What Causes the Engine Warning Light to Stay On in a Buick?

[SpencerLynn]

The engine warning light may illuminate due to the following 7 main reasons: Sensor malfunction: This includes sensors such as coolant temperature, crankshaft position, air flow, intake temperature, and oxygen sensors. When these sensors are damaged, have poor contact, or experience signal interruption, the vehicle's ECU cannot accurately obtain engine data, triggering the warning light. Fuel/oil quality issues: Failure to use the manufacturer-recommended fuel or engine oil may cause engine wear, leading to the warning light activation. Poor fuel mixture combustion: Incomplete combustion can result in engine carbon buildup or knocking. When detected by the oxygen sensor and reported to the ECU, the warning light will illuminate. Causes include faulty spark plugs, ignition coils, fuel pumps, or clogged fuel lines. Turbocharger problems: Issues with the intake boost system or turbocharger (most commonly turbo failure) may trigger the light. Symptoms often include oil leaks, excessive oil consumption, power loss, metallic noises, or blue/black exhaust smoke. Intake system issues: Clogged engine air intake (often due to dirty air filters not cleaned regularly) can cause the warning light to activate. Exhaust system faults: Problems like faulty rear oxygen sensors, catalytic converters (most frequent), exhaust camshafts, or bearings may illuminate the light. Causes include leaded gasoline use, improper lubricant additives, physical damage to the catalytic converter, or fuel system malfunctions. Anti-theft system failure: If the electronic anti-theft system malfunctions or doesn't match the engine control unit, it may prevent normal engine operation and trigger the warning light. When the engine warning light appears, follow these steps: First check if the engine runs normally. If there's shaking, smoke, etc. (especially with a red light), do NOT restart the engine. If restartable, turn off for 5-10 minutes, then power on without braking (press start button or turn key halfway to 'ON'). After 5-10 seconds of self-check, observe if the light disappears. If the light persists, visit a service center immediately. Technicians can read diagnostic trouble codes using scanners for targeted repairs.