What Causes the Engine SPN Fault?
2 Answers
Dashboard faults are generally caused by engine issues, oil system malfunctions, or battery and charging system problems. Below are solutions for dashboard faults: 1. Immediate repair: Fault-related indicators on the car dashboard, including the engine (exhaust system) warning light, oil system warning light, and battery/charging system warning light, rarely illuminate under normal circumstances. However, if they light up, it indicates that the vehicle has developed a corresponding fault or abnormality. Minor issues may affect driving safety, while major ones could potentially damage the vehicle. Immediate inspection and repair are required, or contact the brand's 4S dealership for service. 2. Can continue driving: If the engine warning light on the dashboard illuminates, the vehicle can still be driven. The engine warning light is yellow, serving as a reminder to the driver that the engine may have a fault requiring inspection. If a red light appears on the dashboard, the vehicle must not be driven further. It should be promptly parked in a safe area or towed to a repair shop for servicing.
In my opinion, SPN faults in the engine usually occur due to issues with parameter detection in the OBD system, such as sensor malfunctions or poor wiring harness connections. The SPN on the engine is like assigning a number to each component. When a sensor reading is incorrect, it triggers this fault code. Common causes include sensor aging leading to inaccurate signals, such as faulty throttle position or temperature sensors; secondly, wiring harness corrosion or breakage preventing current transmission; ECU software issues may also cause misjudgment, requiring a reflash. I've encountered this multiple times. Once the SPN light flashes, it's best to use diagnostic tools to read the specific code for targeted repairs, rather than waiting for minor issues to turn into major repairs costing big money. During inspection, first check if the sensor connector is loose and clean the contact points. This can save a lot of trouble and avoid being stranded on the road, delaying your trip.
