SERVICE VEHICLE message in odometer
 

There has been a lot of confusion regarding the lights/messages alerting drivers of problems with their vehicles. The yellow icon showing an engine has been called the check engine light (CEL) and the malfunction indicator light (MIL). The yellow wrench icon is called the service vehicle light, and isn't seen on many vehicles. However, when someone sees and submits a question on a 'SERVICE VEHICLE' message, they are probably not referring to these icons.

In the Ion FSM, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) are classified by type. Type A or Type B, when set, illuminate the malfunction indicator light (MIL) -- also known as the check engine light. Type C and Type D, when set, do not illuminate the MIL. Additionally, when a Type C DTC is set, the 'driver information center' may display a message. The driver information center is the instrument panel cluster, including the portion of the odometer that can display a variety of messages such as COOLANT, CHANGE OIL, SERVICE VEHICLE, etc.

According to the chart in the FSM for the Ion, the only Type C DTCs in the PCM portion (Pxxxx) are P0520, P0630, P1626, P1630, and P1631. The latter four have to do with the theft deterrent system, so they will illuminate the yellow key/lock light.

P0520 is 'engine oil pressure sensor/switch CIRCUIT malfunction'. For P0520 the 'driver information center' display is SERVICE VEHICLE in the trip odometer portion of the odometer. I could find no other reason on the chart for this message to be displayed. (If the oil pressure is too low, the red oil pressure light will illuminate.)

To clear the SERVICE VEHICLE message from the display, press and hold the trip odometer reset button while the message is displayed. It will go away until the next time you start the vehicle, if the issue is still present.

There is a very good discussion of this DTC, what triggers it, and what can be done to troubleshoot and resolve it at DTC P0520

Thanks for that information, Tony. I'm sure it will come in handy if people will just read it. Too many want instant gratification and don't take the time to read these things.