEAR the DTCs. REPEAT the self-test.

• Hi, I can help.
• The service Engine Light Soon light means it's time for an oil change,

• You can turn this light off real quick by following these steps.

1. Turn the key to ACC.
2. Press the gas pedal down all the was three times in fairly rapid succession.
3. The service engine soon light will begin to blink and then disappear.
4. Turn the key to off.
5. now start your truck.
6. The light will now be off.

• This should be done after every oil change.
• All the light means is that the PCM has indicated that you have driven the required miles for an oil change. A reminder light if you will.

• If you have any comments please feel free to leave them here.
• Hope this helps and thank you for using FixYa.

Regards, Tony

this usually indicates service engine soon light(possible code in computer)or it is a maintenance service light indicating a maintenance should be done to the car.

it means emission control malfunction, could be one of many causes, have the engine scanned by a competent tech

check engine soon?

I have an amber Service Engine Soon light on my car that indicates that there is a problem with the engine that should be looked at soon.

Your car has an OBD-II system on it that allows the code to be read by a scanner that can lead to diagnosing and repairing the problem.

Some cars have an 'idiot' light that comes on at certain service intervals usually controlled by the odometer.

This can be reset by the scanner.

Which engine lights? (SES) Service Engine Soon light? You need to be more specific. Thanks

You will need to get an OBD reading. to know exactly why the light came on. the light alone doesnt mean anything specific, hence the need for the OBD reading to understand why. Most mechanics will do this reading for free.

this light means that a fault has occured in the electronic engine and/or emission control system, any time this light is turned on there is a trouble code set into the memory of the Powertrain control module, PCM for short, there are over 200 poss problems that turn this light on.