What causes the engine WIF indicator light to illuminate?

2 Answers
MackenzieLynn
09/02/25 8:14am
In the car dashboard, the light labeled WIF is both a maintenance indicator and an alarm light indicating water in the fuel. The main reasons for the oil-water separator alarm indicator light to illuminate are: Flashing: Excessive water in the fuel filter, requiring the water in the oil-water separator to be drained. If drainage is not possible, the oil-water separator should be replaced promptly. Steady illumination: Caused by a malfunction of related sensors, and the vehicle should be taken to the nearest 4S shop for inspection. Below are methods for engine maintenance and care: 1. Regularly clean the car's crankcase: When the engine is running, high-pressure unburned gases, sulfur, moisture, nitrogen, and oxides of acid from the combustion chamber enter the crankcase through the gap between the piston rings and the cylinder walls. Over time, these mix with metal powder from component wear, forming sludge. Therefore, it is essential to regularly clean the crankcase to maintain the engine's internal cleanliness. 2. Regularly clean the car's fuel system: To maintain the engine, proper care of the fuel system is necessary. Regular cleaning of the car's fuel system can control the formation of carbon deposits, thereby keeping the engine in optimal condition.
Was this review help?
7
4
Share
RoseRose
09/15/25 3:22am
A few days ago, the engine malfunction indicator light on my car also came on, which made me a bit nervous. Common causes could be an issue with the oxygen sensor, which monitors oxygen levels in the exhaust pipe—if the readings are inaccurate, the light turns on; or aging spark plugs causing ignition problems and incomplete combustion; or a clogged catalytic converter affecting exhaust. Fuel system issues like carbon buildup in the fuel injectors can also trigger it. Remember to use a diagnostic tool to plug into the OBD port and read the trouble codes to find the exact source instead of blindly fixing it. If left unaddressed for too long, fuel consumption may skyrocket or even cause more severe engine damage. It's recommended to get it checked at a professional shop as soon as possible.
Was this review help?
15
5
Share
Expand All
More Forum Discussions

Why is Valvoline oil not commonly used in China?

Valvoline oil enjoys high popularity in the United States, ranking 8th in global rankings. In China, it's not that Valvoline oil isn't used, but rather that the brand entered the Chinese market relatively late with limited development time. After entering China, Valvoline oil faced widespread counterfeiting by many merchants, which created a negative impression among consumers. As long as car owners purchase from authorized stores, the quality is guaranteed. More information about Valvoline oil is as follows: 1. Introduction: Valvoline offers multiple series for car owners to choose from, such as the automotive oil series including Star Supreme, Star Royal, Star Shield, Star Crown, Star Dust, Star Speed, and Star Sprint, each designed for specific vehicle models. Car owners can check the official website for details about each oil product. 2. Features: Valvoline oil is cost-effective, affordable, durable, and provides smooth performance with noise reduction; it also has strong cleaning capabilities and helps reduce fuel consumption. The Star Royal series focuses on balancing quietness and power with long-lasting performance, though its low-temperature fluidity is slightly weaker.
18
5
Share

What is the new name of Guangzhou Evergrande after the renaming?

At the end of last year, Guangzhou Evergrande team has applied to the Football Association to directly change its name to "Guangzhou Team". In international competitions, the team will also use the name "GuangZhou-FC". Currently, both parties have only completed the change of the enterprise name, and the Football Association still needs to proceed with the next step of public announcement and approval, followed by registration to complete the entire process. Here is some additional information about Guangzhou Evergrande team: 1. Guangzhou Evergrande Taobao Football Club Co., Ltd. was established in 2006. 2. Before Evergrande Group "took over" the team in 2010, Guangzhou Evergrande had always used the name Guangzhou Football Club. After Evergrande Group bought out all the shares, the team was renamed Guangzhou Evergrande Football Club. 3. Over the past 11 years, with the support of Evergrande Group, Guangzhou Evergrande Football Club has won major honors such as the China League One championship, 8 Chinese Super League championships, and 2 AFC Champions League titles, making it the most successful domestic football club in the past decade.
1
3
Share

What is the weight of the Malibu XL?

The Malibu XL hybrid weighs 1515kg. The Malibu adopts a lightweight body. When the power system reaches its limit, efficiency can only be improved by reducing weight, but this does not mean it is unsafe. Areas of the floor panel that are not under stress have been perforated. A heavier body provides better stability at high speeds. Factors affecting the stability of a car at high speeds include: 1. Vehicle tires: Tires are the only components in contact with the ground. Generally, wider and flatter tires provide better stability at high speeds; 2. Vehicle shape: The vehicle's shape also affects high-speed stability. Vehicles that are more aerodynamic are more stable at high speeds; 3. Drive configuration: Most vehicle drive configurations include front-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive, and four-wheel drive. Four-wheel drive vehicles are more stable than front- or rear-wheel drive vehicles; 4. Suspension system: Generally, vehicles with independent suspension are more stable than those with non-independent suspension systems. Independent suspensions include MacPherson strut independent suspension and multi-link independent suspension, among others.
18
4
Share

What Causes the Clicking Sound After Applying Brakes in an Accord?

Releasing the brakes with a clicking or creaking sound is often a pseudo-failure. This abnormal noise primarily occurs when releasing the brakes too slowly during startup, a common issue among many automatic transmission vehicle owners. When the brake pedal is gradually released, the engine already has sufficient power to propel the car forward, but if the brakes aren't fully disengaged, the moving wheels being restrained by the braking system will naturally produce abnormal sounds. More relevant information is as follows: Note 1: True failure - The brake disc and brake pads sticking together due to rust can cause abnormal noises. This typically happens after driving in the rain and then leaving the car unused for several days. Rust causes the brake disc and pads to adhere, resulting in noise upon restarting. Applying butter or specialized lubricant at the connection between the brake pads and calipers at a repair shop can resolve this. Note 2: Many modern brake pads are semi-metallic, containing numerous metal fibers that sometimes form metal particles. These can produce harsh noises when applying or releasing the brakes, though this usually disappears after some driving. If persistent, it may indicate poor manufacturing quality, suggesting prompt replacement of brake pads to prevent damage to the brake disc.
15
3
Share

Should I go for maintenance when the car maintenance time is due but the mileage hasn't been reached?

Car maintenance time has arrived, but the mileage hasn't been reached. Here are the specific details about car maintenance items: 1. Engine oil and oil filter replacement: This is mainly for the maintenance of the lubrication system. The main function of the lubrication system is to effectively lubricate various components of the car engine to prevent excessive wear. The oil filter's function is to remove various impurities from the oil to ensure the normal operation of the lubrication system. The oil filter should be replaced along with the oil during an oil change. Under normal circumstances, the car needs maintenance every 5,000 kilometers. 2. Filter element replacement: The air filter's function is to filter the air before it enters the cylinder, removing impurities, dust, sand, and other foreign objects. The cleaning and maintenance of the air filter depend on the usage environment. The gasoline filter is generally replaced after driving 20,000 kilometers. 3. Spark plug replacement: Spark plugs are consumable parts and should be replaced every 20,000 kilometers. In addition, components such as brake fluid, transmission oil, battery, throttle, fuel injector, and brake pads are all inspection items during routine maintenance, and should be maintained according to usage conditions.
1
3
Share

What Are the Effects of High Temperature and Sun Exposure on Cars?

The following is a detailed introduction to the effects of high temperature and sun exposure on cars: 1. Accelerated vehicle aging: Summer sun exposure can accelerate the aging of a car due to ultraviolet (UV) rays. The most severe impact is on the car's exterior paint, which gradually loses its gloss, fades in color, and may even peel, especially for bright colors like white, which can turn yellow after prolonged exposure. 2. Accelerated tire aging: The car's tires also age under UV exposure, becoming prone to cracking, which increases the risk of blowouts during high-speed driving. 3. Vehicle interior: Many cars today have interiors made of plastic and leather materials. Prolonged exposure to high temperatures can cause toxic components in plastics to be released, posing health risks to occupants. Additionally, long-term exposure accelerates the aging of rubber components like window seals and wiring, potentially leading to electrical leaks or water seepage. 4. Vehicle fire risk: Sun exposure can lead to vehicle fires—this is not an exaggeration, as news reports have documented multiple cases of spontaneous car combustion. After prolonged exposure, issues like wire aging and fuel leaks may occur, making regular vehicle inspections crucial to ensure the safety of electrical circuits and wiring. It is also important to avoid leaving items like lighters, perfume bottles, batteries, power banks, or glasses in the car, as they can become hazardous under high temperatures.
1
0
Share
Cookie
Cookie Settings
© 2025 Servanan International Pte. Ltd.