"Service Engine" Light

[zacharytrog]

Not a very technical question, but....

"Service Engine" light is on and my manual says it should be amber, but it is red. I understand that the service engine light itself is just an emissions reminder, but I also understand that red warning lights mean trouble. What is my Rover telling me?

 

[jasonmk12]

Go to Autozone in your area, tell the kid at the counter your check engine light is on and ask him to run the codes for you. He will give you a nice little print out with some codes on it. Bring the codes home, login to Dweb.org, search your life away for answers.

OR

Pony up and get a code reader so you can do this in your own home.

Im sure others might have more for you but I am pretty sure you can search for "Check Engine" or something similar and alot of information will come your way.

 

[HunterAK]

Is it flashing?

 

[zacharytrog]

Many apologies, forgot to include vehicle info - '94 Disco 1 that has separate "Check Engine" and "Service Engine" lights. "Check Engine" light is amber and the "Service Engine" light is red.

 

[zacharytrog]

No, not flashing.

 

[DiscoJen]

Service Engine is the emissions warning light. I believe there is an article in the TECH section explaining how to disable it in detail.

Basically, behind the passenger side foot kick panel on the right has a little green box. Underneath the Land Rover logo there is a little hidden hole. Stick a paper clip in there to trip the button and reset the switch. Or you can totally remove the box altogether and never have this seemingly worrisome light ever again.

Mine is currently located somewhere in the City of Tampa Waste Division land fill.

 

[DiscoJen]

Oh yeah, a code reader cannot reset or read the red Service Engine Light, those are only good for OBD compliant Check Engine Light stuff.

 

[zacharytrog]

I am confused that the light is red instead of amber. I thought the general rule was red was big trouble and amber was a fix it at your next best opportunity. Also, there is the fact that the Disco owners manual says the light is amber when mine is clearly not.

 

[barefoot]

the red "service engine light" in the instrument panel is as stated above...a service engine reminder...reset it like jen explained-no biggie. you are confusing it with the orange/amber "check engine" light on obd2 models. big trouble is indicated when this light is flashing.

i could be wrong but i dont think pre 96's have the orange/amber check engine light in the instrument panel. your check engine light (which is a red light on obd1 models (pre-96)) is under the passenger seat and not in the dash.

someone correct me if i am wrong!

 

[kferg]

I beleive for the '94 it is under the front passenger seat. That is where it is on my '95. I had to reset this a little over a year ago. It's behind the kick pannel after the '95

 

[DiscoJen]

I beleive for the '94 it is under the front passenger seat. That is where it is on my '95. I had to reset this a little over a year ago. It's behind the kick pannel after the '95

You and Barefoot are indeed correct. Under the seat for check engine codes.

 

[zacharytrog]

Thanks for the info. I was concerned simply because of what color the warning light is. Looks like all of you also have a red "service engine" light. Guess I just have to get over the fact that my manual is misleading. By the way, my '94 definitely has an amber "check engine" warning light in the instrument panel - I have had to have it turned off several times.

 

[barefoot]

I just have to get over the fact that my manual is misleading.

yup, the manual wants you to shit a golden brick over it and than take the brick directly to the dealer.....

it is just a service reminder.

 

[The_Tech_Son]

Module in my 94 Disco is BROWN w/ RED plug (under passenger seat)

 

[The_Tech_Son]

Also.... You are not resetting a button, but bridging a gap between two aluminum pins, so a paperclip point won't work if the pins have been bent. Bend the paperclip with a pair of needlenose pliers so that the tip has a small "L" shape to it. Then poke it gently through the hole and slowly probe for the pins (about 1/8" down). Once you have "shorted out" the unit, it will reset, UNLESS the battery inside the module is depleted, then you either need to get a new module (waste of money and time, but I'm giving all options) or disconnect it as mentioned in a previous reply.

It makes no sense that the minor situation engine light is red, and
The MAJOR problem light is amber, but
I guess that's why we've had to save their asses, not once, but
TWICE.