How to Eliminate the Illuminated Engine Fault Light?

[Lillian]

If the engine fault light is illuminated, you can follow these steps to address the issue: First, check whether the engine is operating normally. Look for issues such as shaking, black smoke emission, or difficulty starting. If any of these symptoms are present, avoid restarting the engine. Note: If the light is red, do not restart the engine under any circumstances. If the engine is running normally and the vehicle can be driven, proceed to a service center as soon as possible to diagnose the problem. A service center can easily read the fault codes using a portable diagnostic tool, allowing for targeted repairs based on the fault information. If the engine is functioning normally, the owner can also try gently reconnecting various wiring harness connectors, as a loose connection might be the cause. Alternatively, repeatedly turning the key to the ON position may help eliminate the light. Generally, the illumination of the engine fault light can be attributed to the following seven main causes: Sensor Malfunction: Sensors such as those for coolant temperature, crankshaft position, air flow, intake temperature, and oxygen sensors may become damaged, have poor connections, or lose signal transmission. When the car's ECU cannot accurately obtain engine data, the engine fault light will illuminate. Fuel or Oil Quality Issues: Failure to use the fuel or oil specified by the manufacturer may lead to engine wear, triggering the fault light. Poor Combustion of Air-Fuel Mixture: Inefficient combustion can cause engine carbon buildup or knocking. When detected by the oxygen sensor and reported to the ECU, the fault light will activate as a warning. Issues such as faulty spark plugs, ignition coils, fuel pumps, or clogged fuel lines can lead to poor combustion. Turbocharger Problems: Issues with the intake boost piping or turbocharger can also trigger the engine fault light. The most common issue is turbocharger damage, often accompanied by symptoms such as oil leaks, excessive oil consumption, reduced power, metallic noises, or blue/black smoke from the exhaust. Intake System Issues: Blockages in the engine’s intake system can lead to serious problems, including illumination of the fault light. A dirty or uncleaned air filter can cause intake problems. Exhaust System Issues: Exhaust-related faults can also trigger the engine fault light. Common causes include faults in the rear oxygen sensor, catalytic converter, exhaust camshaft, or bearings. The catalytic converter is particularly prone to issues, which can arise from using leaded gasoline, lead- or silicon-based lubricant additives, physical damage to the converter, or fuel system malfunctions. Anti-Theft System Malfunction: If the vehicle’s electronic anti-theft system fails or if there is a mismatch between the anti-theft controller and the engine control unit, the engine may not operate correctly, and the fault light will illuminate.