What to Do When the Engine Fault Warning Light Comes On?
2 Answers
Solutions for when the engine fault warning light comes on are: 1. Read the fault code to identify and repair the issue; 2. Use high-quality gasoline; 3. Warm up the engine for one to two minutes upon starting; 4. Start the engine and enable the self-check function; 5. Turn off and restart the engine to check if the fault light remains on. Possible issues when the engine fault light is on include: 1. The engine fails to operate; 2. Unstable engine speed with significant fluctuations; 3. Low engine speed, prone to stalling near idle; 4. Unstable engine speed with noticeably reduced power; 5. Slow response in engine speed during rapid acceleration.
After driving for so many years, I've experienced the engine warning light suddenly coming on several times. In such moments, don't panic immediately. I usually find a safe place to pull over, turn off the engine, wait a few minutes, and then restart to see if the light goes off—sometimes minor issues can self-correct. If the light remains on, I check the oil dipstick to ensure proper oil pressure, as using the wrong fuel or low oil levels can trigger warnings. Common causes include faulty sensors, carbon buildup affecting combustion, or excessive emissions. Last time my light came on, it turned out the oxygen sensor was dirty—cleaning it fixed the issue. Keeping an OBD scanner in the car is quite useful for reading trouble codes and quickly diagnosing the problem. Safety first—don’t keep driving to avoid engine damage. Visit a reliable repair shop as soon as possible for a thorough check, and regular maintenance can help prevent such issues.
