What causes the engine malfunction light to illuminate and power loss?
3 Answers
Reasons for the engine malfunction light illuminating and power loss are as follows: 1. Poor gasoline quality can lead to incomplete combustion of the air-fuel mixture in the cylinders, causing the light to illuminate, and it also easily leads to carbon buildup. 2. Carbon deposits in the intake tract and on the piston tops can result in poor atomization, leading to incomplete combustion and the light illuminating. 3. During cold starts, especially when the temperature drops sharply, the engine control unit's temperature correction may cause the light to illuminate during startup, but it will stabilize once the temperature drops to a certain level and remains steady. 4. Excessive engine mileage can weaken the spark plugs' performance characteristics, leading to the light illuminating.
I encountered this issue last month when the engine light suddenly came on while driving on the highway, and the power dropped significantly, almost causing an accident. There are several possible common causes: Fuel system problems are the most frequent. If the fuel filter is clogged or the injectors are dirty, insufficient fuel supply can lead to power loss and trigger the engine warning. Another possibility is an air intake leak, such as a cracked vacuum hose, which can cause incorrect oxygen levels, affecting combustion and resulting in weak power. Ignition system failure is also a major issue—worn spark plugs or faulty coils can prevent proper ignition, naturally leading to poor performance. Additionally, a faulty oxygen sensor or a clogged catalytic converter can cause the computer to detect abnormalities, triggering the warning light and reducing power. In such cases, I recommend slowing down immediately and pulling over safely—don’t push the car further. Safety comes first. Take it to a repair shop to scan for trouble codes and fix the problem properly for peace of mind. Regular maintenance is crucial; changing oil filters and inspecting wiring periodically can prevent issues before they arise. Don’t wait until the warning light comes on to act.
My old car's engine light is on and it's lacking power. As a DIY enthusiast, I've checked it several times myself. The main causes are as follows: Fuel system issues, such as a weak fuel pump or air blockage in the fuel lines, leading to poor fuel supply. Air intake system leaks—check if the hoses and connections are loose, or if the air filter is too dirty, affecting airflow. Ignition problems like excessive carbon buildup on spark plugs turning them white, which inevitably causes difficulty in firing. Sensor failures, such as the throttle position sensor sending erratic data, causing the computer to misjudge and limit power. Also, turbocharger failure—if the car is turbocharged, stuck blades or a faulty pressure valve can trigger the light and cause weakness. I recommend doing some simple self-checks, like inspecting the oil level and filter condition, but avoid disassembling without professional tools. For safety, it's better to have a mechanic perform an OBD scan for accuracy. Driving with power loss is dangerous, so address the issue early to avoid greater damage.
