How to Resolve the Constant Illumination of the Engine Malfunction Light?
4 Answers
If the engine malfunction light is on, you can follow these steps: First, check whether the engine is running normally and whether there are issues such as shaking or emitting black smoke. If so, try not to start the engine again. Specifically, do not start the engine if the red light is on. If the engine can be started, 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 after powering on. Wait for 5-10 seconds and observe whether the malfunction light on the dashboard turns off. If the malfunction light does not turn off, visit a service station as soon as possible to diagnose the issue. The service station can use a portable diagnostic tool to read the fault code, obtain fault information, and perform targeted repairs. There are mainly seven reasons for the engine malfunction light to illuminate: Sensor malfunction: The sensors mentioned here include those for coolant temperature, crankshaft position, air flow, intake temperature, and oxygen. When these sensors are damaged, have poor contact, or their signals are interrupted, the car's ECU cannot accurately obtain engine data, which will trigger the engine malfunction light. Fuel or oil quality issues: If the fuel or engine oil is not added as required by the manufacturer, it may cause engine wear and trigger the malfunction light. Poor combustion of the air-fuel mixture: Poor combustion can lead to engine carbon buildup or knocking. When detected by the oxygen sensor and reported to the ECU, the malfunction light will illuminate as a warning. Issues such as faulty spark plugs, ignition coils, fuel pumps, or clogged fuel lines can all cause poor combustion of the air-fuel mixture. Turbocharging issues: Problems with the intake boost pipes or turbocharger can also trigger the engine malfunction light. The most common issue 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 issues: If the car's intake system has problems, it may lead to clogged engine pipes, and in severe cases, trigger the engine malfunction light. A dirty air filter that is not cleaned regularly can cause intake issues. Exhaust issues: Exhaust system faults can also trigger the engine malfunction light. Common causes include faults in the rear oxygen sensor, catalytic converter, exhaust camshaft, or bearings, with the catalytic converter being the most frequent issue. Using leaded gasoline, lead- or silicon-based lubricant additives, physical damage to the catalytic converter, or fuel system faults can easily cause catalytic converter problems. Anti-theft system malfunction: If the car's electronic anti-theft system malfunctions or if the anti-theft controller does not match the engine's electronic controller, the anti-theft system can prevent the engine from operating normally and trigger the malfunction light.
Last time my check engine light came on, it made me constantly worry about major breakdowns while driving. As someone who frequently takes long-distance trips, I immediately pulled over to check. I bought an OBD scanner to read the trouble codes and found it was an oxygen sensor failure causing incomplete combustion. I promptly went to a repair shop to replace the new sensor. The mechanic said if I had delayed, it could have damaged the catalytic converter, which would have been much more expensive to fix. I recommend everyone to pull over safely when the light comes on, check the codes promptly to address minor issues. Using quality fuel and regular maintenance can prevent such failures. Safety first - never take chances with your engine.
My car also frequently has the engine warning light on. As a seasoned driver with 10 years of experience, I believe we should first check the basics: it could be due to poor fuel quality or a clogged air filter. Once, I encountered this issue after refueling with low-quality gasoline, which caused sensor misreporting, and it was resolved after cleaning the fuel system. If the light stays on persistently, never ignore it—get it diagnosed accurately by reading the fault codes at a professional shop as soon as possible. Experience tells me that an engine warning light is no small matter; it can easily trigger a chain reaction, such as increased carbon deposits damaging the pistons. Regular oil changes and avoiding overloading can help minimize such troubles. Drive safely and address car repairs promptly.
My engine warning light has come on several times, each time being a minor issue. As a hands-on young car owner, I used a mobile app connected to an OBD device to read the codes and found that one time it was a spark plug issue, which was fixed by replacing it. The light might be triggered by sensor malfunctions or fuel line blockages, often repairable with simple maintenance. Ignoring it could lead to risks like engine overheating and stalling. I suggest beginners not to panic—buying a code reader to diagnose the problem yourself saves money and hassle.
