What does it mean when the engine warning light is on?
2 Answers
The engine warning light may illuminate for the following reasons: 1. Substandard fuel quality: If the engine warning light comes on shortly after refueling, it may be due to the use of unqualified gasoline causing incomplete combustion, which triggers the warning light. 2. Spark plug carbon buildup or prolonged use: This can lead to poor engine performance, manifested as difficulty starting, unstable idle, poor idle quality, backfiring during acceleration, excessive exhaust emissions, etc., and may also cause the engine warning light to illuminate. 3. Oxygen sensor malfunction: Issues with the knock sensor or other engine electronic control system components can also result in the engine warning light turning on.
The lesson I learned from my last visit to the repair shop is that when the engine warning light comes on, it usually means the vehicle's computer has detected an issue. Common causes could include abnormal air flow meter readings, inaccurate oxygen sensor data, poor fuel quality, aging ignition coils, clogged catalytic converters, or a loose fuel cap. If the yellow light stays steadily lit, you can still drive short distances, but if it flashes, it's dangerous and you should pull over immediately. Last time my car's light came on, it was due to low-quality gasoline, and we had to use a diagnostic tool to read the trouble codes to fix it. Definitely don't ignore this kind of warning.
