What Causes Engine Failure?
2 Answers
There are 7 main reasons why the engine fault light comes on: Sensor failure: The sensors mentioned here include coolant temperature, crankshaft position, air flow, intake temperature, oxygen sensors, etc. When these sensors are damaged, have poor contact, or experience signal interruption, the vehicle's ECU cannot accurately obtain engine data, which will trigger the engine fault light. Fuel quality issues: If fuel and engine oil are not added according to the manufacturer's requirements, it may cause engine wear and trigger the fault light. Poor combustion of the air-fuel mixture: Poor combustion can lead to engine carbon buildup or knocking. When detected by the oxygen sensor and reported to the ECU, the fault light will illuminate as a warning. Spark plug failure, ignition coil failure, fuel pump failure, or clogged fuel lines can all cause poor combustion of the air-fuel mixture. Turbocharging issues: The intake boost pipeline or turbocharger can also cause the engine fault light to come on. The most common issue is turbocharger damage, accompanied by symptoms such as oil leaks, high oil consumption, reduced power, metallic noises, or blue/black smoke from the exhaust. Intake issues: If the vehicle's intake system has problems, it may lead to clogged engine pipelines, and in severe cases, the engine fault light will illuminate. A dirty air filter that is not cleaned regularly can cause intake issues. Exhaust issues: Exhaust faults can also trigger the engine fault light. Common causes include rear oxygen sensor failure, catalytic converter issues, exhaust camshaft or bearing failure, with the catalytic converter being the most frequent culprit. Using leaded gasoline, lead- or silicon-containing lubricant additives, physical damage to the catalytic converter, or fuel system failures can easily cause catalytic converter problems. Anti-theft system failure: If the vehicle's electronic anti-theft system malfunctions or the anti-theft controller does not match the engine ECU, the anti-theft system can prevent the engine from operating normally and trigger the fault light. If the engine fault light comes on, follow these steps: First, check if the engine is running normally, such as whether there is shaking or black smoke. If so, avoid restarting the engine. Note: Never restart the engine if the red warning light is on. If the engine can be started, turn it off for 5-10 minutes, then press the start button without pressing the brake pedal, or turn the key halfway to the "ON" position without depressing the clutch. The vehicle will perform a self-check after powering on. Wait 5-10 seconds to see if the fault light turns off. If the fault light remains on, visit a service station as soon as possible. Technicians can use a diagnostic tool to read the fault code, identify the issue, and perform targeted repairs.
I've been driving trucks for over a decade, and most engine issues stem from fuel systems or ignition systems. The most common problem is clogged fuel injectors - when that happens, the vehicle shakes like a sieve. Worn spark plugs are also frequent troublemakers, especially during rainy days when the engine struggles to start. Last time on a long haul, I experienced poor acceleration and it turned out to be insufficient pressure from the high-pressure fuel pump - almost stranded me on the highway. Another time, the fan belt snapped causing the temperature gauge to skyrocket, nearly leading to cylinder scoring. Actually, these minor issues can be prevented: during scheduled oil changes, have the mechanic check spark plug gaps; avoid cheap, low-quality gas from questionable stations; before long trips, pop the hood to inspect belt tension. An engine is like an old partner - regular checkups keep it from acting up.
