What does service engine soon mean -exactly?

That is an emissions code. It means you have a small leak in one of the lines. Most likely it the line that goes from the engine to the evap canister in the drivers side rear inner fender well.

Disconnect the negative battery cable for 30 minutes. Reconnect after and the code will clear. However if the problem persists, the code will come back with in 20 miles or 30 minutes.

Was the oil changed?

disconnect battery. then turn on the ignition to drain the memory.turn back off .then reconnect the battery..

Please see my tip at http://www.fixya.com/cars/r5932051-check_engine_light_check. These are generic instructions. If you get stuck or need specific instructions for your car, please get back to me with model, year and engine info.

The computer or ECM constantly tests operation of all sensors and components. When any of the sensor signals is missing or out of normal range, the ECM sets a fault and illuminates the "Check Engine" or "Service Engine Soon" light also called MIL (Malfunction Indication Light) storing the corresponding Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) in the ECM memory.

The same happens if a mechanical component of controlled system fails. For example, mechanical problem inside the transmission also can turn the "check engine" light on. Even not properly closed gas cap will cause the "check engine" light to come on - the ECM constantly checks if the gas tank is sealed properly.

To sum up, when the "Check Engine" or "Service Engine Soon" light comes on and stays on, there is a problem with your vehicle. This could be a problem with the engine, transmission, or some emission-related component or system.

The stored trouble code can be retrieved with the special scan tool by the technician. The code itself does not tell exactly which part to replace, it only gives a direction where to look for - the technician has to perform certain tests specific for each code to find the exact cause of the problem.

Scanning for knowed exactly what fault code you have there.

Tell us news (remember rated this post).

This is one advise to possible fault code is in there; I suggest scanning your vehicle for knowed exactly the fault code in there.

Tell us news for other details.

Good luck.

i'd say you have a ground problem if you are burning up alternators... sorry if that don't help... i would have to see car to better appreciate problem.

You will need to get an OBD reading. to know exactly why the light came on. the light alone doesnt mean anything specific, hence the need for the OBD reading to understand why. Most mechanics will do this reading for free.

that tell u that something is wrong, get a scan tool an pull the code.