Turning off the “Service Engine Soon” light typically involves either resetting the vehicle’s computer or addressing the underlying diagnostic issue. Here are common, general methods you can try, followed by a note on when to seek professional help. Direct reset methods (may work on some vehicles)

• Vehicle off, ignition in the accessory position: With the driver’s door open, press and hold the trip odometer/reset button, then turn the ignition to the “on” position (accessory lights on). Hold for about 20–30 seconds and release. Turn the car off, then start it again to see if the light is gone. This works on certain models that use a built-in reset sequence.
• Battery disconnect reset: With the car off, disconnect the negative battery terminal, wait 10–15 minutes, reconnect, and then start the engine. This can reset the ECU and clear the light on some vehicles. Note: this may reset other systems and trigger the need to re-enter radio codes or set clock/time.
• Ignition cycling with pedal procedure (model-specific): Some cars respond to turning the key to “on” three times in quick succession while pressing the accelerator pedal fully to floor on the third cycle. If your model supports this, it may clear the light after cycling ignition.

ODDly you should know

• If the light returns after a reset, there is likely a fault detected by the onboard diagnostics system (OBD-II). The light can come back due to anything from a loose gas cap to a more serious engine or emissions issue.
• Clearing codes without addressing the root cause may lead to the light returning, or in some jurisdictions, emissions testing issues.

When to seek professional help

• The Service Engine Soon light returns after a reset or remains on after attempting a reset.
• The check engine symptom is accompanied by reduced performance, rough idle, stalling, poor fuel economy, unusual noises, or warning lights for other systems.
• Your vehicle is under warranty or you’re unsure about the proper reset procedure for your exact make and model.

If you’d like, provide your car’s make, model, year, and whether the light is classed as “Service Engine Soon” or “Check Engine,” and whether you’ve already tried any reset steps. I can tailor model-specific steps and guidance on safely diagnosing the issue or determining whether a dealership scan is advisable.