
The reasons for the engine malfunction light being on and the throttle being weak are: 1. Carbon deposits in the intake tract and piston top can cause poor atomization leading to incomplete combustion; 2. Excessive engine mileage, resulting in weakened spark plug performance; 3. Computer temperature correction issues causing insufficient light during startup; 4. Oxygen sensor failure; 5. Poor quality or substandard gasoline. The solutions for the engine malfunction light being on and the throttle being weak are: 1. Check if the air filter is clogged and clean it if necessary; 2. Inspect the throttle opening; 3. Check if the high-voltage wires, spark plugs, and high-voltage sparks are too weak; 4. Measure if the fuel pressure is too low, and inspect the electric fuel pump, fuel pressure regulator, and fuel filter if necessary.

I remember last time we talked about this issue of the engine malfunction light coming on with loss of power when accelerating. It's usually because the engine protection mode was activated—the computer detected a fault and automatically reduced power to prevent further damage. There are three common causes: First, sensor problems, such as false readings from the oxygen sensor causing an air-fuel ratio imbalance, which cuts power; second, intake or exhaust system blockages, like a dirty air filter reducing oxygen supply or a clogged catalytic converter preventing exhaust gases from escaping; third, ignition or fuel system failures, such as excessive carbon buildup on spark plugs or clogged fuel injectors, leading to inaccurate fuel delivery and sluggish acceleration. I recommend stopping in a safe place immediately—don't force it to avoid damaging more components. Checking the engine oil filter every six months can prevent 70% of such issues. If you have an OBD scanner on hand, scanning the trouble codes can quickly pinpoint the problem—spending a little money for professional repair is far better than getting stranded on the highway.

When the accelerator feels sluggish and the warning light comes on, it's likely an issue with the engine's intake system or ignition components. As someone who commutes regularly by car, I've encountered this twice: the first time was due to excessive carbon buildup in the throttle body, where sludge hindered the valve's movement—a quick 20-minute cleaning at the repair shop fixed it. The second time was caused by insufficient fuel pump pressure, leading to poor fuel delivery. I've since learned to regularly replace the air filter and clean it every 10,000 kilometers. These symptoms not only result in weak acceleration but also cause a spike in fuel consumption. If not repaired promptly, even climbing a hill can become difficult. My first step is usually to check if the fuse is blown—it's the guardian of the circuit, and if it's damaged, it needs replacing. Safety first—don't attempt random fixes when problems arise; it's better to consult a trusted mechanic for peace of mind.

With 30 years of driving experience, I've seen the engine malfunction light come on with sluggish acceleration all too often—it's mostly related to aging ignition components. Whether it's widened spark plug gaps or damaged ignition coils, power just won't pick up. It could also be due to carbon buildup in the fuel injectors causing poor fuel atomization, making acceleration feel like towing a trailer. I've neglected maintenance before and encountered this issue, but replacing the spark plugs restored normal performance. I recommend inspecting the ignition system every 20,000 kilometers, especially for older cars, which are more prone to this problem. If not repaired promptly, prolonged illumination of the light leads to worse performance and higher fuel consumption.


