What Causes the Engine Warning Light to Illuminate in the Equinox?

[Hawthorne]

The engine warning light may illuminate due to the following 7 main reasons: Sensor malfunction: The sensors referred to here include coolant temperature, crankshaft position, air flow, intake air 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 may trigger the engine warning light. Fuel/oil quality issues: Failure to use fuel and engine oil as specified by the manufacturer may cause engine wear, leading to the warning light activation. Poor fuel mixture combustion: Incomplete combustion can cause engine carbon buildup or knocking. When detected by oxygen sensors and reported to the ECU, the warning light will illuminate as an alert. Spark plug failure, ignition coil issues, fuel pump malfunction, or fuel line blockages can all contribute to poor combustion. Turbocharging problems: Issues with the intake boost piping or turbocharger may also trigger the engine warning light. The most common is turbocharger damage, often accompanied by oil leaks, excessive oil consumption, reduced power, metallic noises, or blue/black exhaust smoke. Intake problems: Air intake issues may cause engine pipe blockages, potentially triggering the warning light. A dirty air filter that hasn't been cleaned regularly can lead to intake problems. Exhaust system issues: Exhaust faults may also activate the engine light. Common causes include rear oxygen sensor failure, catalytic converter problems, or exhaust camshaft and bearing issues. Using leaded gasoline, certain lubricant additives, physical damage to the catalytic converter, or fuel system malfunctions can all contribute to catalytic converter failure. Anti-theft system malfunction: If the vehicle's electronic anti-theft system fails or the anti-theft controller doesn't match the engine ECU, the system may prevent normal engine operation while illuminating the warning light. When the engine warning light illuminates, follow these steps: First, check if the engine is operating normally. If there's noticeable shaking, smoke emission, or other abnormalities, avoid restarting the engine. Particularly important - never restart if the red warning light is on. If the engine can start, turn off the ignition for 5-10 minutes. Then, without pressing the brake pedal, press the start button once or turn the key halfway to the ON position (without depressing the clutch). The vehicle will initiate a self-check function after powering on. Observe whether the warning light turns off after 5-10 seconds. If the light remains on, visit a service center promptly. Technicians can use diagnostic tools to read trouble codes, identify specific issues, and perform targeted repairs.