Service Engine Soon

[Tom F&L GoR]

It is very likely an OBD-II message indicating some part of the emissions system is not working normally. It does not necessarily affect performance nor is it necessarily bad for the engine.

Turn the key from off to run to off to run to off to run and leave it there until all the dash lights go out. The yellow check engine light will eventually flash two-digit code numbers. It may take you a few times because you'll have to figure out how long between flashing lights for the second digit. I think the last code is always 55.

Then post the results. Someone with a '97 service manual can look up the diagnostic code and give you a good idea of what the problem is. The dash message will only go as far as "O2 sensor"; the dealer will plug it in and know that it's the "left downstream O2 sensor heater."

 

[JonB]

Check your gas cap. Tighten it. Light will go out in 4 run cycles. Thats if you are lucky.

Miles on car? O-2 sensors wear out....go bad.

One or more plug / wire could be fouling an 0-2. Plugs / wires cause a host of ills, not obvious. Change plugs 7500-9000 miles, wires at 15000 miles. 1992-94 even sooner the first time. Those OE wires are acknowledged junk.

 

[Russ M]

Remove the ECU cover and unplug the computer for 15 min. If it is a real situation where dealer involvement is needed than the light will come on. However as mine did the same thing, after performing the procedure it never came back.

There may be a service reminder in the viper ecu, as mine came on at exactly 8000.