Why is the engine warning light on in the 2020 Bora?
2 Answers
Sensor issues, engine misfire, car maintenance problems, fuel quality issues, poor combustion of the air-fuel mixture, engine intake problems, turbocharging problems, exhaust problems, and anti-theft system malfunctions are the main reasons why the engine warning light comes on in this vehicle. In addition, when the car is started, the vehicle performs a self-check on the engine system. Normally, the engine warning light will turn off after the self-check is completed. If it remains on for an extended period, you should promptly visit a repair station to seek professional help for inspection and to eliminate potential safety hazards. Below is a detailed explanation of each type of fault: Sensor issues: Sensors include coolant temperature, crankshaft position, air flow, intake temperature, oxygen sensors, etc. When these sensors are damaged, have poor contact, or experience signal interruptions, the car's ECU cannot accurately obtain engine data, which will trigger the engine warning light. Solution: If such problems occur, promptly visit a repair center for professional inspection to eliminate safety hazards. Maintenance issues: Poor engine maintenance is the most common cause of the engine warning light coming on. Vehicles have specific maintenance cycles. If maintenance is not performed on schedule and combined with poor driving habits, the engine's operational burden will increase, eventually causing the engine warning light to illuminate as a reminder of a fault. Solution: Follow the maintenance schedule in your car's manual, either by time or mileage, to ensure comprehensive maintenance and eliminate non-maintenance-related issues. Fuel quality issues: This refers to both fuel and engine oil. The fuel used in cars usually has a specific grade, and engine oil can be semi-synthetic or fully synthetic. Manufacturers typically recommend which fuel grade and oil type to use. If the owner does not follow these recommendations, long-term use can cause engine wear, leading to the warning light coming on. Solution: Use the appropriate fuel grade and engine oil as specified for your vehicle. Poor combustion of the air-fuel mixture: Faulty spark plugs, fuel pump issues, or clogged fuel lines can lead to poor combustion of the air-fuel mixture in the engine. This results in engine carbon buildup or knocking, which is detected by the oxygen sensor and reported to the ECU, triggering the warning light. Intake problems: During engine combustion, air intake is necessary, and the air filter plays a crucial role. If the car's air filter is dirty or not cleaned regularly, it can affect air intake, potentially causing blockages over time. In severe cases, this can trigger the engine warning light. Solution: Regularly clean or replace the car's air filter to ensure the proper functioning of the intake system. Turbocharging problems: Intake turbocharging pipes or the turbocharger itself can also cause the engine warning light to come on. The most common issue is turbocharger damage, which may also lead to oil leaks, excessive oil consumption, reduced power, metallic noises, or blue/black smoke from the exhaust. Solution: Visit a 4S shop to inspect and replace the turbocharger. Generally, repairs for such issues are not cost-effective, so replacing the component is the better option. Exhaust problems: Rear oxygen sensors, catalytic converters, exhaust camshafts, and bearings. The most common issue is catalytic converter failure, which triggers the engine warning light. Physical damage to the catalytic converter or fuel system malfunctions can easily cause such problems. Solution: Use lead- or silicon-based lubricants to maintain and clean the catalytic converter. Anti-theft system: 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 functioning properly, while also triggering the warning light. Solution: Visit a professional repair shop for a systematic inspection. This issue cannot be fixed by individuals. Engine misfire: This refers to a fault where one or more cylinders in the engine do not work or work poorly. An engine misfire can lead to insufficient power, difficulty starting, or unstable idling. Solution: First, identify which cylinder's components are damaged and replace them. If the issue involves internal mechanical damage, a major repair at a repair shop is necessary.
I just repaired several 2020 Bora models. Common causes for the engine warning light include exhaust system issues like dirty oxygen sensors causing excessive emissions, fuel system problems such as loose fuel tank caps or insufficient fuel pump pressure, spark plug carbon buildup causing ignition issues, and electrical faults. Moisture or aging sensors may also trigger the warning. You can first check if the fuel tank cap is tight, but it's best not to ignore it—flashing lights indicate more serious issues potentially involving the transmission or turbo. The Bora's electronic systems are sensitive; minor problems left unaddressed may worsen, such as catalytic converter damage leading to significantly higher costs. It's recommended to visit a 4S shop as soon as possible for a computer scan to accurately diagnose and repair the issue.