Service engine light 2000 Pontiac gran am came on what could this mean?

Answer 1

It can mean several hundred (yes!) different things, some very problematic, others trivial. It does mean that some mechanic somewhere is going to make a few bucks, because you are going to have to take your car there. The mechanic will hook up a scanner to read the problem code of your car's computer, which will say in what area the problem is. Then the mechanic may be able to diagnose the problem. Serious: it could be that your car has low oil pressure, which can cause major problems, or serious transmission problems. Trivial: Recently my car had a check engine light, mechanic found "EVAP" code suggesting something wrong with the fuel system. Yeah, the gas cap was a little loose (I never turn it until it clicks). Tightening cap resolved problem, but mechanic still had to undo the code. Anyway, the carmakers/mechanics have us by the short hairs. If you choose to cover the light with electrical tape you risk major damage to the car.