What does it mean when the car engine warning light flashes?

[DeBradley]

When the engine warning light flashes, it indicates a malfunction in the engine, and the issue is relatively severe, requiring immediate inspection. The specific causes may include the following seven possibilities: Sensor malfunction: The sensors referred to here include those for coolant temperature, crankshaft position, air flow, intake temperature, oxygen sensors, etc. When these sensors are damaged, have poor connections, or experience signal interruptions, the vehicle's ECU cannot accurately obtain engine data, which can trigger the engine warning light. Fuel or oil quality issues: If fuel or engine oil is not added according to the manufacturer's specifications, it may lead to engine wear and trigger the warning light. Poor combustion of the air-fuel mixture: Poor 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 as a warning. Issues such as faulty spark plugs, ignition coils, fuel pump malfunctions, or clogged fuel lines can all cause poor combustion of the air-fuel mixture. Turbocharging problems: Issues with the intake boost piping or turbocharger can also trigger the engine warning light. The most common issue is a damaged turbocharger, accompanied by symptoms such as oil leaks, excessive oil consumption, reduced power, metallic noises, or blue/black smoke from the exhaust. Intake problems: If there is an issue with the vehicle's intake system, it may lead to clogged engine piping, and in severe cases, trigger the engine warning light. A dirty air filter that is not regularly cleaned can cause intake problems. Exhaust problems: Exhaust system malfunctions can also trigger the engine warning light. Common causes include faults with the rear oxygen sensor, catalytic converter, exhaust camshaft, or bearings, with the catalytic converter being the most frequent issue. The use of leaded gasoline, lead or silicon-based 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 malfunctions or if the anti-theft controller is incompatible with the engine's electronic controller, the anti-theft system may prevent the engine from operating normally, while also triggering the engine warning light. Generally, the engine warning light can display four states: steady yellow, flashing yellow, steady red, or flashing red. The severity of the issue increases from steady to flashing and from yellow to red. In order of severity: flashing red > flashing yellow/red > steady red > steady yellow/red. If the engine warning light illuminates, follow these steps: First, check whether the engine is running normally, including signs of shaking or black smoke. If such symptoms are present, avoid restarting the engine. Particularly, do not restart the engine if the red light is on. If the engine can be started, turn it off and wait 5-10 minutes. Without pressing the brake, press the start button once or turn the key halfway to the 'ON' position (without depressing the clutch). The vehicle will enter self-diagnosis mode, and after 5-10 seconds, observe whether the warning light on the dashboard turns off. If the warning light remains on, visit a service center as soon as possible. Technicians can use a portable diagnostic tool to read the fault code, identify the issue, and perform targeted repairs.