What is the reason for the engine malfunction indicator not lighting up during startup?
3 Answers
It is normal for the engine light not to illuminate during the power-on self-test because the engine light typically turns on when the car is not started and automatically turns off 3-5 seconds after startup. If the engine malfunction indicator remains lit, it indicates: If it stays lit while driving, it generally means there is an issue with the engine. Possible causes: An illuminated engine malfunction indicator is often due to a fault in the fuel emission system. When the light is on, try starting and turning off the vehicle three times, then observe whether the light remains illuminated upon restarting. If it does, promptly take the vehicle to a repair shop for diagnosis.
I've been driving for decades and have seen this issue many times. I remember last time when my old car started, the engine warning light just wouldn't come on no matter what, making me think it was some major problem. Later at the repair shop, they found out it was just a burnt-out bulb in the instrument cluster - replaced it and problem solved. The mechanic said if the light doesn't illuminate during self-check, you wouldn't know if there's a real fault while driving, which could be very dangerous. Things like blown fuses, aged wiring causing short circuits, or loose connectors can all lead to this situation. Now I've developed a habit of glancing at the dashboard every time I start the car, just in case. During maintenance, I always remind the technician to check the circuits and bulbs - spending a little money to prevent big troubles is worth it, safe driving is what matters most.
Last time I encountered this issue, the lights didn't turn on at all when starting the new car, which was quite alarming at first. I checked online tutorials that suggested it might be a blown fuse or a burnt-out bulb. I took matters into my own hands, opened the fuse box next to the driver's seat, and checked the corresponding fuse position—sure enough, it was blackened. After spending a few bucks to replace the fuse, the lights worked fine upon starting. For more complex issues like wiring problems or control module failures, a multimeter test or a visit to a professional repair shop might be necessary. But lights not working doesn't mean the car is broken; it's your warning system that's malfunctioning. It's important to fix it as soon as possible and not delay, as it could affect driving safety.
