What are the common causes of emission system faults in new car engines?
4 Answers
Emission system faults in engines are generally caused by damage to the oxygen sensor in the three-way catalytic system or poisoning of the three-way catalytic converter due to poor fuel quality. When an emission system fault occurs, the vehicle's exhaust emissions will increase and exceed standards, while the engine's power performance will also decrease. Definition of three-way catalytic converter: The three-way catalytic converter is the most important external purification device installed in a vehicle's exhaust system. It converts harmful gases such as carbon monoxide (CO), hydrocarbons (HC), and nitrogen oxides (NOx) in vehicle exhaust into harmless carbon dioxide, water, and nitrogen through oxidation and reduction reactions. This converter is called 'three-way' because it simultaneously transforms three major harmful substances in exhaust gases into harmless substances. Solutions for engine emission faults: When the engine warning light illuminates, it alerts the owner to check the engine components. The emission system fault light will illuminate on the dashboard after the ECU detects and reads the fault code. When the engine fault indicator light comes on, the vehicle can still be driven, but it is best to promptly visit the nearest repair shop to diagnose and fix the faulty part, as there may be significant safety hazards if left unattended.
I just bought a new car and soon encountered the emission fault light coming on, which is really annoying. I looked it up online and found that this situation is quite common for new cars, mainly because the emission system is very sensitive. For example, the engine sensors are brand new and prone to false alarms, possibly due to the oxygen sensor detecting abnormal exhaust gases. Sometimes, using lower-quality gasoline during refueling can lead to incomplete combustion and excessive emissions. It could also be that the three-way catalytic converter hasn't been properly broken in, or there might be minor defects in the new car's components. My friend's car had the same issue last time, and it turned out to be caused by a loose air flow meter. My advice is not to panic immediately. Record the fault light pattern and take it to the 4S shop for a free inspection—new cars are usually covered under warranty for such issues. Additionally, regularly checking fuel quality and filling up at reputable gas stations can help prevent such problems.
When the emission malfunction indicator light comes on in a new car, it's definitely something to pay attention to. Based on cases I've encountered, this is often related to the engine management system, as new cars have many electronic components. Common causes include misalignment in the fuel injection system, where improperly calibrated fuel injectors lead to incorrect fuel mixture ratios; or issues with exhaust system sensors, such as unstable oxygen sensor signals sending erroneous data to the computer. Another possibility is that the ECU software requires an update, as the factory settings may not be fully optimized. I recommend not ignoring it, as ongoing emission issues can affect fuel consumption and power, and are detrimental to the car in the long run. When addressing the issue, it's best to use a diagnostic tool to read the fault codes to identify the specific cause before proceeding with repairs. Repair costs are lower under the new car warranty, but it's important to act promptly. In daily use, avoid frequent short trips and allow the engine to warm up fully to reduce carbon buildup.
New car emission faults may sound alarming, but they actually have various causes. It could be a false alarm from sensors, like minor issues with the air flow meter or temperature sensor. During the break-in period, components haven't fully adapted, making the emission system more vulnerable. Using fuel with impurities that causes incomplete combustion and excessive exhaust emissions can also trigger the warning light. I experienced a similar situation before - it turned out to be a false alarm caused by a loose fuel cap leaking air. Don't attempt DIY fixes since new cars require professional expertise; it's safer to take it to a 4S shop for inspection. They also reminded me to pay extra attention to emission-related maintenance during the first service to prevent this issue. Maintaining clean fuel quality and regular filter replacements are also important.
