What are the reasons for the engine exhaust emission fault light to illuminate?
2 Answers
Reasons for the engine exhaust emission fault light to illuminate: 1. Failure of the three-way catalytic converter; 2. Oxygen sensor malfunction; 3. Poor quality of gasoline; 4. Engine overheating; 5. Engine misfire; 5. Coolant temperature sensor malfunction; 6. Battery undercharge or damage; 7. Engine carbon buildup. An engine is a machine that converts other forms of energy into mechanical energy. Engines include: 1. External combustion engine: Fuel burns outside the engine; 2. Internal combustion engine: Fuel burns inside the engine; 3. Gas turbine: Uses high-pressure gas to rotate the turbine blades; 4. Jet engine: An engine that directly generates thrust by the high-speed jet of gas from the nozzle.
Recently, my auto repair shop has handled several cases of this issue. The main reasons for the exhaust light coming on include an oxygen sensor malfunction, which monitors oxygen levels in the exhaust pipe—once it fails, the light turns on. A clogged or damaged catalytic converter is also a common problem since it’s the primary component for purifying exhaust gases. Issues in the fuel system, such as carbon buildup clogging the fuel injectors or fuel line leaks, can lead to incomplete combustion. Vacuum hose or EGR valve leaks allow too much air into the system. Lastly, aging ignition systems, like faulty spark plugs, can cause poor combustion of the air-fuel mixture, triggering the warning light. It’s advised not to delay inspection; using a diagnostic tool to read the trouble codes is essential for accurate troubleshooting. Otherwise, excessive emissions may damage engine components and affect fuel efficiency and emission standards.
