Check Engine light on: Causes, consequences and solutions

The engine warning light is one of a number of lights located on the dashboard of your vehicle. Like the others, its function is to inform the driver of a malfunction. When you see a warning light on, you should be aware that the malfunction could be caused by a number of different components in the engine system.

Check Engine light on: what causes it?

The engine warning light is shaped like an orange engine. It illuminates when there is a fault in the engine system. An illuminated warning light can be the result of a number of different causes:

• A faulty fuel injection system: This could be the fuel injection pump or injectors. They are no longer able to inject the correct amount of fuel for the air-fuel mixture to explode;
• A malfunction in the exhaust system: The air flow meter or lambda sensor (not to be confused with the temperature sensor) may be to blame. There may not be enough air in the engine and there may not be proper exhaust after combustion;
• An Engine ignition problem: The spark plugs or glow plugs are no longer effective at keeping the engine at the proper temperature for combustion;
• A part of the emission control system has failed: the EGR valve, particulate filter, and catalytic converter help limit harmful emissions from the engine. If one of these fails, your engine will pollute more than the legal limit in grams of CO2 per kilometer;
• The camshaft sensor is faulty: it controls the opening and closing of the valves. If they are no longer properly synchronized, the engine cannot breathe properly and the engine warning light will come on.

If the engine warning light continues to come on when you continue to drive, the on-board computer has put your vehicle into a downgraded mode to prevent the engine from failing. This mode greatly affects the performance of your vehicle.

A car that stutters and the engine warning light comes on: what can I do?

If your car starts with a low noise level and the warning light is on, the problem is most likely with the ignition system. Spark plugs, glow plugs, or the ignition coil may be defective. If the motor runs rough, that means the motor can't produce the combustion needed to start. You should take your vehicle to a professional to have it checked and the problem parts replaced.

Is it safe to drive with a warning light on?

In general, it is not advisable to continue driving with a warning light on. When the engine light comes on, it indicates a malfunction in your vehicle's engine system. Ignoring this signal and continuing to drive could lead to more serious problems and damage to your engine.

When the engine light comes on, it's best to take immediate action to resolve the problem. To diagnose and repair the cause of the malfunction, it is best to visit an automotive professional such as a repair shop or mechanic. They can perform a thorough analysis using a diagnostic tool to identify the source of the problem and make the necessary repairs. Find a trusted repair shop near you with Vroomly. You'll be able to repair your engine for less.

Continuing to drive with the engine light on can lead to reduced vehicle performance, increased fuel consumption, excessive emissions and, in some cases, irreversible engine damage. It is therefore preferable to act quickly and not take any risks by continuing to drive with the light on.

Flashing Check Engine Light: what does it mean?

There is also a situation where the warning light may flash instead of staying on continuously. This is a warning that the engine needs to be turned off very quickly. This is because the engine is overheating, which could lead to a fire.

When the engine warning light is flashing, you may often see unusual smoke coming from the hood or smell an unpleasant odor in the passenger compartment.

Usually, this overheating is the result of a problem with the operation of the catalytic converter. This is located in the particulate filter in the exhaust pipe at the engine's outlet. Its job is to modify the engine's emissions by making the particles in the exhaust gases less toxic.

If the check engine light illuminates, what are the consequences?

Ignoring a warning light can have serious consequences for the performance and longevity of your vehicle.

• Reduced vehicle performance: A problem with the fuel injection system or emission control system can reduce your vehicle's performance. The result may be a loss of power, an increase in fuel consumption, or slower acceleration.
• Increased emissions: A malfunctioning emission control system can also cause an increase in greenhouse gas emissions. This can have a negative impact on the environment and result in fines or penalties if your vehicle fails to meet emission standards.
• Irreversible engine damage: Finally, ignoring a warning light can cause irreversible damage to your engine. This may lead to high repair costs and even complete engine replacement.

How do I remove a caution light?

If the engine light remains on or is flashing on your vehicle's dashboard, it is necessary to turn off your vehicle's ignition as soon as possible. You can also try restarting the car to see if the engine light is still on, as this can sometimes be due to an electrical problem rather than a mechanical one.

In any case, you will need to take your car to the nearest repair shop with a tow truck so that a professional can perform an auto diagnosis.

Using a diagnostic kit, he will be able to identify faults and malfunctions in the engine system in just a few minutes. They will make the necessary repairs to keep your car safe and reliable.

Why is the engine temperature warning light illuminated?

The engine temperature warning light is the coolant warning light. It illuminates when the coolant level is low, causing the radiator and the entire engine system to overheat.

Without coolant, the engine cannot be cooled properly and overheating is guaranteed!

There are other reasons besides low coolant that can cause this warning light to come on: a faulty water pump, a leak in the radiator, a damaged cylinder head gasket, a worn injection pump gasket, and so on. In other words, the entire cooling system is at fault and needs to be replaced quickly.

To avoid a fire or engine damage, it's a good idea to stop your vehicle as soon as possible when the engine light comes on. To remove the warning light, you'll need to visit a repair shop for a full diagnosis.