What Does It Mean When the Engine Malfunction Light Is On?
2 Answers
When the engine malfunction light is on, it indicates that there is a fault in the engine. The specific causes of the fault are as follows: Excessive carbon buildup: Too much carbon buildup in the throttle body or inside the engine can cause the engine malfunction light to turn on and prevent the engine from starting. It is necessary to clean the carbon deposits from the engine. Oxygen sensor malfunction: A faulty oxygen sensor can lead to an imbalance in the air-fuel mixture ratio. This phenomenon is common when driving at low speeds in urban areas for extended periods. The oxygen sensor needs to be replaced. Fuel injector issues: If the fuel injector is leaking, it may continue to supply fuel even after the throttle is closed, resulting in an overly rich mixture at low speeds. This can cause unstable idle after releasing the throttle, and in severe cases, the engine may stall. The fuel injector needs to be replaced.
I've been driving for over 20 years and often help friends with engine issues. Seeing the check engine light come on always makes me nervous. When the engine warning light illuminates, it means your engine management system has detected an abnormality - this is no trivial matter. There could be several reasons, such as a faulty oxygen sensor that monitors emissions (when it fails, the light comes on); or insufficient fuel supply from the fuel pump causing engine shuddering; or aging spark plugs leading to unstable ignition, or excessive carbon buildup clogging the system. If not addressed promptly, fuel consumption may skyrocket and the engine could sustain more severe damage. I recommend first checking the engine oil level and quality. If those are fine, immediately drive to a professional repair shop to scan the diagnostic codes - use an OBD-II tool to identify the specific fault before it escalates into major trouble. During routine maintenance, pay attention to cleaning the air filter to help prevent unexpected issues.
