Many of us have encountered such a problem as turning on the engine icon (Check engine ...), the appearance of which scares car drivers. Here are 5 of the most common reasons why dashboard check engine light comes on.
The appearance of the engine indicator icon occurs, as a rule, without warning. The reason for the appearance of the Check engine cannot be immediately understood. Even if the car has auto diagnostics (for example, in cars such as,), which scans all car systems for errors and, if any, displays a decryption on the information panel, the reasons for the appearance of an engine check will not be deciphered.
For most drivers, the appearance of this warning icon on the instrument panel means the need to urgently go to a car repair shop to diagnose and fix the cause of the "Check Engine" warning sign. But in fact, in most cases, when the "Check" indication appears, you can, and in some cases, possibly, eliminate the cause yourself without a trip to a car service, which will save you money.
1. Replace the oxygen sensor (lambda probe)
The oxygen sensor in your car is part of the exhaust gases, which controls how much oxygen is not burned in the engine's combustion chamber. This sensor helps to control the fuel consumption of the car. Malfunction oxygen sensor(lambda probe) means that the car computer is not receiving correct data, which can significantly increase fuel consumption and reduce engine power. Most cars have 2 to 4 oxygen sensors. If you have a home automotive error scanner, then by connecting it to the car, you can easily find out which sensor needs to be replaced.
For what reason does the oxygen sensor in the car become unusable: Over time, the sensor is covered with a layer of used and engine oil(oil soot), which reduces the accuracy of reading the sensor indicators for regulating the gasoline mixture and distributing the optimal one. A malfunction of the oxygen sensor in the car leads not only to, but also to an increased content harmful substances CO2 in the exhaust.
What needs to be done: If you do not change the faulty automotive sensor oxygen, this can lead to the failure of your car's catalyst (may burst), which will result in costly repairs. The cost of new catalysts is very high due to the content of precious alloys. On some cars, there are several catalysts, the cost of which can reach up to 90,000 rubles. So do not pull with the replacement of the sensor. Although the replacement of the sensor and its cost is not very small, but it is not commensurate with the cost of the exhaust gas converter system. You can also save on replacement costs by doing it yourself. Many vehicle manuals have detailed instructions How can I replace the oxygen sensor myself. If you know where the oxygen sensor is located, then it will not be difficult for you to disconnect the faulty "lambda probe" and replace it with a new one. Remember to pull with the replacement of this important element you can't pull!
2. Check the fuel filler cap
Many drivers in most cases, when the "check engine" indication appears, will think about serious problems in a car engine, but don't even think to check for leaks fuel system which may be broken due to a defect or an insufficiently tightened neck cap fuel tank. This is a very common reason for the "Check" engine icon to appear.
Reason for the error: Leakage of the fuel system due to the passage of air by the fuel filler cap will increase the fuel consumption of the vehicle, to which the vehicle diagnostic system will issue an engine error by turning on the “Check engine” indication on the instrument panel of the vehicle.
What needs to be done: If, when the "Check" indication appears, your car does not lose power, and there are no sound signs of engine damage (engine knocking, hum, squeaking, etc.), then first of all check the tightness of the gas tank. Your gas tank cap may be cracked or not tight enough. If the cap was not tightened enough, after tightening it all the way, continue driving the car for a while to see if the engine error disappears. To prevent the appearance of an engine check for this reason, regularly check the fuel filler cap. Remember that periodically the cover must be replaced with a new one!
3. Car exhaust catalyst
The car catalyst helps the car to make the exhaust gases of the engine more environmentally friendly. It converts carbon monoxide and other harmful substances into harmless compounds. If your exhaust gas catalyst has become unusable, you will notice this not only when the engine icon (check), but also long before that, when the power car will fall 2 times. For example, when you press the gas pedal, the car, as before, will not have good speakers overclocking.
What can cause a car catalytic converter to fail: if you regularly service your car, in accordance with the maintenance regulations car company, then the catalyst should not fail. main reason catalytic converter failure, it is not timely replacement a faulty oxygen sensor, as well as irregular replacement of spark plugs at the end of their expiration date. When the oxygen sensor or spark plugs fail, the conversion of carbon monoxide in the catalyst to harmless chemical elements stops, which leads to overheating of the catalyst, which can fail because of this.
What needs to be done: If your catalytic converter has become unusable, then you cannot drive a car, as the engine will not work correctly, warning about this by indicating the engine icon (check) on the dashboard. Also, you will have very much increased fuel consumption, and there will be no engine thrust. Although the replacement of the catalyst is a very expensive repair, there is nowhere to go from the repair. Although there is an alternative in replacing the catalyst with a flame arrester, but this is not a 100 percent option. Unfortunately, if you are not an experienced auto mechanic, then you cannot replace a faulty exhaust gas catalyst yourself. In any case, you will have to contact the auto repair shop. Remember that timely replacement of oxygen sensors and spark plugs protects your catalytic converter from damage!
4. Replace mass air flow sensor
The mass air flow sensor regulates how much air must be added to the gasoline mixture for optimum ignition of the fuel. The sensor constantly informs the car's computer about the amount of oxygen supplied. A defective mass air flow sensor increases fuel consumption, increases CO2 levels in the exhaust gas, and reduces engine power and ride quality. Also, with a faulty sensor, there is bad dynamics overclocking. In cold weather, the car faulty sensor starts badly.
What are the reasons for the failure of the mass air flow sensor: Most sensor failures are due to incorrect installation air filter when it is scheduled to be replaced. Also if not changed regularly air filter, as required by the vehicle maintenance schedule recommended by the manufacturer, the mass air flow sensor may fail.
What needs to be done: Theoretically, you can drive for a long time with a broken mass air flow sensor (several weeks or months). But you will notice that the longer you drive, the more fuel consumption increases. Replacing the sensor in a car service is not so expensive, since the work itself does not take much time and is quite simple. The main costs are associated with the cost of the sensor, which for some car models can be 11,000-14,000 rubles if it is an original sensor or up to 6,000 rubles if it is an analog substitute. Self-replacing the sensor is very simple. But in connection with low cost work on replacing the sensor, you can entrust this work to the master in the car service. Remember that it is necessary to change the air filter regularly, following the vehicle maintenance regulations!
5. Replacing spark plugs and high voltage wires
Spark plugs in a car are the main parts for ignition fuel mixture. At faulty candles ignition, an incorrect spark supply occurs to ignite the gasoline mixture. Faulty plugs often have no spark or an incorrect spark interval, which affects wrong work engine. If the spark plugs do not work properly during acceleration, especially from a standstill, you may feel slight jolts.
What are the reasons for the failure of spark plugs: Most spark plugs in pre-1996 vehicles need to be changed every 25,000-30,000 kilometers. In newer cars, spark plugs last more than 150,000 km. However, these terms scheduled replacement spark plugs can be reduced due to various factors related to fuel quality and driving style.
What needs to be done: If your candles have not been changed for a long time, or if you feel ignition-related failures in the engine, then you should immediately replace them with new ones without delay. Don't try to save money untimely replacement spark plugs, since the cost of spark plugs is not very expensive, as well as the work of replacing them. By changing old spark plugs, you will improve engine performance and reduce vehicle fuel consumption. It is quite easy to change the spark plugs yourself. Basically, they are easily accessible under the hood of the car. You need an ordinary spark plug wrench to unscrew the spark plugs from the engine. It is also advisable to monitor the condition of the high-voltage wires, as over time they can become unusable and pass electricity that is transmitted to the spark plugs, which will reduce the strength of the spark. Remember that regularly changing your spark plugs, in accordance with your vehicle's maintenance schedule, keeps your exhaust catalyst from breaking down and improves engine performance!
Tachometer, speedometer, on-board computer indicators, light bulbs - all these components are located on the Lada instrument panel. Designed "tidy" to display the current state various systems Lada Priora. An experienced motorist will immediately notice that one of the nodes needs repair, a certain icon will inform him about this. If you are a novice driver, then it will be useful for you to study the Lada Priora shield. This material presents detailed description each element of the device.
Dashboard Indicator Symbols
When starting up, almost all the icons on the tidy light up - this is how the operation of the bulbs is checked. Some drivers believe that these are reports of malfunctions of any Lada Priora systems.
| No. on the scheme | Indicator designations |
|---|---|
| 1 | Tachometer. The device measures the frequency of the engine crankshaft (rpm). If the arrow goes beyond the red value, then the Lada Priora motor is operating in a dangerous mode; |
| 2 | Brake force indicator. Reports defects in the operation of this node; |
| 3 | Battery charge. If the lamp is on while the engine is running, the battery is dead; |
| 4 | Left turn signal. The sign flashes when there is an alarm or the left indicator is on; |
| 5 | Speedometer. The device reports the speed at which your Lada Priora is moving in this moment; |
| 6 | Emergency lubricant pressure in the motor. If the sign is lit during operation power plant, it means that the pressure in the system is low, it is highly recommended not to operate the motor in this state; |
| 7 | Right turn signal (see No. 4); |
| 8 | Handbrake indicator. Lights up yellow if Lada Priora is on the "handbrake"; |
| 9 | Temperature of antifreeze in the cooling system. Working temperature motor starts from 90 ° and above to the red mark. In case of overheating, turn off the engine; |
| 10 | The level of gasoline in the tank. If the fuel level approaches the minimum, fuel pump may break; |
| 11 | Reserve level of gasoline. The indicator lights up when less than 10 liters are left; |
| 12 | Key for resetting the daily mileage and switching between display modes; |
| 13 | Alarm. If you have started the emergency gang, the lamp will flash along with the turn signal arrows; |
| 14 | Malfunctions in the electric amplifier. If defects appear in the EUR, the lamp will burn while the engine is running; |
| 15 | Designation high beam. An active indicator tells you that you have switched to far; |
| 16 | Outdoor Lighting. The system notifies the driver about the operation of the dimensions or low beam; |
| 17 | Faults in airbags. If the lamp is on after starting, then there is a high probability that the airbags will not work in a collision; |
| 18 | Immobilizer. A beep and flashing indicate that the immobilizer system is faulty; |
| 19 | Computer screen. Here you can see information from the bookmaker, as well as find out the total and daily mileage; |
| 20 | Identification of unfastened seat belts. The buzzer will signal the violation for 90 seconds; |
| 21 | The brake system is in emergency condition. Most often these are worn pads or an insufficient amount fluids in the system; |
| 22 | Disabling a specific pillow; |
| 23 | Indicator of defects in the work of the ASB, while the brake system is operating normally; |
| 24 | Check Engine - a breakdown in the engines, diagnostics and subsequent repairs are urgently required. |
The exclamation mark is on - what to do?
We noticed that new topics often appear on automotive forums, where drivers ask about exclamation marks that are displayed on the Lada Priora panel. They rarely specify where it is lit, and what is shown on the badge. In this section, we have put together a small F.A.Q. The following are all exclamation marks that can light up on the instrument panel of a VAZ 2170 car. The designations for these icons are as follows:
- Lit red Exclamation point circle (bottom). The indicator indicates that there is a problem in the vehicle's braking system. Usually this low level brake fluid. Add it to the tank and, most likely, the sign will stop burning. If this does not happen, then it is worth checking the system for damaged components. When ignited, the indicator lights up for 4 seconds, and then goes out.
- The red exclamation mark in the triangle/circle is lit (top). IN modern versions a triangle is used instead of a circle. The indicator informs us about defects in the brake force distributor. Take extra care if the lamp is on while driving.
- An exclamation mark next to the steering wheel icon. With a long glow, it indicates a malfunction in the electric power steering (EUR). Like the other icons, it lights up when ignited and goes out after a few seconds if the system is working properly.
Sometimes the cause of the indication is a malfunction in the electronics. Terminals go off, contacts are oxidized, defects in the on-board computer are several reasons for the random appearance of icons. In order not to harm one of the systems, first check the electronic part. To do this, it is enough to dismantle the tidy on the Lada Priora and see if the terminals sit securely in the sockets. If the brake system indicator lights up, then first check the fluid level in the tank, and only then fill in new antifreeze.
When do you need to remove the instrument panel?
Dismantling Priora's tidy is required for tuning or replacing burnt out lamps. VAZ 2170 refers to modern models, so there are not many fasteners on the panel. For disassembly, you will need a set of screwdrivers. Don't forget to turn off the "minus" of the battery.
The most interesting
Hi all! Today I want to raise a rather topical topic that excites, judging by the questions on the forums and the number of queries in search engines, a large number of of people. I want to talk about such a phenomenon when an exclamation mark on the panel lights up when you press the brake pedal.
I will try to give an exhaustive answer to this question and explain why this happens and what kind of damage may be involved in this. Go!
I'll start, perhaps, with the fact that if a lamp (!) lights up on the panel, this means something is wrong with the brake system. As a rule, this indicator signals a low level of brake fluid (TF) in the system. How do you understand faulty brakes- this is not a joke, and the problem must be solved. I'll tell you more, if someone does not know, OPERATING A CAR WITH A LIT INDICATOR (!) - FORBIDDEN! Since you do not know what the matter is and what caused this error to appear on the dashboard.
When does an exclamation mark light up?
- Low level of TJ.
- Problem in bad contact. As a rule, we are talking about the sensor connector on the main brake cylinder(GTZ).
- Break. Wiring problem or open circuit.
- Faulty brake fluid level sensor (DUTZH).
- Something is wrong with the instrument panel.
What to do if the lamp lights up?
- The first step is to check the level of TJ. This is done simply and without any difficulties. Open the hood and look at the level, it should be between the "MIN" and "MAX" marks. The level must be constantly monitored, for those who forget to do this, there is an exclamation mark. It lights up at the signal of the sensor, which signals when the level of TJ is below the permissible level.
By the way! There are frequent cases when the light came on when driving over bumps and went out as soon as the car drove more or less flat road. This happens precisely for the reason that the level of "brake" is close to the "MIN" mark, and while the car is rocking, the sensor detects a low level and signals this to the instrument panel.
- If everything is in order with the brake fluid level, it is necessary to check the DUTZH, which is located in the GTZ tank. How to do this, I'll tell you now.
2.1. Turn on the ignition and make sure that the exclamation mark lamp lights up, that is, the indicator insufficient level TJ. It should light up and go out if the level is normal and the sensor is working.
2.2. We turn off the power from the sensor and look at the lamp, if it goes out, most likely there is a problem with the sensor. Check the sensor, sometimes the problem is that the float fails and sinks to the bottom even though the TJ level is fine.
2.3. If after turning off the power from the sensor, the exclamation mark on the panel continues to burn, most likely the problem is in the wiring, and the sensor itself is working. Perhaps the reason lies in short circuit wiring, or in something else, but one way or another, the problem will be related to a wiring malfunction and a violation of its integrity.
If everything is in order with the TJ level sensor, but you want to check its operation, this is done quite simply
2.4. Click on rubber compressor on the tank lid, so you lower the sensor float to the bottom, while in good sensors, an exclamation mark on the panel lights up.
2.5. If the indicator does not light up, take a small piece of copper wire and turn off the power from the brake fluid level sensor. With the prepared wire, it is necessary to close the sensor power contacts, that is, the contacts on the wiring that is connected to the sensor, and not the contacts of the sensor itself. With such a short circuit, a corresponding low brake fluid level signal should appear on the panel. If this does not happen, most likely the sensor is working, and the problem is faulty wiring.
If the brake fluid level sensor is faulty, replace it, if the problem is in the float of this sensor, you can try to repair it, if the wiring is faulty, replace it or contact an experienced auto electrician for help.
One of my old friends recently bought a new car. After a week of operating the car, I began to call several times a day and ask what the icon on the dashboard that lit up on the dashboard means. By the way, among the newly minted owners of modern cars, this is not an isolated case. Lots of car enthusiasts getting behind the wheel of a new modern machine, and seeing on the tidy that the indicator lights up, they immediately get scared and think that there has been a breakdown in some system, but in fact, this is not always the case.
Indicators notify the driver not only about malfunctions, but also about one or another action that a person driving a car must perform. Signals on the dashboard can be compared to road signs, which are warning and prohibitive.
Indicators on the dashboard can be divided into several categories and subcategories.
And so, what you should know and remember. If a red icon with any icon lights up on the device, it is highly likely that there is a problem in the car, with which its operation is extremely undesirable, and can lead to serious consequences. In this case, you should immediately stop, turn off the engine and tow or transport the car on a tow truck to the service.
If the yellow or orange color, which is a warning about the incorrect operation or failure of the controlling element of one of the automotive systems without delay, show the car to a specialist who will determine the problem in order to fix it. In this case, the operation of the car is allowed in a limited mode, only for independent movement to the car service. On some vehicles, after a warning signal appears on the dashboard, a lock occurs full-fledged work many systems and the car goes into emergency mode, in which the speed and control of the power unit will be limited.
An illuminated green icon on the dashboard indicates that a certain system is on and functioning normally, therefore, it is safe to continue driving.
I hope that you understand the main categories of indicators on the dashboard of a car. If there are no questions, we move on and consider specifically each icon, its designation and what it signals.
Deciphering the icons on the dashboard
Important icons on the dashboard, under which the operation of the car is not recommended
The handbrake is on or the brake fluid level in the system is below the permissible level. Also, this indicator may indicate a malfunction of the brake system itself, depressurization, pad wear, etc.
The indicator with a red battery that lights up indicates the absence or malfunction in the power supply of the generator-battery circuit. The indicator, on which, in addition to the battery, there is also the inscription “MAIN”, as a rule, indicates problems with battery charging on hybrid vehicles.
The appearance of this lit indicator on the scoreboard is usually accompanied by a buzzer sound message or a voice message. The danger icon indicates that an emergency situation has occurred in the car, one or more doors, the hood, etc. are not closed.
The danger indicator in the orange triangle informs the driver about malfunctions in the stabilization system.
The problem with SRS is Supplemental Restraint System, which, translated into Russian, indicates a malfunction in the system passive safety or, as the airbags are also called.
Indicators similar in informativeness to the previous ones, they only indicate that the airbags front passenger does not work.
There is also an indicator of the passive safety system, which signals the driver that there is a child or a person with a small weight in the front seat, which can cause the front passenger airbag to fail to deploy in case of an accident.
The Pre Collision or Crash System (PCS), which is activated when the vehicle rolls over, does not work. In some cases, the indicator may come on during or after off-road driving.
Pre Collision or Crash System (PCS) not working
This indicator lights up during the activation of the immobilizer or the standard anti-theft system.
Error when turning on the standard anti-theft system or its non-working state.
Problems with automatic transmission - oil overheating, errors in the automatic transmission control unit, failure.
A description of this malfunction should be found in the owner's manual for the car.
These indicators are found on vehicles with automatic transmission (Automatic Transmission - A / T) and signal an increase in the limit allowable temperature in it, which can lead to failure of the automatic transmission. Movement in this case is highly undesirable, it is recommended to wait until the box has cooled down.
The appearance of this icon also indicates (Automatic Transmission - AT). The movement of the car in this case is highly undesirable.
Shows the transfer of the automatic transmission selector knob to the “P” “parking” mode on vehicles with all-wheel drive, which has a number of reduced speeds. In this case, the machine is blocked when the lever is in position (N)
Some automatic transmission vehicles may have this dash panel icon that illuminates if the transmission is low or low oil pressure, overheating, one of the sensors is not working, or there is another problem. In this case, the system turns on the emergency mode - the car can only move in one gear per minimum speed with minimum engine speed to protect automatic transmission parts from further destruction.
This yellow shift up arrow tells the driver to upshift to save fuel.
Not working or there is a problem with the power steering.
The fluid level in the brake system is below acceptable
Brake pads have unacceptable wear.
The brake force distribution system on the wheels of the car is faulty.
The electric parking brake does not work or does not work properly.
If the car has a tire pressure monitoring system, then when the pressure drops by more than 25% of the nominal value in one or more wheels, you will see these icons on the dashboard.
The " " indicator usually lights up during operation. power unit and signals that one or more engine systems have a malfunction. In some vehicles, the appearance of this icon may be accompanied by the shutdown of some systems until the problem is identified and corrected. It is also possible to limit the fuel supply, to prevent the engine from running at increased speed to reduce the load.
The motor motor has lost power - this indicator is on. To solve the problem, it is possible to stop the motor and start it after about 10 seconds.
A malfunction has been detected in the electronic part of the transmission or a problem in the operation of the power unit. Also, this indicator can signal a malfunction or injection system.
The fuel tank cap is not closed.
An information indicator that serves to draw the driver's attention to an already existing problem or a burning icon on the car's dashboard.
Instructs the driver to look up information in the owner's manual for this vehicle.
These indicators relate to the engine cooling system, and their appearance on the instrument panel may indicate that the coolant level is below the permissible level or its temperature exceeds the permissible value.
Throttle problems
The Blind Spot - BSM (Blind Spot Tracking) system does not work or does not work properly.
A signal to the driver that it is time to undergo a scheduled maintenance with an oil change (OIL CHANGE) and engine filters. However, on some machines, the first light may come on if there are shear problems that need to be corrected. In this case, computer diagnostics is recommended.
Night View - The night vision system is faulty or not working properly. Check if the infrared sensors are not working.
Traction and Active Traction Control, Dynamic Traction Control (DTC), Traction Control System (TCS)) - indicators indicate the state and functioning of the traction control system. Solid green - the system is on. Yellow - a problem has been detected in the operation of the traction control system. I would like to note that TCS, DTC are directly related to the brake and fuel supply systems, and if a malfunction is detected in them or they do not work, then the traction control system will also give an error on the indicator.
The Electronic Stability Program - ESP (Emergency Brake Assist) and Brake Assist System - BAS (stabilization system) have problems or are malfunctioning.
The Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) is not working or is not working properly.
These indicators are present on the instrument panel of the car, which have systems for descending / lifting from the mountain, support systems constant speed and start assist systems. These icons indicate the state of the vehicle in a specific situation while negotiating an obstacle.
Disabled and whether the stabilization system (Stability Control) is not working. I would like to note that the deactivation of this system occurs when the “Check Engine” indicator lights up. The stabilization system serves to level the car while sliding or skidding using the brake system, fuel supply system and suspension control.
Electronic Stability Program (ESP) or Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) indicators indicate the operation of the electronically locking differential and traction control system Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR).
Brake Assist System (BAS) is not working or is not working properly. In this case, the Electronic Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR) system is disabled
Intelligent assistance system during emergency braking Intelligent Brake Assist - IBA - Disabled. This feature of the vehicle is capable of applying the brakes before a collision occurs. If you have activated Intelligent Brake Assist and the light stays on, the laser sensors are most likely dirty or defective.
Indicates to the driver that the car has begun to slip on the road, in which case the stabilization system will be automatically activated.
Does not work (faulty or disabled), while the car can be driven without any problems.
Presence or absence electronic key in the car.
The first icon indicates the presence of an electronic key, the second indicates that the key battery is low and needs to be replaced.
Snow Mode is activated. This mode is present on automatic transmissions to simplify the movement and starting off the car on snow and ice.
Smart car systems, signaling with this indicator, offer the driver to stop and rest. In some cases, on some cars, a pleasant female voice will ask you to pause and have a cup of coffee.
If the car is equipped with a system that allows you to adjust the height of the body position, for a comfortable fit for the driver and passengers, then this indicator lights up when it is activated.
Adaptive Cruise Control - ACC - adaptive cruise control is on. This feature will provide optimum speed vehicle, taking into account the position on the road of other Vehicle and the nature of the area. A flashing icon indicates that the system has problems or is not working.
Rear window heating on
Indicates that Brake Hold (brake system) is activated. To turn it off, press the gas pedal.
Sport Suspension Setting / Comfort Suspension Setting - shock absorber modes. Accordingly, comfortable or sport modes are included.
If your vehicle is equipped with air suspension, this icon is HEIGHT HIGH to indicate the maximum position of the vehicle body above the road.
Problems with undercarriage car or you need diagnostics of suspension units - Check Suspension.
The presence in the car of the Collision Mitigation Brake System - CMBS, which means collision avoidance system, can turn on this indicator, which warns of problems with this system or contamination of the sensors.
Tow Mode – trailer mode is activated.
Park Assist - parking assistance system. Green indicator indicates activation of Park Assist, yellow indicates a problem with the system.
Information indicators Lane systems Departure Warning Indicator - LDW, Lane Keeping Assist - LKA, or Lane Departure Prevention - LDP, which monitor the vehicle's lanes. If the yellow icon blinks (in some cars the warning buzzer may turn on) - the car moves to the side and the lane should be aligned, yellow blinking indicates a malfunction. A green indicator indicates the activation of this system.
The Start / Stop system, the purpose of which is to save fuel, does not work due to a malfunction. When the car is standing still, the engine is turned off, as soon as the driver presses the gas pedal, the engine starts.
Fuel economy mode is activated.
The indicator lights up when ECO MODE is activated, which significantly saves fuel consumption while driving.
An information indicator that tells the driver to upshift to save fuel.
If the car has a front and rear wheel drive this indicator signals the transition of the car's transmission to the drive rear wheels.
An icon that indicates to the driver that the car's transmission is in rear-wheel drive mode, but if necessary, all-wheel drive will automatically turn on.
All wheel drive included
All-wheel drive in low gear engaged
It turns on when the differential is locked to increase the vehicle's patency while driving on all-wheel drive.
The interwheel differential of the rear wheels is locked.
Shutdown all-wheel drive. The key icon indicates a problem with the all-wheel drive transmission.
Signals about malfunctions in the all-wheel drive system with the engine running. Also, this indicator may indicate a discrepancy between the diameter of the wheels of the rear and front axles.
Perhaps the differential has overheated or there are other problems in the all-wheel drive system.
It may also indicate overheating of the cross-axle differential or oil in it.
4 Wheel Active Steer - the active steering system is faulty. As a rule, it lights up while the engine is running.
The active steering system does not work correctly or is out of order. This error can be caused by problems in the brake system, one of the engine or suspension systems.
On some vehicles with there is a function to start from a place on overdrive for driving on slippery roads. Activation of this function is accompanied by the appearance of this icon on the dashboard.
Continuously Variable Transmission - the variator is working. When the ignition is turned on, the indicator lights up for a few seconds on the tidy and then goes out.
Variable Gear Ratio Steering – steering with variable gear ratio defective, needs repair.
Indicators of the driving mode switching system "SPORT", "POWER", "COMFORT", "SNOW" (Electronic Throttle Control System - ETCS, Electronically Controlled Transmission - ECT, Elektronische Motorleistungsregelung, Electronic Throttle Control). Change the settings of the suspension, automatic transmission and engine.
Drivers are alerted to the presence of a fault in various vehicle systems using . It is not always possible to decipher the meaning of such burning icons intuitively, since not all motorists are well versed in cars. In addition, on different cars, graphic designation one total of the icon itself may differ. It is worth noting that not every light on the panel only indicates a critical malfunction. The indication of the light bulbs under the icons is divided by color into 3 groups:
Red icons they talk about danger, and if any symbol lights up in this color, you should pay attention to the on-board computer signal in order to take measures to quickly fix the problem. Sometimes they are not so critical, and it is possible to continue driving the car when such an icon on the panel is on, and sometimes it is not worth it.
Basic icons on the dashboard
Yellow indicators warn of a malfunction or the need to take some action to drive a car or service it.
Green light bulbs inform about the service functions of the car and their activity.
Let's present a list of the most frequently asked questions and a breakdown of what the burning icon on the panel means.
Information icons
car icon it may burn differently, it happens that the “car with a wrench” icon, the “car with a lock” icon or an exclamation mark is on. About all these designations in order:
When this indicator is lit ( car with key), then it informs about malfunctions in the operation of the engine (often a malfunction in the operation of any sensor) or the electronic part of the transmission. To find out the exact cause, you will need to produce.
caught fire red car with lock, which means that there are problems in the operation of the standard anti-theft system and it will be impossible to start the car, but if this icon blinks when the car is closed, then everything is normal - the car is locked.
Yellow exclamation mark machine indicator notifies the driver of the vehicle hybrid engine about a malfunction of the drive. Resetting the error by dropping the battery terminal will not solve the problem - diagnostics are needed.
open door icon everyone is used to seeing it burning when a door or trunk lid is open, but if all the doors are closed and the light with one or four doors continues to shine, then often the problem should be looked for in the door switches (wire contacts).
Starts flashing when the stabilization system detects exchange rate stability site slippery road and is activated to prevent spinning by reducing engine power and braking the spinning wheel. There is no need to worry in such a situation. But when a key, a triangle or a crossed-out skid icon appeared near such an indicator, then the stabilization system is faulty.
Pops up on the scoreboard when it's time to produce Maintenance car. It is an informational indicator even after its maintenance.
Warning icons on the panel
Steering wheel icon can light up in two colors. If lit yellow steering wheel, then adaptation is required, and when a red image of the steering wheel with an exclamation mark appears, it is already worth worrying about the failure of the power steering or EUR system. When the red steering wheel is lit, then surely yours steering wheel becomes very difficult to turn.
As a rule, blinks if the car is closed; in this case, the indicator of a red car with a white key signals the operation of the anti-theft system. But there are 3 main reasons if the immo light is constantly on: it is not activated, if the label from the key is not read or the anti-theft system is faulty.
Lights up not only when the handbrake lever is activated (raised), but also in cases where the brake pads or need topping up / . On a car with an electronic handbrake, the parking brake light may light up due to a glitch in the limit switch or sensor.
It has several options and, depending on which one is on, draw conclusions about the problem accordingly. One red lamp with the image of a thermometer scale indicates elevated temperature in the engine cooling system, but the yellow expansion tank with waves indicates a low coolant level in the system. But it is worth considering that the coolant lamp does not always burn at a low level, perhaps just a “glitch” of the sensor or float in the expansion tank.
Speaks of low fluid level in expansion tank glass washer. Such an indicator lights up not only with a real decrease in the level, but also if the level sensor is clogged (sensor contacts are covered with plaque due to low-quality liquid), giving a false signal. On some vehicles, the level sensor is triggered when the washer fluid specification does not match.
- This is an indicator of the anti-spin system (Anti-Spin Regulation). The electronic unit of this system is paired with ABS sensors. When such a light is constantly on, it means that the ASR is not working. On different cars, such an icon may look different, but often in the form of an exclamation mark in a triangle with an arrow around or the inscription itself, or in the form of a car on a slippery road.
According to the information from the manual, it indicates a malfunction in the exhaust gas purification system, but, as a rule, such a light starts to burn after bad refueling or the presence of a sensor error. The system registers mixture misfires, as a result of which the content of harmful substances in the exhaust gases increases and, as a result, the “ traffic fumes". The problem is not critical, but diagnostics should be done to find out the cause.
Fault reporting
Lights up when voltage drops onboard network, often such a problem is associated with a lack of charge battery from the generator, so it may also be called the "generator icon". On vehicles with a hybrid engine, this indicator is supplemented by the inscription "MAIN" at the bottom.
He is a red oiler - indicates a drop in the oil level in the car engine. Such an icon lights up when the engine is started, and does not go out after a few seconds or may light up while driving. This fact indicates problems in the lubrication system or a drop in oil level or pressure. The oil icon on the panel can be with a droplet or with waves at the bottom, on some cars the indicator is supplemented with the inscription min, senso, oil level (inscriptions yellow color) or simply the letters L and H (characterizing low and high level oils).
It can light up in several ways: both the red inscription SRS and AIRBAG, and the “red man fastened seat belt”, and in front of him is a circle. When one of these icons is lit on the panel, then this is on-board computer notifies you of a malfunction in the passive safety system, and in the event of an accident air cushions won't work. The reasons why the pillow sign lights up, and how to fix the problem, read the article on the site.
Exclamation mark icon may look different and its meanings, respectively, will also be different. So, for example, when the red (!) in the circle is on, this indicates a malfunction of the brake system and it is advisable not to continue driving until the cause of its occurrence is clarified. They can be very different: raised hand brake brake pads are worn or the brake fluid level is low. A low level is just dangerous, because the reason can be not only in heavily worn pads, as a result of which, when you press the pedal, the liquid diverges through the system, and the float gives a signal of a low level, it can be damaged somewhere brake hose, and this is much more serious. Although, very often the exclamation mark lights up if the float (level sensor) is out of order or shorted out, and then it just lies. On some cars, the exclamation mark is accompanied by the inscription "BRAKE", but this does not change the essence of the problem.
Another exclamation mark can be lit in the form of an “attention” sign, both on a red background and on a yellow one. When caught fire yellow sign“Attention” - it reports a malfunction in the electronic stabilization system, and if it is on a red background, it simply warns the driver about something, and, as a rule, explanatory text is lit on the dashboard display or combined with other informative designation.
ABS icon may have several display options on the dashboard, but regardless of this, it means the same thing on all cars - the appearance of a problem in ABS system and what is currently anti-lock system wheels are not working. You can find out the reasons in our article. Movement in this case can be produced, but you do not need to rely on the operation of the ABS, the brakes will work as usual.
It can either light up intermittently or burn constantly. A light bulb with such an inscription indicates problems with the stabilization system. The Electronic Stability Program indicator, as a rule, lights up for one of two reasons - either the steering angle sensor is out of order, or the brake light switch on sensor (aka “frog”) ordered to live for a long time. Although, there is a more serious problem, for example, the brake system pressure sensor has covered itself.
Some drivers may call it an "injector icon" or may be lit yellow when the engine is running. It informs about the presence of engine errors and its malfunction. electronic systems. To determine the cause of its appearance on the dashboard display, self-diagnosis or computer diagnostics are performed.
glow plug icon may light up on the dashboard diesel car, the meaning of such an indicator is exactly the same as the check icon on petrol cars. When in memory electronic block there are no errors, then the spiral icon should go out after the engine warms up and the glow plugs are turned off. How to check glow plugs.
This material is informative for most car owners. And although absolutely all possible icons of all existing machines, You will be able to independently understand the basic designations of the dashboard of a car, and do not sound the alarm when you see that the icon on the panel is lit again.
