What does a faucet symbol on the car dashboard indicate?
4 Answers
When a faucet symbol appears on the car dashboard, it indicates the engine malfunction indicator light. If the engine malfunction light stays on continuously, you should stop the vehicle and call for professional assistance. However, in many cases, a continuously illuminated engine malfunction light does not signify a major issue—it could be a false alarm or a minor problem that doesn't affect driving. In such situations, you can safely drive to a repair facility for troubleshooting. The engine malfunction light is triggered by the ECU (Engine Control Unit), commonly referred to as the car's computer. The ECU controls all electronic components of the engine, including the electronic throttle, fuel injectors, alternator, fuel injection pump, catalytic converter, and more, covering systems such as intake, exhaust, fuel delivery, ignition, and timing.
Yesterday while driving, I suddenly noticed a yellow faucet icon pop up on the dashboard. Actually, this is the engine malfunction warning light, like the car shouting at you 'Check my heart ASAP'. I immediately pulled over to check the dipstick, thankfully the oil level was normal. An experienced driver told me there are typically three reasons for this light: excessive exhaust emissions, poor fuel quality, or a sensor acting up. Especially for cars that frequently refuel at private gas stations, the impurities in low-quality fuel can easily trigger this light. The safest approach is not to push your luck – head straight to a repair shop to read the trouble codes. Minor issues might just cost a few dozen bucks to fix by replacing a pipe.
Last week, my cousin encountered this yellow engine light while driving and panicked, immediately calling for a tow truck. In reality, there's no need to overreact. This light is professionally called the MIL (Malfunction Indicator Lamp), and in 90% of cases, it doesn't mean the engine is about to fail but rather indicates an issue with the emissions control system. The most common causes are a loose fuel cap leading to vapor leakage or a dirty mass airflow sensor. After gaining some experience, I now keep an OBD scanner in the glove box. Plugging it in can reveal whether it's a misfire in a specific cylinder or an oxygen sensor error, saving unnecessary expenses. However, if the light starts flashing red, don't delay—that's a knock warning.
As a frequent visitor to auto repair shops, I'm all too familiar with this warning light that looks like a water tap. When it illuminates, the engine is likely in 'limp mode'—revs stuck at 3000 RPM with no power even when flooring the accelerator. Once my old Focus triggered this light due to chronic short-distance driving clogging the catalytic converter with carbon deposits. The technician said modern China-6 emission vehicles are particularly sensitive—even unstable battery voltage can trigger it. My advice: when this light comes on, first listen for abnormal engine noises and check for gasoline smell in exhaust—these clues help technicians diagnose faster.
