How to Eliminate the Illuminated Engine Fault Light?

[DelCarlos]

If the engine fault light is illuminated, you can follow these steps to address the issue: First, check whether the engine is running normally. Look for issues such as shaking, black smoke emission, or difficulty starting. If any of these problems are present, avoid restarting the engine. Particularly, if the light is red, do not attempt to start the engine again. If the engine is running normally and the vehicle can be driven, proceed to a service station as soon as possible to diagnose the issue. The service station can easily read the fault codes using a portable diagnostic tool, obtaining specific fault information for targeted repairs. If the engine is running 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: This includes sensors such as the coolant temperature sensor, crankshaft position sensor, air flow sensor, intake temperature sensor, and oxygen sensor. When these sensors are damaged, have poor connections, or their signals are interrupted, the vehicle's ECU cannot accurately obtain engine data, triggering the engine fault light. Fuel or Oil Quality Issues: Failure to use the fuel or oil specified by the manufacturer may cause engine wear, leading to the illumination of the fault light. Poor Combustion of Air-Fuel Mixture: Poor combustion can result in engine carbon buildup or knocking. When detected by the oxygen sensor and reported to the ECU, the fault light will illuminate as a warning. Issues such as faulty spark plugs, ignition coils, fuel pumps, or clogged fuel lines can cause poor combustion of the air-fuel mixture. Turbocharger Problems: Issues with the intake boost piping or turbocharger can also trigger the engine fault light. The most common problem is a damaged turbocharger, accompanied by symptoms such as oil leaks, excessive oil consumption, reduced power, metallic noises, or blue/black smoke from the exhaust. Intake Problems: If the vehicle's intake system is compromised, it may lead to blocked engine pipes, which can, in severe cases, cause the engine fault light to illuminate. A dirty air filter that hasn't been cleaned regularly can also lead to intake issues. Exhaust Problems: Exhaust system faults can also trigger the engine fault light. Common causes include faulty rear oxygen sensors, catalytic converters, exhaust camshafts, or bearings. The catalytic converter is the most frequent culprit. Using leaded gasoline, lead- or silicon-based lubricant additives, physical damage to the catalytic converter, or fuel system malfunctions can easily lead to catalytic converter failure. 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 electronic controller, the anti-theft system can prevent the engine from operating normally, accompanied by the illumination of the engine fault light.