What to Do When the Car Engine Warning Light Comes On?

[McAlyssa]

When the engine warning light comes on, you can follow these steps: First, check if the engine is running normally and whether there are issues like shaking or emitting black smoke. If any of these problems exist, try not to start the engine again. Especially note that if the light is red, do not start the engine under any circumstances. If the engine can be started, turn it off for 5-10 minutes. Then, without pressing the brake, press the start button once or turn the car key halfway to the 'on' position without depressing the clutch. The car will perform a self-check after powering on. Wait for 5-10 seconds and observe whether the warning light on the dashboard turns off. If the warning light does not turn off, visit a service station as soon as possible to identify the cause. The service station can use a portable diagnostic tool to read the fault code, obtain fault information, and perform targeted repairs. There are mainly seven reasons why the engine warning light may come on: Sensor failure: Sensors such as coolant temperature, crankshaft position, air flow, intake temperature, and oxygen sensors may be damaged, have poor contact, or experience signal interruption. When the car's ECU cannot accurately obtain engine data, the engine warning light will come on. Fuel quality issues: If fuel and engine oil are not added according to the manufacturer's requirements, it may cause engine wear and trigger the warning light. Poor combustion of the air-fuel mixture: Poor combustion can lead to engine carbon buildup or knocking. When detected by the oxygen sensor and reported to the ECU, the warning light will come on as a warning. Issues like spark plug failure, ignition coil failure, fuel pump failure, or clogged fuel lines can cause poor combustion. Turbocharger issues: Problems with the intake boost pipeline or turbocharger can also trigger the engine warning light. The most common issue is turbocharger damage, accompanied by symptoms like oil leaks, high oil consumption, reduced power, metallic noises, or blue/black smoke from the exhaust. Intake issues: If the car's intake system has problems, it may lead to clogged engine pipelines, and in severe cases, the engine warning light will come on. A dirty air filter that is not cleaned regularly can cause intake issues. Exhaust issues: Exhaust system failures can also trigger the engine warning light. Common causes include rear oxygen sensor failure, catalytic converter issues, or faults in the exhaust camshaft and bearings. The catalytic converter is the most frequent culprit, often damaged by using leaded gasoline, lead or silicon-based lubricant additives, physical impact, or fuel system failures. Anti-theft system failure: If the car's electronic anti-theft system malfunctions or the anti-theft controller does not match the engine's electronic controller, the anti-theft system can prevent the engine from operating normally, and the engine warning light will come on.