What does it mean when the car's water tap indicator light comes on?
4 Answers
This icon is the car's engine malfunction indicator light. If the engine malfunction light is on, it means there is definitely an abnormality in the car. If not addressed promptly, it is usually accompanied by the following issues: deterioration in the quality of car exhaust emissions, polluting the environment; increased car fuel consumption; elevated combustion chamber temperature, accelerated wear; engine oil burning; increased engine noise, affecting ride comfort. Engine malfunctions can be checked using the following methods: 1. Observe the dashboard: Turn the ignition switch to the "ON" position without starting the engine. Observe the engine malfunction warning light (check warning light) on the dashboard; the light should illuminate. 2. Start the engine: After starting the engine, the engine malfunction warning light on the dashboard should turn off. If the engine malfunction warning light remains on, it indicates that the self-diagnostic system has detected a fault or that the self-diagnostic system itself is abnormal. 3. Check if the wiring is loose: Most faults in the electronic control system are caused by loose connections in the wiring of various sensors and actuators. When the engine malfunction warning light comes on, the owner can check if the wiring of related components is loose after turning off the ignition switch. All wiring connectors are secured with clamps. When unplugging or plugging in wiring connectors, never pull the wires forcefully. Instead, release the clamp and hold the connector with your hand to perform the operation, otherwise, it can easily damage the wiring connector.
That faucet-shaped symbol actually indicates the engine malfunction indicator light. My car had it illuminated before, which really worried me. Generally, when this light comes on, it means the engine management system has detected an abnormality. There could be various reasons, such as poor fuel quality, abnormal sensor signals, severe spark plug carbon buildup, or issues with the exhaust system. I remember during that repair visit, the mechanic used a diagnostic tool and found the oxygen sensor was faulty, affecting the exhaust emission values. Continuing to drive could lead to decreased engine performance, skyrocketing fuel consumption, and in severe cases, damage to the catalytic converter. The safest approach is to visit a repair shop as soon as possible to read the trouble codes - they can pinpoint the source of the problem within minutes using professional equipment. However, there's no need to panic when the light first comes on. First, observe if there's any engine shaking or power loss, then drive steadily to the repair shop.
Once while driving, I noticed a yellow faucet symbol pop up on the dashboard. At first, I thought it was a coolant issue, but it turned out to be the engine malfunction indicator light. Common reasons for this light include: using low-quality gasoline causing incomplete combustion, a faulty sensor like the throttle position sensor, ignition system failure, or excessive exhaust emissions. In my case, the light came on after refueling at a private gas station, and I immediately felt the throttle response become sluggish. Never ignore this warning - the mildest consequence is increased fuel consumption, while severe cases may damage the catalytic converter, costing thousands to replace. The solution isn't complicated: first check if the fuel cap is tightened properly, then visit a repair shop to scan for trouble codes using an OBD scanner for targeted repairs.
The water tap light on the car is actually the engine fault light. A yellow light indicates an issue that needs attention. Generally, it could be minor faults in the fuel or electrical systems, such as slight clogging of the fuel injectors, abnormal data from the air flow meter, or spark plugs needing replacement. Last time I encountered this, the light suddenly came on during a cold start in winter. Taking it to the repair shop revealed decreased combustion efficiency caused by carbon buildup. The car could still be driven at this point, but if the light flashes red, you should stop immediately. It's recommended to choose reputable gas stations for refueling and perform regular maintenance to prevent most issues.
