Chevy Monte Carlo Service Vehicle Light

2000 CHEVY MONTE CARLO 3800 V6. SERVICE ENGINE SOON codes = A SCAN FOUND NO CODES Repairs done prior = ENGINE WAS CLEANED, FRONT HUB ASSEMBLIES WERE CHANGED.

Question:
THE SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT IS ON, BUT THERE ARE NO TROUBLE CODES SHOWING UP ON THE SCAN TOOL. I AM THINKING THIS IS THE REMINDER. TO HAVE THE ROUTINE SERVICE DONE. HOW IS THIS RESET?

Answer:
These vehicles do not have a routine service light or indicator, nor does it use the service engine light for that purpose. I assume the scanner is working properly and has been checked on another vehicle for its function. To clarify, is this the service ENGINE light, or the service VEHICLE light?

VISITOR REPLY:
It is the "service vehicle soon" message. Thanks.

Answer:
There are many different computer systems on todays cars. The service ENGINE indicator is strictly powertrain computer related. Service VEHICLE codes are stored in the body control module. The service VEHICLE indicator can be caused by several different systems. Anything from vehicle lighting, to theft system, to body control module(BCM) to ABS (but usually an ABS light as well), powertrain non-emissions related codes, or communications problems between any of these computers.

Most inexpensive scanners only read the powertrain computer. In order to read codes that set a service VEHICLE light, you would need a higher level scanner that can read BCM codes, as well as ABS and others if needed. About the only thing that can be done without having the BCM scanned is to be sure to check all fuses.

VISITOR:
THE RADIO WORKED FINE UNTIL I CHANGED THE BATTERY. NOW IT IS LOCKED. HOW DO I UNLOCK IT.

Answer:
With a radio replacement, this may very well be the cause of your service vehicle light. After replacing a radio, the system must be set up with a dealer scanner. Audio system option, VIN #, etc, need to be set up in the radio and the BCM. If not done, this will cause several different body codes, and is most likely the cause of your service vehicle light. If the radio just displays LOC, then you need a Radio Unlock Code.

Question:
I have a 2001 Monte carlo and my interior lights won't cut off unless i disconnect the battery. It runs my battery down.

Answer:
I've seen many problems like the one you're having with your car. What's happening is that the Body Control Module has an internal failure or short and is keeping certain electrical circuits powered up. You will need to have the Body Control Module replaced. It is located under the dash on the left side. You must have this repair performed at a dealership because it will need to be programmed and set up to your particular vehicle. A regular repair shop cannot do this.

2002 Chevy Malibu Service Vehicle Soon codes- None.
Repairs done prior = Front bumper replaced from wreck. Had complete service done yesterday.
Question
Service Soon Light came on. Had complete service done at reputable shop. Light doesn't go off. Thanks!

Answer:
The 'service vehicle soon' light is different from the 'service engine' light. There are many things that can cause the service vehicle light to come on. This light is for non-emissions related items. Things that can cause this light to come on can be anything from exterior lighting, interior lighting, a/c problems, power window or seats, or any of the other body control systems. You will need to have the body controller(BCM) scanned for codes in order to determine which system is having a problem.

Question: 2001 Chevy Monte Carlo SS service vehicle soon message appeared and went away. Curious what caused it.
 Answer: That light usually comes on for an ABS or Traction problem, or the body control module sees a problem. The only way to tell is to get the body control module scanned for codes.

Okay. It happened after the car wouldn't start after a couple tries, despite starter working fine. Then it started and showed the message. Drove a couple miles, stopped, started again just fine without code. Think its just a glitch?
 Hmm. it may be that the Body control module (BCM) saw a problem in the anti-theft system. That might also explain why the car did not start.

Ooohhh. Well that sucks. Electrical issues can be difficult sometimes. Thanks for the info! Just was hoping my engine wasn't going to explode soon or something ?
 No, not explode. But, you may start having more problems with the anti-theft system. Just search our site for "passlock" and you should find several articles about the common problems.

Question: Hi Guys 1 st I want to thank You 4 the help In Questions I have asked. Here is a tip that I found by mistake. On my 93 Mazda van MVP & my girl-friends 2003 Ford van. The orange engine light same on . So I dis-conned the Batt. 4 a few Hrs. The light stayed off after hooking up the battery. I thought that saved me a lot of time & money?May-be this is worth trying Before a guy spends time looking for Problems?