The main reasons for the engine malfunction indicator light being on can be categorized into two situations: One is the presence of engine system faults such as: sensor issues, car maintenance problems, fuel quality problems, poor combustion of the air-fuel mixture, engine intake problems, turbocharging problems, exhaust problems, and issues with the anti-theft system. The other is the engine self-check during car startup, but in this case, the light will turn off after the self-check is completed. If the engine malfunction indicator light remains on for a long time, it is advisable to promptly visit a repair station for troubleshooting. Below is a detailed explanation of each type of fault: Sensor problems: Sensors include coolant temperature, crankshaft position, air flow, intake temperature, oxygen sensors, etc. When these sensors are damaged, have poor contact, or signal interruption occurs, the car's ECU cannot accurately obtain engine data, which will cause the engine malfunction indicator light to turn on. In such cases, it is recommended to seek professional inspection at a repair center to eliminate potential safety hazards in a timely manner. Maintenance problems: Poor engine maintenance is the most common cause of the engine malfunction light turning on. Vehicles have specific maintenance cycles, and if maintenance is not performed on schedule, coupled with poor driving habits, it will increase the burden on the engine, eventually causing the engine malfunction light to turn on to alert the owner of a fault. Fuel quality problems: The fuel quality here includes both fuel and engine oil. The fuel added to a car usually has a specific grade, and engine oil can be semi-synthetic or fully synthetic. Manufacturers generally recommend which grade of fuel and type of engine oil to use. If the owner does not follow these recommendations, it can lead to engine wear over time, causing the malfunction light to turn on. It is important to add fuel of the appropriate grade and the correct type of engine oil as specified for the vehicle. Poor combustion of the air-fuel mixture: Faults in the engine's spark plugs, ignition coils, fuel pump, or clogged fuel lines can lead to poor combustion of the air-fuel mixture. Poor combustion can result in engine carbon buildup or knocking issues, which will be detected by the engine's oxygen sensors and reported to the ECU, naturally causing the malfunction light to turn on as a warning. Intake problems: The engine requires air intake during combustion, and the air filter plays a crucial role in this process. If the car's air filter is dirty and not cleaned regularly, it can affect the car's air intake, potentially leading to blockages over time. In severe cases, this can cause the engine malfunction light to turn on. Turbocharging problems: Issues with the intake turbocharging lines or the turbocharger can also cause the engine malfunction light to turn on. The most common issue is damage to the turbocharger, accompanied by symptoms such as oil leaks, high oil consumption, reduced power, metallic noises, or blue/black smoke from the exhaust. Exhaust problems: Faults in the rear oxygen sensor, catalytic converter, exhaust camshaft, or bearings can cause the engine malfunction light to turn on. The most common issue is a faulty catalytic converter. Using leaded gasoline, lead or silicon-based lubricant additives, physical damage to the catalytic converter, or faults in the engine fuel supply system can all contribute to catalytic converter failure. Anti-theft system: If the car's electronic anti-theft system malfunctions or if the anti-theft controller is incompatible with the engine electronic controller, the anti-theft system can prevent the engine from operating normally and cause the engine malfunction light to turn on. Solutions for when the engine malfunction light turns on: If the engine malfunction light is on and the car cannot start, this may be due to a faulty fuel pump or ignition components. It is recommended to call for assistance immediately. If the engine malfunction light is on and the vehicle can be driven but exhibits severe shaking or lack of acceleration, pull over and call for roadside assistance. If the engine malfunction light is on but there are no noticeable driving abnormalities, this may be due to a single sensor fault. In this case, you can continue driving temporarily, but it is best to drive at low to medium speeds and visit a repair shop to eliminate potential safety hazards.
