How to Solve the Engine Malfunction Light Issue?
4 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.
A veteran driver with twenty years of experience tells you, I don't even hit the brakes hard when the engine light comes on. Last week, I drove thirty kilometers to the repair shop with the light on. You've got to learn to listen for coughing-like vibrations and smell for pungent exhaust fumes—these tell you more than the yellow light itself. I always keep half a bottle of fuel additive in my car; when the light comes on, I add a can and run two tanks of gas through it. Remember that time I got bad fuel at the gas station? The light came on instantly, and it took two bottles of additive to get it under control. If you're handy, you can check the air filter and vacuum tubes for cracks yourself—that's what all the guys in our fleet do.
Don't rush to the dealership when the yellow check engine light comes on – they'll rip you off. Back when I worked as a mechanic, nothing pissed me off more than seeing customers waste money. Here's a money-saving trifecta: First, go to an auto parts market and spend 20 yuan to read the fault codes (80 yuan cheaper than repair shops), then search the codes yourself. Next, check the most failure-prone part – the oxygen sensor (follow the exhaust pipe to the threaded connection and look for oil stains). Finally, switch to 95-octane gas from a different station and drive for two days. Last time I helped my neighbor with this, we discovered the gas station's pump filter screen was broken, causing abnormal fuel pressure. Oh, and always keep an OBD code-clearing cable handy – if the light stays off for two weeks after resetting, you're golden.
