What are the reasons for the car engine malfunction light to come on?
3 Answers
Car engine malfunction light comes on due to: 1. Oxygen sensor failure; 2. Poor engine maintenance; 3. Use of inferior fuel; 4. Poor combustion of air-fuel mixture; 5. Dirty air filter; 6. Air flow sensor failure; 7. Spark plug carbon buildup; 8. Damaged coolant temperature sensor; 9. Engine misfire. An engine is a machine that converts other forms of energy into mechanical energy, applicable both as a power generator and as the entire machine including the power unit. According to its working principle, it is divided into: 1. External combustion engine: Fuel burns outside the engine; 2. Internal combustion engine: Fuel burns inside the engine.
I've been driving for decades and have encountered the engine malfunction indicator light coming on several times. The most common issue is a faulty oxygen sensor, which monitors exhaust emissions—if it's damaged or contaminated, the light will come on. Additionally, worn spark plugs or faulty ignition coils can cause misfires, especially if replacement parts are substandard. A clogged air filter restricting airflow or insufficient fuel pump pressure leading to unstable fuel injection are also frequent causes. Once, my own car's light came on, and the issue turned out to be a blocked catalytic converter, resulting in skyrocketing fuel consumption and sluggish acceleration. My advice is not to ignore it—use an OBD diagnostic tool to read the trouble codes and identify the specific issue promptly to avoid costly engine damage. Letting such problems linger not only harms the car but could also lead to stalling during long trips, posing a safety risk.
I just got my driver's license and bought a new car, but the engine light suddenly came on, which scared me. After checking, it might be a minor issue, like the fuel cap not being tightened properly causing air leakage, or using lower-grade gasoline affecting the combustion system. There could also be false alarms from the exhaust sensor, but actual faults like spark plug issues are not uncommon. A friend reminded me not to push through it, as driving could result in loss of power or worse. It's best not to drive and instead contact a repair shop to scan the fault codes to determine the cause. Even new cars aren't immune to such issues, mainly due to sensitive sensors. The information I found suggests regular maintenance, like changing the air filter and oil, to prevent potential risks. Delaying repairs might end up costing more.
