Service Engine Soon Light

Oh dammit. I was driving down the road and then the service engine soon light shines and freaks me out a little and almost makes me meet a curb. Unfortunately this is a used car so I can't take it back for dealership warranties, or whatever..

What to do? Let me know what tips or tricks you might have please?

If anyone is curious... My car is a 1988 GMC Jimmy 2.8L with 165,000 miles on it..

You'll have to get the codes read. AutoZone does it for free. Let us know.

You'll have to get the codes read. AutoZone does it for free. Let us know.
Ya mean we can't just start suggesting parts to replace willy-nilly? :lol:

Just to note, the light comes on and off spontaneously. There is no pattern to it, but I was wondering if maybe the computer is at fault and needs to be reset? Or should I stop beating around the bush and take it to Autozone? I figured if the light doesn't show then it might not tell the Autozone employees what's wrong...

Obviously it would be best to be able to get the codes read with the light on, but there will be history codes set that can be read also.

Let us know what you get.

Or, like scnvsleep suggested, we can give you a list of every part that could turn that light on!! :dogpile:

ya i agree that you should get your codes read, or find a GM certified code reader for less than the price to get them read, at least at some places. That way you'll have it whenever you need it.

I added techron into a full gas tank, the bottle said only for 12 gallons so I'm assuming I need to add more. However, after that the engine didn't shut down abruptly since. The trans fluid was low, and I added enough to fill and it runs without the service engine soon light appearing at all.

Fixed? or should I still be worried... Guess I'll just keep an eye on it.