Check Engine Warning Light
The check engine light is also known as the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL). This is a warning, that there is something wrong in the engine. It could come up for multiple simple and complex reasons. Even a faulty gas cap can bring up the check engine dashboard indicator. But in most cases you need to take the car to a garage to get the problem sorted out.
Check engine lights come in yellow or amber colors but can vary with the manufacturer. A more serious problem is indicated by a flashing check engine light. And less serious ones could be just an illuminating light.
Since 1996, Car manufacturers started using OBD-2 protocol which had a list of diagnostic codes stored by the on-board computer diagnostic system (OBD) in your vehicle.. Engine problems could be identified using these diagnostic codes accessed through a universal connector in the cars which is usually located under the steering column. Hundreds of OBD 2 codes can bring up the Check Engine Light.
Reasons for this warning.
- Loose or faulty gas cap
- Worn spark plugs
- Bad spark plug wires
- Faulty catalytic converter
- Dirty or faulty mass airflow sensor
- Ignition coil issues
- Fuel injector issues
- Engine thermostat issues
- Dead battery
- Exhaust gas recirculation valve failure
- Vacuum leak
- Issues with an aftermarket alarm
What to do next when the brake warning light comes?
Check engine light can indicate a serious underlying problem which needs your immediate attention. Find a safe place and stop your car. Shut off the engine and look for the possible causes for the check engine light. Sometimes a yellow check engine light means a less serious problem, but a red one needs immediate stop and attention.
Next check the gas cap and tighten it back. This often solves the check engine light problems.
Slow down your speed and load on the car. If the experience any loss of power, reduce the demands on the engine by not revving the engine more and more. Its better to tow your car to the nearest garage at this point to prevent more serious damage.
How to turn off the check engine light?
- Disconnect the cables from the battery and touch the positive and negative cable ends for five minutes. This will discharge any residual charge and reset the check engine light. But this method is not an advice as it will cause resetting the ecu after removing the battery from the car.
- If you have an old car, try removing the ECU fuse and reinstalling.
- Clear the error codes with a OBD 2 reader.
Although the underlying problem is treated, the check engine light won't turn off immediately. It might need few more trips and engine restarting before the check engine light actually turns off.
0 Comments