Can the Magotan still be driven when the engine malfunction indicator is on?
3 Answers
The engine malfunction indicator comes in two colors: yellow and red. When the yellow indicator is on, you can continue driving, but when the red indicator is on, you must stop driving immediately. When the yellow indicator is on, it serves as a warning, indicating that certain system parameters in the vehicle may have exceeded the set range. The car can still be driven, but some functions may be limited. When the red indicator is on, it means the issue is severe. The vehicle must be stopped immediately, the engine turned off, and driving must not continue. The cause of the fault should be checked. There are seven main reasons why the engine malfunction indicator may light up: 1. Sensor failure: This includes sensors such as coolant temperature, crankshaft position, air flow, intake temperature, and oxygen sensors. If these sensors are damaged, have poor connections, or their signals are interrupted, the car's ECU cannot accurately obtain engine data, triggering the malfunction indicator. 2. Fuel or oil quality issues: If fuel or engine oil not specified by the manufacturer is used, it may cause engine wear and trigger the malfunction indicator. 3. Poor combustion of the air-fuel mixture: This can lead to engine carbon buildup or knocking. When detected by the oxygen sensor and reported to the ECU, the malfunction indicator will light up as a warning. Causes include faulty spark plugs, ignition coils, fuel pumps, or clogged fuel lines. 4. Turbocharger issues: Problems with the intake boost system or turbocharger can trigger the malfunction indicator. The most common issue is a damaged turbocharger, often accompanied by symptoms like oil leaks, excessive oil consumption, reduced power, metallic noises, or blue/black smoke from the exhaust. 5. Intake issues: If the car's intake system is compromised, it may lead to clogged engine passages, potentially triggering the malfunction indicator. A dirty or uncleaned air filter can cause intake problems. 6. Exhaust issues: Exhaust system faults can also trigger the malfunction indicator. Common causes include faulty rear oxygen sensors, catalytic converters, exhaust camshafts, or bearings. The catalytic converter is the most frequent culprit, often damaged by leaded gasoline, improper lubricant additives, physical impacts, or fuel system issues. 7. Anti-theft system malfunction: If the car's electronic anti-theft system fails or the anti-theft controller does not match the engine ECU, the engine may not operate correctly, and the malfunction indicator will light up. If the engine malfunction indicator lights up, follow these steps: 1. First, check if the engine is running normally. If there are issues like shaking or smoke, avoid restarting the engine. Never restart if the red indicator is on. 2. If the engine can start, turn it off for 5-10 minutes. Then, without pressing the brake, press the start button once or turn the key halfway to the 'ON' position (without pressing the clutch). The car will perform a self-check. Wait 5-10 seconds to see if the malfunction indicator turns off. 3. If the indicator remains on, visit a service center as soon as possible. Technicians can use a diagnostic tool to read the fault code, identify the issue, and perform targeted repairs.
I'm an experienced driver, and I strongly advise you to stop immediately and call for roadside assistance. This warning light is like a fever alarm—when it comes on, it means your engine is crying for help. Last time I drove my friend's Magotan, the light came on and then I heard a rattling noise. At the repair shop, they found two cylinders were scored after disassembly. If you keep driving stubbornly, at the very least your catalytic converter will be ruined, or worse, you could blow a piston. Last year, a car owner delayed repairs and ended up spending over 40,000 yuan to replace the entire engine. Modern cars have protection programs—when the light comes on, the power output weakens as a warning. Never try to drive to the repair shop; calling a tow truck is the safest option. Saving a few thousand on repairs is secondary—breaking down on the highway midway is far too dangerous.
Having repaired Volkswagen cars for ten years, I've seen this warning light too many times. If it's a yellow light flashing slowly, you can still drive slowly to get it checked. But if it's a red light staying on, you must stop immediately. First, open the hood and smell for any burnt odor, then touch the exhaust pipe to see if it's vibrating. Last time, I encountered a Magotan with a faulty oxygen sensor—the owner kept driving for 200 kilometers, and the exhaust pipe turned red-hot. Nowadays, the car's onboard system is quite smart; just connect it to a computer with a 5053 cable, and you can read the fault codes right away. Common issues include leaking exhaust valves, spark plug breakdowns, or insufficient fuel pump pressure. You could still drive if you insist, but keep the speed under 60 km/h, and shut off the engine immediately if the temperature gauge rises. Repairs aren't actually expensive—replacing a solenoid valve costs just a few hundred bucks. But forcing it to run might lead to a costly transmission overhaul.
