If you see the check engine light glowing while driving your car, don’t panic and assume the worst, especially if the streets are busy. This is a common warning sign on cars and often doesn’t mean a disaster.
However, understanding what the engine indicator light is, what triggers it and how to respond to it can help you avert expensive repairs in the future. Let’s understand how to handle this common issue and run your car safely across India’s diverse road conditions.
What is engine check light in car?
The check engine light is a part of your car’s onboard diagnostics (OBD) system. Modern vehicles use an OBD system called the Engine Control Unit (ECU) to monitor the performance of your engine and its key components.
What does the check engine light look like?
Engine check warning light can appear as a yellow or orange engine-shaped icon on your dashboard, the words “Check Engine” or “Service Engine Soon” or a combination of both, depending on the vehicle.
Why is my check engine light on?
Engine lights on cars appear for several reasons. Here are the most common causes:
- Faulty oxygen sensor: This sensor checks how much oxygen is remaining in your exhaust. If the sensor fails, your car may burn more fuel and increase carbon emissions. Before the light appears, you might notice the mileage has reduced.
- Broken or loose fuel cap: Something as simple as a loose or cracked petrol cap can trigger the warning. Your car needs proper pressure in the fuel system, and a damaged or loose cap can drop this pressure.
- Malfunctioning catalytic converter: This engine component converts toxic pollutants into less harmful gases like carbon dioxide. Heavy traffic and poor fuel quality can damage the converter over time and may overheat your vehicle.
- Damaged spark plugs or ignition coils: These components, together, help you start the engine. Old and worn-out plugs may misfire and activate the light.
- Mass airflow (MAF) sensor problems: This sensor determines the amount of fuel needed in your car based on the air entering the engine (air-fuel mix). Dust and pollution, which are common on Indian roads, can damage the sensor.
- Vacuum leak: Cracked hoses or gaskets can let air enter where it shouldn’t, which impacts the engine performance.
- Defective EGR (exhaust gas recirculation) valve: It helps minimise the harmful mix of nitrogen gas in the exhaust system. If it’s stuck or not working, your car will release the gas into the atmosphere.
What should you do when the check engine light comes on?
When the car check engine light appears on your dashboard, do not panic. First check for other warning lights like oil pressure or temperature. If these are on, stop safely and contact your insurer or mechanic.
If the light is steady, you can drive but should schedule a mechanic visit soon while monitoring for unusual sounds, smells or performance issues. If the light blinks or flashes, pull over immediately and turn off the engine, as this indicates a serious problem. Call roadside assistance or tow your car to a garage.
Before visiting a mechanic, try tightening the fuel cap and see if the light clears after a few drives. You can also get an OBD-II code scan at many fuel stations or garages to identify the issue precisely.
How to reset a check engine light
Once you have fixed the root problem, the engine check warning will automatically stop flashing after a few drive cycles. If it doesn’t, here’s how you can reset it:
- Use an OBD-II scanner: Plug the scanner into your vehicle’s OBD port (usually under the dashboard near the steering wheel). Turn the ignition to ON (engine off), press ‘Read’ to get the error code, then select ‘Clear’ to reset the light.
- Disconnect the battery: Turn off the ignition. Open the car’s bonnet and disconnect the battery’s negative terminal. Wait 10 to 15 minutes and then reconnect it. This will erase the ECU’s memory but also reset all electronic systems like the clock and stereo settings.
- Release unused energy: If disconnecting the battery doesn’t work, try pressing the horn and turning on the headlights (with the battery disconnected) to drain any leftover charge.
Conclusion
The check engine light may not always mean major trouble, but you will have to rectify the problem soon to avoid bigger issues later. However, even after following the best maintenance practices, you can still face unforeseen incidents, like flooding, fire and theft. Having reliable car insurance will help you in such scenarios.
FAQs
- Can bad petrol trigger the check engine light?
Yes, contaminated or poor-quality fuel (common in rural and unsupervised regions) can trigger the engine check warning.
- I am on a road trip. Can I continue to drive?
If the engine indicator light is steady and the car is functioning normally, you can drive till you visit a mechanic. But if it’s flashing, stop driving immediately and call for assistance.
- Does car insurance cover engine repairs?
Comprehensive car insurance, with useful add-ons like engine protection and zero-depreciation, may cover repairs from natural calamities and accidents, but will not pay for everyday wear. Check your policy details for more information.
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