The engine fault light is on: causes and consequences. Check Engine

In the century modern technologies technical characteristics The car is equipped with a large amount of electronics. Cars are literally crammed with it. Some car enthusiasts don’t even understand why it is needed or why this or that light is on. Our article will talk about a small red light called Check Engine. Let’s take a closer look at what it is and why the “Check” lights up. Drivers begin to deal with this issue when a problem arises. After they understand the purpose of the light, the headache begins to hurt even more, since there are many reasons for the Check Engine light to glow. Many immediately resort to the help of car services, because they believe that without diagnostics it is almost impossible to find the cause.

What kind of light bulb is this and what threat does it pose to the car enthusiast?

Check Engine, or “Check Engine”, literally translated means that the engine should be checked. It is located on the main panel, and the slightest glow of the light bulb signals the driver about problems with the power unit. The main function of modern “Checks” is control. They relate to fuel supply, fuel consumption, ignition, etc. If you do not have certain knowledge in the field of auto repair, it will be very difficult to figure out why the “Check” lights up.

What to do if the engine check light comes on

Firstly, you should remember that this light does not always indicate problems with the engine.

1. If the “Check” lights up when starting the power unit and immediately goes out, this means that the engine is in good working order, and this is not a cause for concern.
2. If the indicator does not go out, start to worry, since a breakdown has been detected in the engine. But you shouldn’t be too upset, since there is a possibility that they are insignificant, although critical ones are not excluded.

Is it possible to continue driving if the “Check Angie” light comes on?

The first thing you should do when this indicator lights up is to stop and listen to the car. There are times when the problem goes away on its own. Still, we don’t have the most unique electronics. If the problem remains, you need to find the nearest service station and try to solve it.

When going to a service station, you should follow certain rules:

• driving mode vehicle must be gentle;
• try not to increase the speed level to the maximum;
• turn off all electronic excesses in the form of air conditioning, radio, DVR and any equipment that is in the car at this time (multimedia systems also apply to them);
• minimize the number of sudden braking, extreme driving in this case is not encouraged;
• movement of vehicles at night with this disadvantage is not recommended;
• If you are caught in trouble while traveling in the evening, the best way out of the situation is to take certain precautions.

Remember that ignoring these rules can lead to engine malfunction, which can result in jamming or fire.

The main reasons for the Check Engine light to glow

Check Engine flickers due to faulty spark plugs

This problem can arise if the spark plugs have not been changed for too long. It is under no circumstances recommended to save on them. Their cost is not that expensive. Engine repairs will cost more.

If you are a big economist, replace the part yourself. To do this, you only need a spark plug wrench.

Unscrew the spark plugs and check them for functionality. If the problem is not in them at all, clean them of carbon deposits and only then install them in place. If the spark plugs fail, purchase new ones. When carrying out work, pay attention to the gap between the electrodes. It should be no more than 1.3 mm. If there are discrepancies, correct them.

Ignition coil problem

May cause the Check Engine light to come on and cause a malfunction. Use a multimeter to check the coil. Make sure there is spark at the output.

Oxygen sensor problem

Signs: “Check” lights up. The cause of this malfunction is the exhaust system. Readings are checked regularly on-board computer. The probe monitors the amount of oxygen in the exhaust gases, which allows you to determine how efficient the power unit and how well the fuel burns.

If there is more than enough oxygen in the exhaust, the cause may be a violation of the air-fuel mixture preparation system. Or the fuel does not burn completely. Whatever the reason, the “Check” will indicate a malfunction in the engine.

Some modern cars have 2 lambda probes. The first is before the catalyst, the second is after. If the catalyst works properly, then the oxygen supply will be appropriate. It follows from this that the operation of the oxygen sensor largely depends on the performance of the catalyst, because it is it that controls the reduction in exhaust toxicity.

The mass air flow sensor has failed

The element may have failed due to being covered with dust. But this is not the main reason for his loss of performance. There may simply be deviations in the readings. To eliminate this reason, it is necessary to clean the sensor with a special liquid.

It should be remembered that when used as a means, it can cause irreparable damage to the sensor. If the oxygen sensor completely fails, it must be replaced.

Catalyst failure

If the catalyst fails, you will in no way be able to fully drive the car, since the engine will operate unstable, as evidenced by the “Check” button. In this case, your car will experience significant fuel consumption and there will be no traction. In this case, preventive and repair measures will not help. The equipment needs replacement. Yes, a catalyst is a rather expensive thing, but if it is the problem, the deficiency will completely eliminate itself.

Failure of injectors, fuel pump

If confirmed, clean the injectors. At unstable work pump and fuel filter, you will first have to check the pressure in the rail. If it is at least three atmospheres and the shortcomings are clearly visible, replace the fuel pump and clean the injectors.

High-voltage wires are another reason when the “Check” lights up. To check it, you must follow the recommendations below. To check the high-voltage wires yourself, follow the steps below:

1. Fill a stainless steel container with water and add a tablespoon of baking soda.
2. Dip the wires into the solution, leaving the ends on the surface. Next, start checking the wires using a megger. Connect the device itself to the first tip, and the other wire must be connected to a container with wires. If an insulation fault is detected, the resistance will be less than 500 kOhm. In this case, the wires require replacement.

Say no to panic

If you notice the “Check” button is lit, do not panic. This will not help eliminate the shortcomings. Get yourself together and first try to correct the shortcomings yourself according to the recommendations given in our article, and only then look for the reasons more deeply.

If the above tips did not help you, and you still cannot decide why the “Check” light comes on, you should seek help from professionals. You don't need to invent anything on your own. Today's stations Maintenance equipped with the most high-tech and modern equipment that will help find a solution to this issue. Of course, you may have to spend a certain amount of money. But it's not the end of the world. The main thing is to find the reason, since your safety on the road depends on it.

"Controls" of emergency oil pressure and malfunctions brake system with their red color they simply cry out that it is impossible to go further under any circumstances. But the Check Engine light that comes on in the instrument cluster, even with its yellow color, suggests that, in general, trouble has occurred, but not very severe. In this situation, in order to make a decision about the possibility of further movement, you need to ask yourself two questions:

• In what situation did this symbol light up?
• How the car's behavior has changed

Let's take a closer look. The Check Engine symbol illuminates immediately after turning the ignition key and should go out when the engine is started. If the start takes place and the indicator does not go off, this means that the engine control unit has detected some kind of malfunction in the control or power system. I advise you to immediately open the hood and see if there are any signs of cats or rats. I have repeatedly witnessed rats chewing wires, and most often the victims were harnesses oxygen sensors. If you see something like this, then you can safely hit the road, although, preferably, get a new sensor. If rodents damage more critical circuits, such as position sensor wiring crankshaft, then the engine will not start.

So, after a few minutes of working on Idling You can first increase the engine speed on site. If it picks up speed normally, then try moving, at first at low speed. If the engine behavior does not differ from normal, then you can take a short trip, but it is better to go to a car service center, where they will help you determine the cause. If help is far away, you can try to stop and remove the negative terminal from the battery. If after restarting the error goes away, then you can consider it random and drive until the next maintenance, at which time you can still make a diagnosis using a scanner. And an advanced car enthusiast who would not spare 300–500 rubles for a simple scanner will do the diagnostics himself.

Now let's say the Check Engine light comes on while driving. Did this happen shortly after refueling? Then the fuel is almost definitely to blame. It all depends on your suspiciousness. You can return to the gas station and start a scandal there by calling a tow truck at their expense. You can drive to a branded gas station and add high-quality fuel there, but in any case you need to observe the behavior of the car. There should be no strong dips, twitching or strong reduction in engine power. And when these ominous signs occur, it is really better to think about how to get to the repair site by tow or tow truck. The same applies to the Check Engine light coming on when the car is moving. A variety of sensors and actuators of engine control and power systems can fail. But general rule there must be an understanding that a dramatic deterioration in engine performance is dangerous, but a subtle deterioration will at least allow you to get home. An example of a dangerous malfunction could be the failure of the individual ignition coil of one of the cylinders. Fuel continues to flow into the cylinder, but there will be no combustion. It will burn in catalytic converter, disabling it at a Stakhanov pace. Well, the fact that the engine is running without one cylinder can only be missed by a person who has only seen the car from afar.

In the comments, tell us who has ever driven with the Check Engine light on.

A car malfunction is unpleasant. A breakdown will occur unexpectedly if you do not take care of the car and do not heed warnings. One of them is the “Check engine” light. How to understand what the problem is, what it indicates and what to do if it lights up.

Purpose of the button

The instrument panel in a car is a way for the driver to monitor the level of gasoline, oil, engine operating condition or other components of the car, which guarantee comfortable and silent driving on the road.

Modern cars are equipped with an indicator necessary for the convenience and comfort of the driver. If earlier an engine malfunction had to be found only visually or by carefully listening to the operation, today a special light bulb works. It is created for the convenience of monitoring the engine condition. Ideally, it should light up only when the engine starts and go out after a couple of seconds.

If the light does not go out or lights up while driving, then you should think about a malfunction in the operation of the main component of the car.

How serious can the reasons be?

Each signal on the car panel is an indicator that the driver must be attentive. When the check engine light comes on, there are several reasons.

1. A common cause is gasoline. Due to the additives that unscrupulous manufacturers use in gasoline, the engine does not work properly and becomes clogged. You should change the fuel or refuel at another gas station, and everything works correctly.
2. Faulty spark plugs.
3. Broken ignition coil.
4. A faulty oxygen sensor (lambda probe).
5. Broken exhaust catalyst.
6. Incorrect operation of high-voltage conductors.
7. Malfunction of injectors.
8. Fuel pump or fuel filter.

You should start checking from the neck cover fuel tank. If it is not tightened completely or there are defects on it, then the light indicates that the engine is not operating properly.

Each of the reasons is not very scary, but requires immediate elimination. If you do not pay attention in time and do not diagnose the malfunction, you can lead to complete engine failure and incapacity of the machine.

An engine is serious, but the job doesn't necessarily require overhaul or engine replacement. The work of the craftsmen is important in any matter of diagnosing and repairing the engine. But, if the reason is candles, then the replacement is carried out independently and quickly, without the involvement of specialists.

What to do if the light comes on

If you see that the check engine light does not light up as it should (does not go out after starting the engine or lights up when driving), then you should stop to diagnose the car. This may not be done right away, but it is necessary. Remember, if it lights up, this is the reason, either go to a service station for diagnostics, or check the engine for faults.

The first thing you can do when the light comes on is to stop and listen to how the engine is running: is there any vibration, or any extraneous noise or knocking. If you hear extraneous sounds, they will indicate the cause of the breakdown to an experienced driver. If the cause of the breakdown is not clear to you, the direct route is to the nearest service station.

If the cause of the light coming on is poor-quality fuel (this can be determined after diagnostics, after eliminating other causes), then the service technicians will tell you that it is worth changing the type of fuel you fill in the car or the place where you are used to refueling.

They also conduct a visual inspection of the engine for cracks, irregularities, and leaks. If you yourself discover a breakdown, then repairs are carried out according to the reason.

• Oxygen sensor. It is worth replacing it yourself, following the operating instructions for a car of a particular brand. If the replacement is not made in time, there will be excessive fuel consumption and the catalyst may break, the replacement of which will be much more expensive.
• A leak in the fuel tank is the cause of air getting inside, which means excess consumption. It is worth either replacing the lid or achieving a tight seal using gaskets.
• Candles. This is the main element that guarantees the combustion of the fuel mixture. If they do not work correctly, then the car will refuse to work at all. Replacing spark plugs is not difficult if you are already an experienced driver. You can change either only the spark plug that has already served its purpose, or all at once, in order to definitely avoid problems with the car. It’s worth buying a set of spark plugs specifically for your car at the store. If you are not sure that you will buy the right option and be able to replace it, then go to a service station, they already have the parts you need and specialists will be able to make the replacement quickly and affordably. When it comes to spark plugs, it is worth remembering that old-style cars require replacement every 20,000 km, and if the car is new, then it can travel up to 150,000 km on the same spark plugs. If you change spark plugs on time in accordance with the technical operation requirements of your car, then you can avoid catalytic converter breakdown and improve engine performance.
• Replacing the sensor mass flow air. This part regulates the amount of air needed for rapid ignition. When it is faulty, it results in excessive fuel consumption, an increased amount of carbon dioxide in the exhaust, poor acceleration, and a decrease in engine power. Most often, failure is associated with incorrectly installed air filter or the filter time has already expired. When it comes to changing a sensor, the costs are related to the price of the sensor itself, but the replacement service is not so expensive because it does not require much time and is simple in technology. Regular filter replacement guarantees long-term operation of the sensor.

Nuances in the operation of the “Check engine” light

The check engine light on the dashboard appeared in the early 90s. but then the work of the sensor was aimed only at monitoring the operation of the carburetor. That is, the light came on when:

• There was a blockage;
• The combustible mixture for engine operation was incorrectly prepared, etc.

Today, the work of a light bulb is much broader. There are no carburetors in new-style cars anymore. Injectors are installed instead. It is in connection with this new feature in the car that the light shows not only the wrong mixture. Thanks to it, the driver learns about:

• Business interruptions;
• Ignition problems;
• Poor gear shifting and more.

See what else a burning check engine light may indicate (video)

Bottom line

Thus, thanks to such a light on the panel, you can monitor almost every element of the engine, its condition and performance.

The engine control light on the driver's panel is a status indicator. If it does not burn according to the rules, then you should pay attention to this and go for diagnostics. Timely repair of a breakdown is a guarantee of safety and comfort on the road. Paying close attention to your car will prevent it from breaking down at the most inopportune moment.

Modern cars have diagnostic systems in which lights come on to indicate to the driver that a specific problem exists. The main indicator on the panel is an indicator called checkengine, which is responsible for monitoring the functioning of the engine control system. This function has such a large list of properties that the area of ​​failure is determined solely by a special code that appears on the panel. You can find out why the check engine light came on very simply, which will be discussed further.

System Description

A lighted icon does not in all cases serve as a marker of a breakdown in the control system of a functioning device. When the cylinder turns in the ignition switch, this sign will indicate connection.

If we go deeper into the translation, “checkengine” means “check the engine.” Control LED on different models auto done in different ways. This could be a silhouette of a motor with different inscriptions. When the ignition is turned, all diagnostic indicators come on. They should go out when the engine starts.

A sign that lights up while the engine is running serves as a signal that the equipment being monitored has broken down. On many vehicles, this LED is also expressed by an accompanying sound to attract the driver’s attention.

Initially, the system was controlled by an electronic control unit. The responsibilities of this light bulb included controlling the system through the injector. Special sensors were used for this. However, the time came, and the device was connected to a computer, and more responsibilities appeared. Modern indicators regulate several control units.

How to remove an icon

On different car models, car diagnostics function differently. Some of them, when you rotate the key and press the pedal a certain number of times, the indicator lights up. After this, you should count the number of fires and look for an interpretation in the table. For other brands, a code appears on the screen when starting diagnostics using a combination of buttons.

For other brands, the contacts begin to bridge. An excellent solution is to purchase a special scanner that allows you to monitor the operation of the motor and understand what exactly has gone wrong.

If you are interested in the question of how to remove the check engine light, then this can be done in the most accessible way. Disconnect from the battery in a short period of time. Then the device will be reset and the lights should go out. But this is only done after the error has been correctly identified. There are many other reset methods, for example, using a scanner, installing special programs, or closing contacts.

Determining the causes of carburetor fires on the engine

The main reasons why the check engine light is on may be the following factors:

1. Gasoline is of poor quality. It is recommended to drain the liquid from the tank and refill with a quality product.
2. If there is no spark at the spark plug, it makes sense to check the serviceability of all devices for igniting the mixture. If necessary, replace the spark plugs.
3. If there is no spark at the ignition, you should check the device for serviceability.
4. It makes sense to check the lambda probe for serviceability. A device that has failed must be replaced.
5. It makes sense to inspect the device not only because the icon is lit, but also if the car’s performance is poor. A breakdown of the catalyst requires replacement; driving without it is strictly prohibited; this can lead to severe damage to the structure and regular fire of the light bulb.
6. When the injectors are clogged, they should be cleaned.
7. If the fuel pump does not produce the required pressure, it is recommended to check the fuel filter.
8. If the voltage wires are pierced, the situation negatively affects the functionality of the motor. It is necessary to check the functionality of the caps, contacts and insulation.

Causes of diesel fires

A device operating on a solarium is subjected to severe loads. All this affects the change in the number of revolutions. To select the required mode, you need to use the control unit.

The electronic device changes performance based on the load encountered. Due to this, the device regularly maintains the pressure that is required for the smooth functioning of the nozzles. Why the check engine light blinks in this case is quite difficult to say. The recommendations will be as follows:

1. If necessary, add oil.
2. Take the car to a good auto repair shop to have all control systems checked. You will be checked to see if the system is functioning using professional equipment.

If it lights up half a channel

When the check light is half-lit, there may be several reasons to blame. Among them are poor weight on the car, installation of incandescent lamps, problems with wiring, etc. Run the diagnostic process and check the code.

See how absolutely all the light bulbs work. The diagnostic indicator is of great importance in identifying faults in control systems and other devices. The main goal is to identify breakdowns. This can happen even before problems begin to manifest themselves through changes in the behavior of the power device. At the same time, the check light blinks and the engine throttles, gasoline consumption increases. The most important task is to identify problems in time to eliminate them.

Is it possible to drive when the indicator lights up?

There are many reasons why the check engine light is on. If the engine problem is to blame, then continuing to drive is quite dangerous. The situation is significantly complicated by the fact that it is quite problematic to identify problems with a modern unit.

You should definitely contact a specialist who will use a scanner to determine the problem.

When, after starting the car for the second time, the light does not go out, you can only drive to the car service center. Our specialists will perform a comprehensive diagnosis of the engine and all its components.

The use of a vehicle with an illuminated indicator helps high consumption gasoline, engine instability, and decreased traction properties. The driver in this situation has every chance of losing guarantees for the repair of his vehicle.

In what situations does the indicator light up?

Modern vehicles have a control system that is responsible for diagnosing the engine and other devices. The computer provides this opportunity. It is equipped with a special program that controls the functionality of the processor. When the car is operating normally, the computer systematically checks the health of the system. As soon as violations occur, the emergency lights begin to turn on. Instead of problems with the block parameters, the desired program value is set. The backup indicator will be stored in the device memory.

To notify the driver of this situation, an indicator in the combination of equipment lights up. You can visually see this value, taking into account the type of ECU. LED lighting can be triggered by:

1. Breakdown.
2. By closure.
3. Connecting a voltmeter to the contacts.

Flashes represent specific codes with a minimum amount of information. They include several indicators that indicate a problem in a special table. All these codes serve as a supplement to the operational papers.

There are also instant codes, which mean a huge amount of information for diagnosing the system.

It is worth noting the fact that all components react poorly to external influences. Any preparatory work must be performed with the ignition on.

Movement and acceleration

If the engine malfunction check light comes on at the time of departure, and flashes systematically while the car is moving, as a result of acceleration, it is recommended to change the oil. Stop and check the functioning of the engine. You should hear extra sounds and tapping. If there is very little oil and there is nothing to top it up with, you can carefully drive home and take the car to a service center to accurately determine the oil loss factor.

Troubles the engine

Why does the check engine light flash and the engine stall? As a rule, this phenomenon makes itself felt after the engine needs to gain sharp speed. When the car is idling, everything is fine. It makes sense to suspect problems with the ignition. There is no need to conduct experiments in this situation. This can be done using a multimeter.

When the behavior of the vehicle is limited by the functioning of not all cylinders of the engine, you should slowly move into nearest car service. It is better to give a certain amount to real masters than to harm the equipment with your wrong actions. The miser, as we know, pays twice.

Problem after gas station

If the tightness is not observed, a similar phenomenon may occur. When the tank cap has flaws or does not close well, the light may come on. It is recommended to replace the plug here. Another significant reason is refueling with poor quality fuel. It is recommended to drain the fuel and change the gas station.

When raindrops and other things get inside the system, problems will not make themselves felt immediately, but only after a while. In this case, it is necessary to remove the moisture using a dry rag and thoroughly dry all parts.

The light glows in different modes

The normal functioning of the system depends on a variety of reasons. If even one element fails, the motor will immediately begin to function poorly. If there is any suspicion of a problem, the motor will respond falsely to certain actions. What should be done:

1. Determine the temperature outside.
2. Find out how warm the engine is.
3. Under what circumstances does the engine become unstable?
4. What lights are lit when this happens?
5. What repair work was last carried out?

The full functioning of the motor can be checked using a paper strip, which is presented to the pipe. She should lean back and remain in this position with slight fluctuations. If there is little fuel, this may be indicated by the check light coming on.

There are a huge number of reasons why an indicator located on a car panel might ignite. Each of these problems requires the implementation of its own actions and a specific strategy for resolving the issue. You can solve some problems yourself.

Unquestioningly following all the rules of professionals will help extend the life of your unit and help you get real satisfaction while driving.

No one is immune from the fact that even with the most careful operation of the car, one or another failure will occur in the operation of one of its systems. To provide visual control over the main parameters of the motor and related components, a visual tracking system is provided. The so-called control indication allows you to react in a timely manner to engine malfunctions, thereby protecting it from more serious damage.

Anyway, warning lamp, which suddenly flashes on the instrument panel, only notifies the driver that the control system has detected a malfunction. The system only signals a breakdown, but does not allow us to judge the specific location and cause of the problem.

To study the problem in more detail, you should use a special scanner for complex diagnostics, better known among car enthusiasts as “Launch”.

Among all other visual warning indicators, a special place is occupied by the engine failure indicator. In this case, a prompt solution to the problem will be required. Otherwise, there is a high probability that the engine will simply fail.

What actions should be taken if the Check Engine light comes on? Let's try to understand this in more detail.

When the Check Engine Light Comes On - 10 Reasons

If a simple icon with a picture of a motor appears on the instrument panel, do not panic and immediately contact the nearest service station. First you need to identify the nature and cause of the breakdown.

Particular attention should be paid to the behavior of the control indicator. The fact is that with a certain type of malfunction it can burn for a short time, in other cases it lights up constantly.

Let's take a look at the list of the most common causes of this phenomenon.

1. Low fuel level/fuel tank leak;
2. Low engine oil level;
3. Improper functioning of spark plugs;
4. Clogged fuel injectors;
5. Failure of the ignition coil and breakdown of armored wires;
6. The supply of spark discharge to the engine cylinders is disrupted;
7. Damage to the lambda probe;
8. Malfunction of the catalyst;
9. Fuel supply interruptions;
10. Poor quality fuel.

The first of these reasons is encountered quite rarely, however, it should not be excluded. Often this situation occurs when the fuel in the tank is running low. Under such circumstances, submersible fuel pump starts what is called “working idle”.

The engine is forced to experience fuel starvation. To all other, design features the fuel pump does not allow it to operate in this mode for a long time. It simply begins to experience excessive loads, which negatively affects its service life and fuel supply in general. It is also worth noting that this state of affairs negatively affects the operation of the lambda probe.

In addition, within the framework of the presented reason, it would not be superfluous to mention the fuel tank cap.

The fact is that its loose fit to the neck of the tank can cause a “check” to appear. An indispensable condition for the smooth operation of the fuel system is tightness and maintaining optimal pressure. The tank cover, equipped with a valve mechanism, in this case plays an important role in ensuring the above conditions.

Reason #2 – low engine oil level.

Before going into the details of the presented reason, it should be said that any self-respecting car enthusiast should adopt one simple but very important rule - check the oil level before each trip. This procedure will not take much time and will eliminate unforeseen situations.

Where does motor oil go?

This state of affairs can be caused by a variety of factors. For example, the integrity of the engine crankcase may be compromised. Due to mechanical damage to the pan, oil may simply leak out. There is also a possibility that there is increased wear on the cylinder-piston group of the engine.

As a result, engine compression decreases, and the oil simply flies out into the pipe, as evidenced by the characteristic blue exhaust smoke.

The "check" may also light up due to faulty spark plugs.

A malfunction means that their working surfaces may be heavily soiled or worn out. In addition, you should pay attention to the gap between the electrodes. It must comply with the established parameters.

We should not write off some of our Russian realities regarding fuel quality. Poor quality of gasoline purification, as well as untimely replacement of filters, can lead to clogging of fuel injectors. It should be noted that these elements of fuel equipment react very sensitively to the quality of gasoline.

In addition to the fuel system, there is also the vehicle’s electrical system, which accounts for the majority of all malfunctions. The appearance of a hated light bulb may be due to failure ignition coils.

For example, due to its breakdown, the supply of spark to the engine cylinders is disrupted. Don't forget about high-voltage wires. They tend to lose their insulating properties and simply “short to ground.”

Another reason for the situation under consideration may arise when tampering with the car’s gas distribution system timing belt.

Its essence boils down to the fact that the valve timing is disrupted. Thus, the spark is not supplied at the end of the compression stroke, as it should be. A similar situation could arise, for example, if the .

Among the reasons for the appearance of the Check Engine indicator may be a faulty Lambda probe. During operation, this simple unit is subject to increased temperature and mechanical loads.

In this regard, various types of interruptions may occur in its operation:

• heating part failure,
• low signal level,
• broken circuit and others.

To obtain the most reliable data about its performance, you should arm yourself with a scanner and tester.

The culprit of the events described may be car catalyst. It, like any other consumable, becomes unusable over time. This is largely facilitated by low quality fuel used.

Due to the presence of foreign impurities and low level fuel purification, the catalyst honeycombs become clogged faster, which negatively affects its bandwidth. Thus, the engine does not develop speed, its traction and throttle response disappear.

In addition, poor fuel quality damages key components of the fuel equipment. The fuel supply to the car engine cylinders deteriorates. This situation cannot go unnoticed by sensors.

The electronic control unit, in turn, analyzing incoming data from these sensors, signals the driver about the presence of problems using the well-known “Check Engine” control indicator.

Is it possible to drive with the Check light on?

The presented situation can take any car enthusiast by surprise. It’s one thing when this happened in the city, where it is possible to use the services of a tow truck or contact the service station employees.

But what to do in the current circumstances, far from the city, on a deserted highway? Let's try to find out in what cases it is permissible to continue driving while the check light is on.

Below is the sequence of actions that should be followed in a particular case:

• First of all, pay attention to whether any additional indicator is lit. An auxiliary warning lamp, indicating a failure in a specific system, will allow you to inspect a specific component of the car.

For example, if the pressure lamp is on, it can be assumed that there is not enough oil in the lubrication system. The temperature indicator may indicate a low level. In this case, to solve the problem, it is enough to replenish the filling fluids.

This situation forces the driver to significantly change his usual driving style. You need to move evenly, keeping a low speed. Do not allow a sharp increase in speed or decrease in gas. When the oil pressure indicator appears, there is a possibility that the crankshaft bearing has become dislodged.

In this case, a characteristic metallic knock may appear. Further driving in this case may result in expensive engine repairs. However, in an emergency, if you have no choice but to continue driving, you should change gears as little as possible.

• In the event of such a malfunction, it is recommended to move in what is called tightness: evenly, in a speed range somewhat lower than that required by the given gear. The engine should run with a light load.
• Some time after moving, you should stop. At this time, it would be a good idea to check the oil and coolant levels. Looking into the engine compartment, carefully inspect the engine and its “mount” for leaks and oil stains.

Of course, further driving a car with the engine malfunction indicator on is an unjustified risk. This should only be resorted to as a last resort.

One way or another, even strict adherence to these recommendations will not fully guarantee that you will safely get to the nearest service station.

How to turn off the Check Engine indicator

There are at least 2 ways in which you can turn off the so-called “check”.

The first method is quite simple and does not require any auxiliary tools. To implement it, it is enough to remove the terminal and then put it back in place.

The algorithm for this technique looks like this:

• warming up the car to operating temperature;
• removing the “+” terminal of the battery;
• after 10 minutes return the terminal to its rightful place;
• turn on the ignition and wait 30-60 seconds;
• turn off the ignition.

This procedure will result in the data in the control unit being updated and all existing error codes being erased. However, this method does not always lead to the desired result.

In this case, they resort to using a special device - a scanner or “launcher”. This diagnostic tool connects to the installed diagnostic connector. It is usually located under the steering column or near the pedal assembly.

This scanner allows you to identify irregularities in the operation of car systems and components, providing the driver with a complete list of errors. If necessary, errors can be reset.

Video: how to read and decipher engine errors

We bring to your attention video material, thanks to which the driver will be able to familiarize himself with the methods of counting and deciphering engine errors.

Table: most common error codes

We provide you with an overview table of the most common error codes.