What to Do When the Car Shows an Engine Fault?
1 Answers
If the engine fault light is on, you can follow these steps: First, check if the engine is running normally, whether there are issues like shaking or black smoke. If so, try not to start the engine again. Specifically, do not start the engine if the red warning light is on. If the engine can be started, turn it off and wait for 5-10 minutes. Without pressing the brake, press the start button once or turn the 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 fault light on the dashboard turns off. If the fault light remains on, visit a service station as soon as possible to diagnose the issue. The service station can use a portable diagnostic tool to read the fault code, identify the problem, and perform targeted repairs. There are seven main reasons why the engine fault light may illuminate: 1. Sensor Fault: Sensors such as coolant temperature, crankshaft position, air flow, intake temperature, and oxygen sensors may be damaged, have poor contact, or lose signal. This prevents the car's ECU from accurately obtaining engine data, triggering the fault light. 2. Fuel or Oil Quality Issues: Using fuel or oil that does not meet the manufacturer's specifications may cause engine wear, leading to the fault light turning on. 3. Poor Combustion of Air-Fuel Mixture: Poor combustion can cause engine carbon buildup or knocking. The oxygen sensor detects this and reports it to the ECU, which then illuminates the fault light as a warning. Issues such as faulty spark plugs, ignition coils, fuel pumps, or clogged fuel lines can lead to poor combustion. 4. Turbocharger Problems: The intake boost pipe or turbocharger can also cause the engine fault light to turn on. The most common issue is turbocharger damage, often accompanied by oil leaks, excessive oil consumption, reduced power, metallic noises, or blue/black smoke from the exhaust. 5. Intake Issues: If the car's intake system is problematic, it may cause engine pipe blockages, which can trigger the fault light. A dirty or uncleaned air filter can lead to intake problems. 6. Exhaust Issues: Exhaust system faults can also cause the engine fault light to illuminate. Common causes include faulty rear oxygen sensors, catalytic converters, exhaust camshafts, or bearings. The catalytic converter is the most frequent culprit, often damaged by leaded gasoline, improper lubricant additives, physical impact, or fuel system issues. 7. Anti-Theft System Fault: If the car's electronic anti-theft system malfunctions or the anti-theft controller does not match the engine ECU, the anti-theft system may prevent the engine from operating normally, while also triggering the fault light.
