What Does It Mean When the Engine Warning Light on the Dashboard Comes On?

[LaJuliette]

The engine warning light may come on due to the following 7 main reasons: Sensor malfunction: The sensors involved include those for coolant temperature, crankshaft position, air flow, intake temperature, oxygen, etc. When these sensors are damaged, have poor contact, or their signals are interrupted, the vehicle's ECU cannot accurately obtain engine data, which triggers the engine warning light. Fuel or oil quality issues: Failure to use the fuel or engine oil as recommended by the manufacturer may cause engine wear, leading to the warning light illuminating. Poor fuel mixture combustion: Poor combustion can cause engine carbon buildup or knocking. When detected by the oxygen sensor and reported to the ECU, the warning light will turn on as an alert. Issues such as faulty spark plugs, ignition coils, fuel pumps, or clogged fuel lines can all lead to poor fuel mixture combustion. Turbocharger problems: Issues with the intake boost pipes or turbocharger can also trigger the engine warning light. The most common problem is a damaged turbocharger, often accompanied by symptoms like oil leaks, excessive oil consumption, reduced power, metallic noises, or blue/black smoke from the exhaust. Intake problems: If there are issues with the vehicle's air intake, it may lead to clogged engine pipes, and in severe cases, the engine warning light will come on. A dirty air filter that hasn't been cleaned regularly can cause intake problems. Exhaust problems: Exhaust system faults can also trigger the engine warning light. Common causes include faulty rear oxygen sensors, catalytic converters, exhaust camshafts, or bearings, with the catalytic converter being the most frequent issue. Using leaded gasoline, lead- or silicon-containing lubricant additives, physical damage to the catalytic converter, or fuel system malfunctions can all lead to catalytic converter failure. Anti-theft system malfunction: If the vehicle's electronic anti-theft system malfunctions or if there is a mismatch between the anti-theft controller and the engine control unit, the anti-theft system may prevent the engine from operating normally, accompanied by the illumination of the engine warning light. If the engine warning light comes on, follow these steps: First, check if the engine is running normally. Look for symptoms like shaking or black smoke. If present, avoid restarting the engine. Note: Never restart the engine if the light is red. If the engine can be started, turn it off and wait 5-10 minutes. Without pressing the brake, press the start button or turn the key halfway to the 'ON' position (without pressing the clutch). The vehicle will perform a self-check. After 5-10 seconds, observe if the warning light turns off. If the light remains on, visit a service center as soon as possible. Technicians can use a diagnostic tool to read the fault code, identify the issue, and perform targeted repairs.