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. reason appearance 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 car computer receives incorrect data, which can significantly increase fuel consumption and reduce engine power. Most cars have 2 to 4 oxygen sensors. If you have a home car scanner errors, 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 damaged due to a defect or an insufficiently tightened fuel filler cap. 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
Sensor mass flow The airflow control 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 faulty mass air flow sensor increases fuel consumption, increases CO2 levels in exhaust gas, and also reduces engine power and ride smoothness. 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 for a long time drive 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-replacement 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. With faulty spark plugs, there is an incorrect spark supply 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 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 regular replacement spark plugs, in accordance with the maintenance regulations for your car, keeps your exhaust gas catalyst from breakdowns, and also improves engine performance!
Many people ask what to do if the panel check engine light on? Most drivers have at least once heard of such a thing as a "check" or check engine . But someone faces it literally every day, and someone, perhaps, has never seen it.
check engine or "check" literally translated, means "Check the engine." It's all just signal lamp OBD-2 system installed on the instrument panel of most modern cars. It looks different, but most often in the form of a symbolic image of a yellow engine.
This lamp is associated with the electronic control unit (ECU) of the engine, and lights up when the computer receives information about any error or malfunction. With a working car, the lamp "Check Engine" should light up when the ignition is turned on, but go out after the engine is started. If after starting the engine, the lamp blinks or stays on, then there is some kind of malfunction. And in modern cars "Check Engine" can turn on not only in case of a malfunction of engine systems, but also automatic transmission control systems, electronic systems security, etc.
What should I do if the check engine light comes on when starting the engine?
For starters, don't panic. In most cases "check" lights up due to non-critical problems, for example, due to refueling with low-quality fuel or single misfires in one of the engine cylinders.
But you shouldn't relax either.
First, stop the car and turn off the engine. Open the hood and check the engine oil level. Visually inspect the integrity of all systems and elements under the hood, check for breaks in the wires going to the engine sensors. If the problem cannot be found, disconnect the battery from the vehicle network for 10 minutes.
Then turn it on and try to start the car. If check engine is still on, you need to drive to the nearest service station, where you can scan the computer for errors and see what is the reason for the lamp to light up.
Do not follow the example of people who travel for months with a burning lamp "Check Engine", on the principle of "rides and okay." Yes, in most cases, even with a burning lamp, the car remains on the move, but at the same time its systems work in a standby mode.
IN best case, this will lead to an increase in fuel consumption, a drop in power, etc. In the worst case, will lead to repair. For example, if the lamp "Check Engine" burns due to misfiring faulty spark plug, then soon, if the ECU does not turn off the fuel supply to this cylinder, this can lead to the fact that unburned gasoline and its vapors will disable the catalyst, which will lead to costly repairs.
Therefore, if you have the check caught fire, do not delay with the diagnosis. It costs an average of 500-1000 rubles.
In addition, inexpensive USB and Bluetooth adapters, with the help of which you can easily carry out such a diagnosis yourself.
IN given time all types of cars are equipped with self-diagnosis systems, which, using indicator lights, tell the driver about malfunctions or deviations from the norm in the level of coolant, engine oil, lack of charging battery, critical wear brake pads and other indicators. The main light on the instrument panel is the check engine indicator, which controls the operation of the engine management system. The “Check Engine” check has such a wide range of parameters that the location of the malfunction is determined only with the help of a special code that is displayed on the light panel and remains in the device’s memory. You can quickly find out why it caught fire in your car or is on the panel of the car you are about to purchase.
The check engine light is on - causes and solutions
The luminous check of the motor does not always mean a signal of a malfunction in the control systems of the operating power unit. When the larva is turned in the ignition switch to the on position, the light bulb that comes on indicates that the connection circuit to the power source is working properly.
What does the inscription mean
Check engine can highlight the cause of the malfunction
Translated from English title The check engine indicator gives the driver a hint - "CHECK THE ENGINE". Execution control light on different types cars are made in different ways: in the form of a silhouette of the engine with various options labels or without them. When the ignition key is turned to the operating position, all self-diagnosis lamps light up. When starting the engine, they should go out. A glowing indicator when the engine is running is a signal of a malfunction of the equipment that it controls. On many vehicles, a flashing Check engine LED is accompanied by a beep to get the driver's attention.
What does this signal mean
At first, the check engine indicator was led by the electronic unit engine control. The task of the signal light was to control the operation of the mixture formation system of engines with injection through an injector. The functioning of air intake and purification, nozzles, fuel pump. For this, special sensors were used. But over time, the light bulb was connected to the on-board computer and it added responsibilities. Today, Check Engine indicators control several engine control units: ignition, composition combustible mixture, revolutions crankshaft, regulator idle move and other systems.
Video: what does the CHECK ENGINE indicator mean
Causes of burning a check on a carburetor engine with an injector
Why caught fire on a diesel
A motor running on a solarium, like any engine, is always subjected to variable loads. They affect the change in the number of revolutions of the crankshaft. Choice desired mode to maintain a constant pressure in the injection system assigned to the control unit.
Diesel engine diagnostics
This electronic controller changes the performance of the fuel pump depending on the load that has appeared. Due to this, the system constantly maintains high pressure, which is necessary for stable operation nozzles. On a diesel engine, the cause of the Check engine light is much more difficult to establish than on a gasoline engine. So the advice is this:
- Check the oil level in the crankcase, top up if necessary.
- Drive the car to a reliable car service to diagnose all engine control systems, automatic transmission and other devices. There, the operation of the on-board computer will be checked using professional equipment.
When you can continue driving with this indicator, and when not
You need to understand that from right action the driver at the moment of detection of the flashed light bulb “Look at the Engine”, the consequences for the further operation of the car depend. The glow of the self-diagnosis element when the power unit is running tells the car owner that the on-board computer or the engine control unit has detected a malfunction.
The check engine LED is on. What to do?
Permission to continue driving if the light is on (not blinking) and there is no noticeable change in vehicle performance. It also instantly responds to a sharp press on the accelerator pedal. No power loss observed. The oil level in the crankcase and the antifreeze in the cooling system are normal. The rest of the self-diagnostic lamps are off. You need to get to the nearest car service in order to use computer diagnostics establish and correct the cause of the failure in the control system.
But if negative changes in the operation of the car began to be observed: engine power decreased, suspicious knocks, vibration appeared, the smell of burning began to be felt, and light bulb Check engine blinking - further movement forbidden. The engine must be turned off immediately to avoid serious consequences. Suspicion of overheating of the power unit, pressure drop in the engine lubrication system and other reasons can lead to breakdowns that require a lot of money, time and effort.
What faults does the light come on?
On board modern car installed microprocessor system control, which is responsible for the self-diagnosis of the engine and other units. This probability is provided by the on-board computer. Its read-only memory (ROM) contains a program that controls the actions of the microprocessor. At normal modes the operation of the car, the computer regularly checks the electronic and electrical systems. If there are deviations from the standard values, the controller turns on emergency mode. With it, instead of the erroneous parameter faulty block inserted appropriate value from the assigned program. In this case, the reserve number will be entered into the controller's memory as a malfunction.
The LED in the instrument cluster will illuminate to inform the driver of this situation. Check indicator engine. The microprocessor of the electronic control unit remembers special code malfunctions. You can read this indicator visually, depending on the type of computer. These can be flashes of an LED light bulb of different duration caused by:
- the fault itself;
- by closing the specified contacts of the diagnostic connector;
- connecting an analog voltmeter to certain pins of the outputs used to connect readers.
ECU trouble codes "January 4" - reading codes
Check engine flashes are so-called slow codes that carry a small amount of information. They consist of two digits indicating a malfunction in a special table. This collection of codes is an appendix to operational documents. The first digit is indicated by long flashes (up to 1.5 seconds), the second - by short flashes (up to 0.5 seconds). There is a pause between them. It is a few seconds.
There are also quick codes", which are able to give out a great detailed volume information for diagnostic equipment.
It must be remembered that all elements electronic control react poorly to external influences: power surges, static electricity and other factors. Therefore, any preparatory work must be carried out with the ignition key switched off.
Table Fault codes for the controller type "January-4" VAZ 2110, VAZ 2111, VAZ 2112
| Code | Malfunction |
| 12 | Serviceability of a diagnostic circuit of a control lamp |
| 14 | High coolant temperature sensor signal |
| 15 | Low coolant temperature sensor signal |
| 16 | Increased voltage of the on-board network |
| 17 | Reduced voltage of the on-board network |
| 19 | Incorrect crankshaft position sensor signal |
| 21 | Position sensor signal overvoltage throttle valve |
| 22 | Insufficient Throttle Position Sensor Signal Voltage |
| 24 | No signal from vehicle speed sensor |
| 27 | CO potentiometer signal high |
| 28 | Low signal CO-potentiometer |
| 33 | Incorrect mass air flow sensor signal ( high frequency signal at the output of the sensor) |
| 34 | Incorrect mass air flow sensor signal (low signal frequency at the sensor output) |
| 35 | Idle speed deviation |
| 43 | Incorrect knock sensor signal |
| 51 | Controller error (RAM error) |
| 52 | Programmable read-only memory (PROM) error |
| 53 | Electrically programmable memory (EPROM) error |
| 61 | Immobilizer communication error |
On the move, while accelerating
If the engine service indicator lights up: when pulling away; lights up constantly while driving; during its acceleration - the reason is insufficient level oil in the crankcase. You need to stop the car, listen to the engine. In this case, you should see extraneous noise, tapping, rattling. Stop the engine, check the dipstick. If there is not enough oil in the system, and there is nothing to add, it is allowed to drive carefully to the house. In such cases, it is recommended that you definitely drive the car to a car service in order to find out exactly the cause of the oil level drop and eliminate it.
The check is flashing, the engine is troit and does not pull, the car is shaking, the speed is floating
Usually this situation occurs when driving, when the engine needs to increase speed sharply. When working on idling Everything is fine. Suspicion primarily falls on failures in the ignition system. In this case, do not experiment with gasoline engine for checking the spark in the coil, on candles and other manipulations. This can only be done with a multimeter. If the behavior of the car is limited only to the operation of the engine of not all cylinders, you need to carefully, carefully, slowly drive towards the nearest car service. It is better to pay a little money to professionals who are able to find and eliminate the cause than to disable the on-board computer or other delicate electronics due to their ill-considered actions. In this case, the costs will be much higher.
Check engine light came on after refueling
Bad gasoline - the cause of unstable engine operation
This problem may arise from a leak in the fuel system. One of the reasons is a poorly screwed gas tank cap or a defect in it. If necessary, the plug should be replaced. Another reason for burning a check is refueling with low gas octane rating or bad fuel. In the latter case, they change gas stations. If the fuel is so bad that the machine does not work stably, it must be drained. In all other cases, you can do this: dilute the fuel quality gasoline, and reset the check engine readings by removing the negative terminal of the battery for a few minutes.
If moisture gets inside the engine with injection, the injector after washing, heavy rain, when forcing a river, drops of water can fall on the wires high voltage, ignition coil, wiring connectors. Here the danger lies in the fact that the malfunction does not appear immediately, but after some time. The consequences can be dangerous if the car is driving on a freeway. The “Check Engine” LED will light up, and the engine may suddenly stall, lose throttle response, or even stall. It will help to remove moisture with a dry rag and dry all components power unit warm air(using a hair dryer).
The check engine LED lights up in different engine modes
Why does the engine troit
The normal operation of the power unit with an injector depends on many reasons. It's worth messing with one of installed sensors, controlling the fuel supply system, air purification, mixture formation, ignition and other control units, as the engine starts to work irregularly, uncleanly, abnormally. When there is a suspicion of a malfunction, that is, the engine reacts incorrectly to certain actions of the driver, you need to pay attention to the following circumstances:
- What is the temperature outside?
- Is the engine warm?
- Under what conditions does it appear unstable work engine - when starting off, accelerating, constant speed?
- What self-diagnosis indicators light up in this case?
- When was the last time the car was in a car service, which repair work performed?
Before diagnosing engine control systems on their own or in a car service, you should check and eliminate such malfunctions as:
- leaks of antifreeze, engine oil, fuel;
- cracking or loose vacuum hose clamps;
- oxidation of battery terminals;
- violation of contacts in the wire connectors;
- smoke, smells, unusual sounds;
- check engine oil, coolant and brake fluid levels.
The uniformity of the engine can be checked using a strip of paper that must be brought to exhaust pipe. The sheet should deviate back from the jet of gases and remain in this position with slight fluctuations.
If there is not enough gasoline in the tank, this can lead to a check fire on the instrument panel.
The battery must be maintained in a technically sound condition. The voltage at the terminals should be between 13.5-15 volts.
The check engine light may come on if:
How to turn off the check engine LED. Reset error
On different brands machine self-diagnostic process starts different ways. For some, by turning the ignition key and pressing the gas pedal a certain number of times at certain intervals. The engine malfunction light starts flashing and you need to count the flashes, translate them into an error code and find an explanation from the table. For others, the error code is displayed on the on-board computer display if you start the self-diagnosis process through a combination of buttons.
How to turn off the check engine LED?
For others, certain contacts in the diagnostic connector are bridged for this purpose.
An excellent option that will help save a lot of money on a trip to a car service is to buy an OVD-2 car scanner or another brand. With it, you can regularly check the operation of the engine for errors in order to understand which sensor needs to be replaced, or which adjustment has been violated.
Resetting errors by removing the battery terminal
Reset errors in on-board computer or the ECU can be most accessible way- briefly disconnect the terminal from the battery. Memory electronic devices reset and the indicator should turn off. But this should be done only after the error has been decrypted, detected and corrected. There are other ways to reset errors: using a scanner, installing special programs on a smartphone, closing the contacts in the diagnostic connector.
Video: Daewoo Matiz. Reset Check Engine with ELM327 and Torque
If it's on fire
Check engine lights up
There can be many reasons for an indicator glowing at half its strength. This is a bad weight on the car, the installation of incandescent bulbs of the wrong power and type, problems with electrical wiring and other reasons. You can give advice like this: run the self-diagnosis process and see the error code. Independently check the reliability of the contact on the negative terminal of the battery and all connections to the mass terminals. Pay attention to the performance of all the bulbs: in the headlights, turns, dimensions, brakes.
The car's self-diagnosis indicator Check engine plays very important role in detecting faults in engine control systems and other machine components. Its main task is to draw the driver's attention to malfunctions in the engine, automatic box gear changes. Moreover, this can happen before this malfunction begins to affect changes in the behavior of the power unit and automatic transmission. The engine will start to triple, lose power, fuel consumption may increase. The main purpose of this control light is the timely detection of faults in order to eliminate them in time.
The appearance of the Check icon on the dashboard does not signal anything good. What to do? It should be understood that first of all, if the Check Engine icon lights up, this means an engine malfunction. But which one, we will analyze in this article.
Reasons for the Check Engine
The engine icon on the instrument panel caught fire and the motorist begins to panic. Why does the check light up and what to do? Among motorists there is a bike on this topic: the Check Engine icon lights up - the show of intuition begins. But, not everything is as bad as it seems at first.
The engine check icon on the dashboard indicates that there are malfunctions in the power unit, while the electronic control unit analyzes the data received from the sensors and gives a signal that the malfunction must be fixed.
Before you start to panic, you need to understand the problem. The easiest way to find breakdowns is to connect directly to the ECU and read the errors that are there. Having deciphered the error, you can narrow the circle of troubleshooting. So, the Check Engine is on, it may be a failed sensor, and there is nothing critical.
But, a burning Check Engine sign can also mean that there are more than serious malfunctions than a banal failed sensor. That is why, after the Check Engine icons light up, you must immediately contact a car service specialist.
Consider the main list of problems for which the Check sign on the device can light up:
- Poor quality fuel.
- Candles or high voltage wires.
- Malfunction of one of the sensors.
- Fuel pump and filter.
- Cylinder air supply system.
- ECU and wiring.
- Other malfunctions.
Troubleshooting methods
Now that the main reasons have been identified - why the Check caught fire, you can go directly to the methods for resolving the issue. Of course, it is best to contact a car service to solve the problem, but many motorists, in mind expensive repairs trying to solve the problem on their own.
So, before you start looking for a problem, you should connect to the electronic engine control unit and conduct complex diagnostics all systems. To do this, you need - a laptop computer, a cable to connect to OBD car 2 and software that fits this electronic control unit.
Having connected to the vehicle, it is necessary to carry out a comprehensive diagnosis of all systems, and then determine which errors have popped up and decipher them in order to determine the malfunction node. When everything is decrypted, you can go directly to troubleshooting.
Poor quality fuel
One of the most common reasons why the Check icons light up is poor quality fuel, which can often be found at gas stations. So, bad gasoline or diesel can clog fuel lines and components, resulting in effects such as tripping or stalling.
To fix the problem, you will have to drain the fuel from the entire system. It is worth noting that this process quite laborious and requires some knowledge in the design of cars. Thus, you have to remove fuel tank and flush, as well as replace elements that have become unusable.
Fuel pump and filter
Along with low-quality fuel, the fuel pump and filter suffer. Basically, the clogging of these elements leads to the fact that the fuel does not pass in the right amount, and this in turn leads to the appearance lean mixture, which can lead to big expense or poor engine starting.
To fix the problem, you will need to replace fuel filter. As for the gasoline pump, you will have to dismantle it from the car and replace the filter mesh, which is probably clogged. This procedure must be done carefully, as you can accidentally damage the elements of the fuel pump.
nozzles
Another fuel cell, which is exposed to low-quality fuel - nozzles. Clogged components can cause the engine to run erratically. That is why, given element occupies a high place in diagnostics.
In order to diagnose and fix the problem, you first need to remove the elements from vehicle. Of course, some motorists recommend diagnosing and cleaning nozzles right on the car. But, to perform this operation, there is a special stand for washing nozzles.
The nozzles are disassembled and sprayers are removed from them, which are installed in the stand. First, using different pressures, it is checked whether the nozzle is suitable for use. Then, if necessary, the element goes through the cleaning process or is replaced with new ones.
Ignition system
Spark plugs and high voltage wires are also not eternal. They tend to wear out, especially when the motorist does not hold them Maintenance. One faulty wire and a candle can be the reason why the Check sign is on.
So, in order to carry out diagnostics, it is necessary to dismantle the elements from the vehicle and use a multimeter to measure the performance of the elements. Also worth doing visual inspection parts on the body damage element. Replace elements if necessary.
Air supply system
A bad or clogged throttle can cause the vehicle to flash the Check Engine symbol. IN this case, in order to fix the problem, you will have to dismantle the air distribution unit and clean it.
Also, along with the throttle, it is worth cleaning the corrugations, which brings air to the assembly. As practice shows, it is also often clogged.
Sensors, wiring, ECU
The most common problem why the Check Engine lights up on the tidy remains a malfunction in the electrical and software parts of the engine. So, it is worth considering in more detail - what causes arise in this node and how to eliminate them.
We begin consideration of the issue with the simplest - the sensor. A malfunction of one or more elements will cause the Check to start burning. To determine which element led to the check engine light on the dashboard, it is worth checking the ECU. Then, after deciphering the error code, find the sensor and check it with a multimeter. If there is no signal, the meter must be replaced.
As for the wiring malfunction, the determination of the fault area is carried out by analogy with sensors. So, ringing the wires will show which one needs to be repaired. Of course, vehicle manufacturers recommend changing the wiring harness where there is damage, but motorists often strip and insulate the damaged wire.
A more complicated situation arises with the electronic engine control unit. It happens that the error software causing the engine light to blink. Of course, the situation may not turn into better side and the control chip inside the ECU will burn out due to short circuit. In this case, the car owner will not be lucky and will have to change the element, which is not very cheap.
As for the software malfunction, as practice shows, flashing and installing new software in the electronic engine control unit solves all problems.
Consequences of late diagnosis and repair
What could be the consequences untimely elimination check engine? Here the list can be quite long. Let's write down the main causes and problems:
- The failure of one element can lead to a chain reaction that will lead to more complex consequences.
- The appearance of the tripling effect, bad start, system failure, increased flow and other similar malfunctions.
- Overheating of the power unit, and as a result, deformation of the cylinder head. Then only a major overhaul will follow.
- The ECU receiving false data, and, accordingly, the incorrect operation of the remaining main and auxiliary systems.
- Other consequences.
Conclusion
The Check Engine light on the engine dashboard is on - it means that there are malfunctions that should be fixed immediately. So before looking mechanical failure, it is recommended to diagnose the software and determine exactly where the problem is hiding. Only after that it is worth looking for a mechanical problem.
Each driver at least once faced with a situation when a lamp suddenly began to burn, indicating a malfunction of the engine. This lamp, in general, lights up only for a couple of minutes at the time of starting the car, after which it goes into an inactive mode. What to do if this signal light is constantly on?
The engine is the backbone of any car. On the dashboard of a car, there are many indicators that can light up depending on how the vehicle is functioning. The driver can find out any information about the operation of his car and he does not need to look under the hood or contact the service station.
Properties and purpose of the lamp
In older models, to check the operation of the propulsion system, you had to constantly monitor its operation yourself. In modern vehicles, there is a warning lamp for a malfunction of the engine management system. this indicator clearly shows the driver any breakdowns and interruptions so that he can take the necessary measures in time.
Any malfunction causes the button to flash brightly or simply burn constantly, which indicates already serious problems.
This lamp should only be on for a couple of minutes after setting the car in motion, and if you notice its constant active state, then you need to immediately solve the problem - on your own or seek help from professionals.
In some cars (for example, Audi, Volkswagen, Renault Duster, etc.) automatic system diagnostics of the engine, which can help in identifying the cause of the burning of this lamp.
Causes of the engine failure lamp burning
Attention to detail when driving a car plays a big role. A malfunction noticed in time and a burning indicator can not only save the car itself from breakdowns, but also save the life of a motorist.
There are several main reasons for the continuous burning of the engine indicator:
- in the opinion and experience of most motorists, the main reason is poor quality fuel, its cloudiness or excessive density, which can clog automotive system. To solve the problem, you need to pour a special cleaning gel into the tank, which corrodes all unnecessary substances and helps the engine run;
- if the engine malfunction indicator light comes on, misfiring can also be one of the main reasons;
- breakdown in the car ignition coil;
- malfunctions and breakdowns in candles;
- if the oxygen supply indicator is triggered, the engine lamp may also light up;
When refueling a gas tank, an employee filling station may not fully tighten top cover tank of gasoline or vice versa, tighten it too much.
In this case, the engine indicator will also blink. The first thing to check is the installation of the cover, as this is often a minor and minor problem.
What should I do if the check engine light comes on?
If you have already checked the condition of the tank cap and did not find a breakdown, then you should proceed to the following steps:
- you may need to replace your oxygen indicator. If the sensor has deteriorated, then too much carbon dioxide can accumulate in the car, fuel is not rationally used, which leads to overspending, and the engine can constantly fail, giving data to the control lamp;
- replacement of the catalyzed part motor vehicle. This part is needed so that the exhaust of the car does not do so much harm. environment. In the event of a breakdown in this system, the engine may also malfunction and it will be necessary to clean or replace the part;
- reinstallation of the oxygen indicator in the fuel tank. The part is necessary for equal mixing of gasoline with air and better process combustion of fuel, and if the air stops flowing, the tank may become clogged, gasoline will thicken, and the engine will malfunction. Timely diagnosis of this system can save you from possible repairs and costs;
- spark plugs are one of the main causes of engine light burning. Timely diagnosis and replacement of candles can keep your car running for a long time and the lamp itself will stop giving a red signal. Candles change after a certain period of time and the operation should be carried out regularly, since failures in this system can adversely affect all others.
Having determined the main causes of the engine control lamp burning, you can safely drive your car, knowing that timely and, most importantly, regular vehicle diagnostics will help prevent this problem. You can solve the issue of engine breakdown yourself, however, it is best to seek help from professionals, especially if the indicator flashes often enough.
