not a complete "emergency" but s soon as possible. no more than a few days.
With out knowing what code you have set, that question can not be answered. Some codes can be caused by failures that can be damaging to the engine.
It depends on the failure. It could be on immediately or it could take days.
The service engine soon light is on because the ECM (Engine Control Module) has detected something wrong with the system. Until the problem is fixed the light will remain on. Any attempt to reset the light without making repairs will result only in the light coming back on again. Have a trusted mechanic diagnose the problem for you soon. Waiting may cost you more in the long run.
A malfunction with the engines emission control system has been detected and requires service / repair . If the light stays on , and the problem doesn't correct itself after using the vehicle a few times , have it checked out . ( As long as the light isn't blinking , which indicates a engine cylinder misfire , and no other warning lights are on , and your engine temperature and oil pressure are O.K. etc. )
Get the car scanned and the codes should give you some guidance of where to start.
If the light is not flashing you can drive it until you can have it repaired. If the check engine light is flashing, park it. Otherwise you will do catastrophic damage to the catalytic converter costing several hundreds of dollars to replace.
A malfunction has been detected that is effecting the emission control systemIt could be anything from a loose gas cap , water in the fuel , a sensor etc.Use the vehicle a few times ( going from a cold start ) and if the problem doesn'tcorrect itself ( where the service engine light goes out ) have the Explorer scannedfor any trouble code(s) to help diagnose and then repair the problem( as long as your oil pressure is O.K. and your engine isn't overheating )PS - if the light is flashing on and off , that means an engine cylinder misfire has beendetected and should be repaired as soon as possible
When a O2 sensor goes bad the check engine light will illuminate. The code set in the ecm will lead you to which O2 sensor is bad.
service engine soon is a light that comes on when there is an emission related issue. if left for long period of time, can make the car run bad and sometimes cause other problems later ( may destroy catalytic converter)....
push the odometer button in, turn the key on, wait till the light goes out (could be a long time), turn the key off.
Get somebody to read the codes. there is a speed sensor that has to be replace in your vehicle and that is why the servie engine soon light come on because it is aware of the problem when the speed is jumping around.
Take it to a locale auto part store and tell them that you need to test to see why your check engine light is on. They will tell you how to operate their tester, then they will tell you what the code it gives you means. If it is something that needs to be fixed they can also tell you that. There are many diffrent reasons that the light will come on. Mine hasn't went off since I bought the car three years ago and I have had no major problems with it.