1997 Ford Taurus service engine soon light is on?

Question

My boyfriend has a 1997 Ford Taurus and it has always given him problems but he needs it to take him to and from work until he can get a new car. Anywho, today he had hardly any gas and he had to drive to a job site. He made it to the job but he pretty much had no gas. He just got off work and just now cashed his check and put gas in his car. But while he was driving to the gas station the Service Engine Soon light came on and has stayed on. Does the fact that he had no gas in his car have to do with the light coming on? What are the reasons for the light to come on besides oil change? He says his car seems fine. It isn't acting funny or anything. Sorry if I can't give good details or anything but I don't know about cars just trying to help my boyfriend out. So help please?

Answer 1

probably a coincidence that the service engine soon light came on, it is the Check Engine that you should worry about coming on, you can ignore the SES light, it is a maintenance reminder only!

Answer 2

Service engine soon light comes on when;

Tune-up time

Clogged fuel filter

Oil change

Sparkplugs going bad

If it were of low gas, the low gas light would come on.

Answer 3

Have him take it to an Autozone or something and have them run the codes. It may be nothing or it may be something important. But have them check it out.