Can You Still Drive When the Engine Yellow Light Is On?
2 Answers
If the engine yellow light is on but there are no other abnormalities in the car, it is still possible to drive; however, if symptoms such as severe shaking or lack of acceleration occur, it is not recommended to continue driving. Continuing to drive may worsen the fault, damage the engine, or cause other malfunctions. There are two scenarios when the engine yellow light is on: 1. When the car's power is turned on, the vehicle performs a self-check. During this time, not only the engine yellow light but also other fault lights will illuminate and then turn off together, which is a normal phenomenon; 2. After the car is started, the engine fault yellow light remains on, which is the ECU indicating that there is a fault in the engine, and this is an abnormal phenomenon.
As a veteran driver with twenty years of experience, I've seen the check engine light come on many times. A yellow engine light usually signals an issue with the emissions system or a minor component failure, which is generally not serious and allows you to keep driving, but with caution. If the car has no strange noises, shaking, or loss of power, you can drive slowly to a repair shop, avoiding high speeds or long distances. Common causes include a faulty oxygen sensor, a loose gas cap, or poor electrical connections. For example, last month my car's check engine light came on, and after driving it in for inspection, I found it was due to an aging sensor—fixed for just a hundred bucks. Remember, don't delay too long, as minor issues can worsen, affecting emissions or even causing the vehicle to fail emissions tests. Address it promptly for safety and cost savings.
