What are the solutions when the engine malfunction indicator light is on?

[StJessica]

When the engine malfunction indicator light is on, you can follow these steps to address the issue: First, check if the engine is running normally and whether there are issues such as shaking or emitting black smoke. If any of these problems exist, avoid restarting the engine. Particularly, if the light is red, do not attempt to start the engine under any circumstances. If the engine can be started, turn it off and wait for 5-10 minutes. Without pressing the brake, press the start button once or turn the car key halfway to the 'on' position without depressing the clutch. The car will initiate a self-check function upon powering up. Wait for 5-10 seconds and observe whether the malfunction indicator light on the dashboard turns off. If the light remains on, visit a service station as soon as possible to diagnose the issue. The service station can use a portable diagnostic tool to read the fault codes, obtain fault information, and perform targeted repairs. There are primarily seven reasons why the engine malfunction indicator light may illuminate: Sensor failure: This includes sensors such as the coolant temperature sensor, crankshaft position sensor, air flow sensor, intake air temperature sensor, and oxygen sensor. If these sensors are damaged, have poor contact, or their signals are interrupted, the car's ECU cannot accurately obtain engine data, leading to the illumination of the engine malfunction light. Fuel quality issues: Failure to use the fuel and oil as specified by the manufacturer may cause engine wear, resulting in the malfunction light turning on. Poor combustion of the air-fuel mixture: Poor combustion can lead to engine carbon deposits or knocking. When detected by the oxygen sensor and reported to the ECU, the malfunction light will illuminate as a warning. Issues such as faulty spark plugs, ignition coils, fuel pumps, or clogged fuel lines can cause poor combustion of the air-fuel mixture. Turbocharger issues: Problems with the intake boost pipes or turbocharger can also trigger the engine malfunction light. The most common issue is a damaged turbocharger, accompanied by symptoms such as oil leaks, excessive oil consumption, reduced power, metallic noises, or blue/black smoke from the exhaust. Intake problems: If the car's intake system is compromised, it may lead to clogged engine pipes, and in severe cases, the engine malfunction light will illuminate. A dirty air filter that is not cleaned regularly can cause intake issues. Exhaust problems: Exhaust system faults can also cause the engine malfunction light to turn on. Common causes include faulty rear oxygen sensors, catalytic converters, exhaust camshafts, or bearings. The catalytic converter is the most frequent culprit, especially when using leaded gasoline, lead or silicon-based lubricant additives, physical damage to the converter, or faults in the engine's fuel supply system. Anti-theft system malfunction: If the car's electronic anti-theft system malfunctions or if there is a mismatch between the anti-theft controller and the engine's electronic control unit, the anti-theft system can prevent the engine from operating normally and trigger the engine malfunction light.