Is It Serious When the Dashboard Water Tap Light Turns Yellow?
3 Answers
The car's water tap symbol is an engine fault indicator. When the water tap symbol lights up yellow, it indicates an engine fault. Since it's a yellow light, the fault is not very severe. If it lights up red, it signifies a very serious issue that requires immediate stopping and inspection. If the problem cannot be identified, calling for roadside assistance is necessary. Below is more information about engine faults: 1. Introduction to Engine Faults: The engine fault signal is issued by the ECU (Engine Control Unit), which controls all electronic components of the engine, such as the electronic throttle, fuel injectors, alternator, fuel pump, etc., covering various systems including intake, exhaust, fuel, ignition, and timing. 2. Precautions When the Engine Fault Light Is On: When the engine fault light is on, if the coolant temperature gauge and oil pressure warning light are not activated, the vehicle can still be driven. However, it is essential to proceed with caution at a slow speed and seek the nearest auto repair shop for inspection. If the coolant temperature is too high or the oil pressure warning light is also on, and the vehicle's fault is noticeably felt, one should immediately pull over and request assistance.
Last time on the highway, I encountered this situation where the yellow check engine light was on. To be honest, I didn't feel any abnormalities while driving, but I was really worried the whole time. As soon as I got home, I drove straight to the 4S dealership. The technician smiled and said it was an exhaust fault code caused by the fuel cap not being tightened properly. He explained that a yellow light is a warning level, meaning you can still drive for a few days, but you should address it as soon as possible. However, if it's a red light, you must stop immediately. He suggested that when you see a yellow light, first check if the fuel cap is properly secured—this simple action can resolve about 30% of similar issues.
As someone who frequently deals with cars, I believe the check engine light (yellow) needs to be assessed case by case. Common causes include a dirty oxygen sensor, reduced catalytic converter efficiency, or excessive fuel impurities. Last time when helping my neighbor, we found the issue was caused by excessive spark plug gap leading to incomplete combustion. Although the yellow light doesn't mean immediate breakdown, long-term neglect may increase fuel consumption by 20% or even damage the catalytic converter. I recommend keeping an OBD scanner handy to read trouble codes - it's much more reliable than blind guessing.
