Hello,
I'm considering buying a 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer SE. Everything seemed fine but recently I found a video online of the car I am considering and in the video the service engine soon light is on but when I've seen the car in person it is no longer on. Does the service engine soon light serve the same purpose as a check engine light? Or is the service engine soon light a reminder for routine maintenance? Does the 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer have one light for all issues with the engine or are there two separate lights, one for routine maintenance and one for engine problems? Thank you for your help!

 

The engine service soon indicator is totally separate from the check engine kight, and can be turned off by the owner quite easily, so you cannot assume the vehicle has been serviced correctly.

 

So then there are 2 lights, one for "Check Engine" and one for "Service Engine Soon"? So does the Service Engine Soon light reflect major issues or just routine service? I don't mind having to do some routine service, but I don't want to have to do Engine work or replacement.

 

Ifs this light is a “Check Engine Light”. Connect a scanner (in the OBD) and see what’s the problem.

The “Periodic Inspection” is like a “Maintenance Required”, that’s how I see it.