What does the engine light on the dashboard mean?
2 Answers
The engine light on the dashboard indicates a fault in the engine (exhaust system). The reasons for the engine light to come on include sensor issues, maintenance problems, fuel quality issues, etc. Sensor issues: Sensors include those for coolant temperature, crankshaft position, air flow, intake air temperature, oxygen, etc. When these sensors are damaged, have poor contact, or signal interruption, the car's ECU cannot accurately obtain engine data, which will trigger the engine fault light. Maintenance issues: Poor engine maintenance is the most common cause of the engine fault light coming on. Cars have specific maintenance cycles. If the owner does not perform maintenance on schedule, coupled with poor driving habits, it will increase the burden on the engine operation, and eventually, the fault light will come on as a reminder. Fuel quality issues: Fuel quality includes both gasoline and engine oil. The gasoline used in cars usually has a specific grade, and engine oil can be semi-synthetic or fully synthetic. Manufacturers generally recommend which grade of gasoline and which type of engine oil to use. If the owner does not follow these recommendations, it will cause engine wear over time.
When the small engine icon lights up on the car dashboard, it's basically a reminder that there's an issue with the engine system. I just experienced this last month—the yellow light suddenly came on while driving, which was quite alarming. Turns out, it could be a minor issue like a loose fuel cap causing an emissions leak, or a major problem like a burnt ignition coil or a failed oxygen sensor, which can affect performance and increase fuel consumption. I recommend avoiding sudden acceleration and driving gently to check the engine compartment for any strange noises or fluid leaks. If you don't have tools handy, remember to pull out the manual for guidance. If all else fails, buying an OBD scanner to read the error codes can save a lot of money and time. But safety comes first—if the red light comes on, pull over immediately and call a tow truck. It's not worth taking risks, as delaying could lead to engine failure. Developing habits like checking tire pressure and fuel levels regularly can also help avoid such troubles.
