How to Troubleshoot When the Engine Malfunction Light Comes On?

[Makayla]

When the engine malfunction light comes on, there are the following scenarios: A yellow symbol light indicates an engine fault; a red symbol light indicates a severe engine fault. Here is more information about the engine malfunction light: Reset method: Simply pull out the fuse. Solutions for the engine malfunction light coming on: (1) Clean the engine: Once the engine malfunction light comes on, the car owner should promptly clean the carbon deposits inside the engine. (2) Improve fuel quality. (3) Use higher-grade gasoline: After cleaning the engine, the car owner can choose to use 95 or 97 octane gasoline.

[OEliana]

Last time my car's engine light came on, which was quite annoying, but I'm used to handling things myself. First, I locate the OBD diagnostic port and plug in a scanner to read the trouble codes, like P0171 indicating a lean fuel mixture or P0420 pointing to a faulty catalytic converter. Then I check basic items: Is the fuel cap tightened properly? Pull out the dipstick to see if the oil level is sufficient. If the air filter is clogged with dust, clean it or replace it with a new one. Don't rush to spend money at a repair shop—many issues stem from minor components like dirty or loose sensors, which can often be fixed by simply wiping them with a cloth or tightening them. Regular maintenance, such as changing the oil every 5,000 kilometers and adding fuel system cleaner, can prevent faults caused by carbon buildup. Pay extra attention if the car makes unusual noises or vibrates while driving to avoid escalating problems.

[VonArabella]

When the engine light on the dashboard suddenly comes on, I immediately pull over to ensure safety. Turn off the engine, wait a few minutes, and then restart. If the light remains on, drive slowly to a repair shop; if it goes off, it might just be a false alarm. Check for other warning lights such as overheating or low oil pressure. Safety first: avoid high-speed driving or sudden acceleration to prevent engine damage. Common causes to investigate include oxygen sensor failure or fuel system blockage. Simple troubleshooting methods include tightening the fuel cap or checking coolant levels. If inexperienced, directly contact towing services or visit a professional garage—don’t risk tampering with the vehicle yourself. Regular full vehicle inspections can help detect issues early.

[WalkerFitz]

The engine light on my old car has come on a few times. Experience tells me to first check if the fuel cap is screwed on properly—a simple and free step. For older cars, carbon buildup is a common cause for the light to come on; adding a bottle of fuel additive and driving on the highway often solves it. Issues with the oxygen sensor or catalytic converter are also common and can be confirmed by checking the trouble codes. Simple fixes like replacing worn-out spark plugs aren’t difficult to do yourself. The key is regular maintenance: changing the oil and keeping the filters clean, and not waiting until major problems arise to take action.