The service-engine light in your Mitsubishi Lancer is not something that is going to make you happy. The problem is that this light only appears on the dashboard when there is a certain problem with engine sensors, emission control system, or other electronics. Once the ECU registers something that may mean the wrong engine work, it flashes the service-engine-soon light in your car.
The question of how to reset the service engine soon light in your Mitsubishi Lancer should be modified to how to solve the initial problem. Unless you actually repair the vehicle and get rid of the problem that triggered the light, you are not going to be happy after resetting the light. But let's talk about everything step by step.
How to reset the Service Engine Soon light in the Lancer?
The Lancer is not a very technological vehicle. It's quite simple, and its ECU is pretty straightforward. So, there is no need to use some extra expensive equipment to reset the service light or do anything else with the ECU.
Here's how you can reset the service engine soon light in the Mitsubishi Lancer:
- Turn off the vehicle and take your key out of the ignition cylinder.
- Open the hood.
- Locate the battery.
- Use any fitting wrench to loosen the fixation bolts or nuts on the negative terminal (better take off both cables from the terminals).
- Take off the cables and make sure they don't touch the terminals anymore.
- Wait for 10 minutes or longer.
- Then put the cables back on the terminals and tighten the fixation bolts of nuts.
- Close the hood.
- Turn on the ignition and start the engine to see if you are out of problems.
This simple procedure will reset the ECU and clear all codes that are saved in its memory. It means you'll be able to turn off the annoying service-engine-soon light if the problem that triggered it has already been solved.
This method will work for those who want to get rid of the annoying light after regular maintenance. But it won't help you much if your Lancer actually has a problem with some of the engine systems. This way, the vehicle will turn on the light again because the ECU will continue registering the problem.
Alternatively, you can reset the service engine soon light in the Lancer just by using any code scanner that can communicate with your vehicle.
What to do if the service-engine-soon light doesn't go off?
After the given above procedure, the service engine soon light should go off. At least for some time. But if it comes on the dash again, we have bad news for you. It means the engine actually has some problems. This light represents the functions of the check engine light, so it means that there is an issue in the system.
Here are some of the most common reasons why the service engine soon light flashes on the dash of your vehicle:
- the emission system registers deviations - this means that the oxygen sensor informs the ECU that something is wrong with emissions;
- one of the engine sensors is broken - once the bad sensor starts sending wrong signals to the ECU, the check engine light (or service engine soon light) should go on;
- the engine is misfiring - the reason for this could be the bad spark plug or maybe the failing ignition coil.
- engine temperature is wrong - when the cooling system doesn't work properly, the service engine soon light may also flash;
- the ECU has some problems - it may have been flooded or just physically damaged and now it malfunctions.
Getting to know the actual problem is easier than you may think. The best way to do this is to go to the specialist who has this equipment or just directly to the dealer. Scanning for codes will take just several minutes and will obviously let you know exactly what's wrong with your car.
Dealership or any other repair shop?
People keep thinking that dealers have some great equipment that can communicate with the ECU "in one language" and find more problems than other scanners and code readers. But it's not true. You may save some dollars and go to any repair shop that works with Mitsubishi cars. It's especially good to know for those who live in cities and towns where there are no Mitsubishi dealers.
Any good code scanner will do its job and let you know why the vehicle is failing to work as it should and why the service engine soon light is on in your Lancer.
About the authors
The CarAraC research team is composed of seasoned auto mechanics and automotive industry professionals, including individuals with advanced degrees and certifications in their field. Our team members boast prestigious credentials, reflecting their extensive knowledge and skills. These qualifications include: IMI: Institute of the Motor Industry, ASE-Certified Master Automobile Technicians; Coventry University, Graduate of MA in Automotive Journalism; Politecnico di Torino, Italy, MS Automotive Engineering; Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, Mechanical University in Skopje; TOC Automotive College; DHA Suffa University, Department of Mechanical Engineering
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