What does it mean when the engine red light is on?

[AlanLee]

When the engine red light is on, it indicates that there is a fault in the engine. Although it does not affect the normal operation of the engine, inspection and repair are necessary. The following are the reasons why the engine fault light may be on: 1. Poor combustion state; 2. Engine knocking; 3. Poor fuel quality; 4. Dirty engine cylinder interior with carbon deposits; 5. The computer cannot obtain engine data. Additional information: The following are emergency measures for engine faults: 1. The first priority when the engine fault light is on is to check the water temperature gauge and engine oil pressure warning light. If the water temperature gauge and engine oil pressure warning light are not activated, the vehicle can still be driven, but it is essential to control the speed and immediately drive to a repair station for inspection. 2. If the water temperature is too high or the engine oil pressure warning light is on, and you clearly feel that the vehicle has a problem, you should immediately pull over, call the repair station for assistance, and avoid affecting the engine's performance.

[SanJasper]

That day when I was driving, the alternator warning light came on, and I was so nervous! This usually indicates a problem with the charging system, such as the alternator itself failing to generate electricity, or the belt being loose or broken causing power transmission failure. The battery might also be old and unable to charge, and sometimes poor wire contact or a faulty voltage regulator can cause this too. I've seen this situation many times, and 80% of the time it's due to worn internal parts of the alternator, like burned-out diodes, or the belt not being replaced in time and wearing out, which is also common. It's recommended not to force the car to keep running, as stalling halfway is very dangerous. Pull over immediately to check if the belt is intact. If not, call for a tow truck to take it to a professional shop. Fixing it usually costs a few hundred bucks, and regular maintenance to check the belt can prevent this.

[MacAlina]

The first time I encountered the generator warning light was on a business trip, and my heart was in my throat. This warning light indicates a charging system malfunction, possibly meaning the generator isn't working. The car could stall once the battery is depleted. The most common causes are a broken belt or loose battery connections with poor contact. I immediately pulled over to a safe area, checked the belt with a flashlight—it wasn't broken but was very loose. I barely made it to the repair shop to get it fixed. My advice to others: once this light comes on, avoid prolonged use of headlights or the radio to minimize electrical load, and address the issue promptly to prevent damage to other electrical components. Regularly check the battery terminals and belt tension monthly to extend component lifespan and save money and hassle.

[HZoe]

Generator warning light on? Super cool fault signal! Most likely it's a charging system issue - could be damaged diodes in the alternator itself or insufficient belt tension causing a break in the circuit, which also indirectly prevents battery charging. Aging wiring causing frequent short circuits is another common culprit. I encountered this when modifying my car - a quick check is to inspect if the belt is intact and properly tensioned by pressing it manually to check for looseness, otherwise high voltage might burn out components. The solution? Get to a professional shop for diagnosis ASAP, don't DIY complex issues - prioritize safe driving and don't delay.