Service Vehicle Soon Light

[Hoppy2]

Hi All,

2001 G/Am. 2.4 Litre. What are the possible causes for the Service Vehicle Soon light to come on now and again? It is not on all the time, only sometimes.

This I know is not the check engine light, in which you can pull the codes with a hand held scanner. Is there anyway to check the codes?

THanks.

[cboy2us]

Yes, this is pretty much the check engine light, It should be treated the same way, and the codes will be able to be read with a scanner. Most auto part stores should do this for free. There are so many things to throw this light, it is really hard to begin to try to diagnose it without any other symptoms, I recommend you take it and have it scanned asap. This will either pin point the problem, or give everyone something to go by.




I stand corrected

[BNaylor]

Originally Posted by cboy2us

Yes, this is pretty much the check engine light, It should be treated the same way, and the codes will be able to be read with a scanner. Most auto part stores should do this for free. There are so many things to throw this light, it is really hard to begin to try to diagnose it without any other symptoms, I recommend you take it and have it scanned asap. This will either pin point the problem, or give everyone something to go by.

The SES/CEL - check engine light and the service vehicle soon - SVS lights are not the same and should not be confused. The SVS indicates other issues such as ABS braking/traction control, DRL and other body/chassis components or issues. A scan tool capable of reading and retrieving body/chasis/ABS DTCs is required. The ones at the auto parts stores are just odb-ii scanners or code readers used for emissions and engine controls so really not helpful in diagnosing the OP's issue.

[Hoppy2]

Are there any cronic typical problems that many people have with this car that causes the SVS light to come on? It is my mothers car and I will not see it for a week or so. I would like to just check out whatever could make the light come on and see if I can fix it without goign to the shop.

[BNaylor]

Originally Posted by GTP Dad

If the light comes on and goes off it could be any number of things. It could be a loose gas cap, an intermittant misfire and a host of other things. Try to check the code when the light is on. If you get a code post it here and someone will be glad to help you out.

I disagree Lynn. The SVS (SERVICE VEHICLE SOON) light has nothing to do with emissions or engine misfires. It triggers due to body/chassis/ ABS issues. Even a burnt out headlamp will set the SVS light.


The SVS light can be caused by Daytime Running Lights (DRL) (possible defective DRL module) and/or the auto headlight system/light control malfunctioning. Sometimes a burned out headlamp or brake lights. And an ABS braking/traction control issue like a bad hub bearing/wheel sensor but this will normally be accompanied with the ABS and Trac off fault lights.

[xeroinfinity]

I would add if the SVS light is on constant thier is a problem somewhere. Some free scans might pick up a generic dtc and we could possibly decipher it for you.

One other thing, does this GA have a sun roof ??

But the random off and on is usualy a low or high beam burnt out in one of the headlights or a tail light out.

[BNaylor]

Even a BCM (body control module) issue could trigger the SVS light. The BCM is the brain of the operation and is the primary component along with the IPC (Instrument Panel Cluster) that monitors and/or triggers the SVS light. Whatever scan tool is used it must be able to retrieve and readout BCM codes like B1XXX, B2XXX, etc. and do a proper translation or you'll be out in left field. Lighting issues are the most common and easiest items to look at that cause the SVS light.

[Hoppy2]

No, this car is not equipped with a sunroof.

I will start with the obvious. I will check the lights first and see what I come up with.

Thanks.