How to Solve the Engine Malfunction Light Issue?
2 Answers
If the engine malfunction light is on, you can follow these steps to address the issue: First, check if the engine is running normally and whether there are issues such as shaking or black smoke. If any of these problems exist, avoid restarting the engine. Note: Never restart the engine if the light is red. If the engine can be started, turn it off and wait for 5-10 minutes. Then, without pressing the brake, press the start button once or turn the key halfway to the 'on' position without depressing 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 light remains on, visit a service center as soon as possible to diagnose the issue. The service center can use a portable diagnostic tool to read the fault code, identify the problem, and perform targeted repairs. The engine malfunction light resembles a water tap icon and comes in two colors: yellow and red. A yellow light indicates a warning, while a red light signifies a prohibition. When the yellow light is on, it means some system parameters may be outside the set range, and the car can still be driven, though some functions may be limited. If the red light is on, the car must be stopped immediately, the engine turned off, and driving must not continue until the fault is checked. Common causes for the engine malfunction light to illuminate include: sensor failure, fuel quality issues, poor combustion of the air-fuel mixture, turbocharging problems, intake issues, exhaust problems, or anti-theft system malfunctions.
Sigh, that sudden check engine light popping up is really a headache. I remember last year when I first encountered it, I was so scared I pulled over immediately to check the manual. My advice is don’t panic—it’s probably not a catastrophic failure. Try the simplest two tricks first: turn off the engine and restart the car to see if the light goes away, then check if the fuel cap is tightened properly. If the light stubbornly stays on, you’ll really need to read the trouble codes. I’ve used this Bluetooth OBD scanner that costs just a few bucks—plug it into the port under the driver’s seat, and you can read specific trouble codes like P0420, which usually points to a catalytic converter issue. But if you’re not confident in your DIY skills, just heading to the repair shop is the easiest option—the mechanics don’t even need us to buy our own diagnostic tool.
