What to do if the Check Engine lights up ^Advertising

Every driver has at least once encountered a situation where the Check Engine warning light comes on the dashboard. This small orange icon in the form of an engine can cause panic even in an experienced driver. In fact, it doesn't always signal a serious breakdown - sometimes it can be a temporary malfunction or a minor system malfunction. However, it is absolutely impossible to ignore it.

What does the Check Engine light mean?

The Check Engine light comes on when the electronic control unit (ECU) detects a malfunction in the engine or related systems: fuel, exhaust, ignition, sensors, etc.

The ECU constantly receives data from dozens of sensors - oxygen, mass air flow, crankshaft position, throttle, and others. If at least one of the parameters goes beyond the permissible limits, the computer activates the Check Engine warning signal.

It is important to understand that this indicator does not indicate the specific cause of the breakdown, but only reports the presence of an error in the system. To understand the essence of the problem, it is necessary to conduct computer diagnostics.

Types of Check Engine indication

Before taking action, pay attention to how the light is on or flashing:

• Lights up constantly - most often, this is not a critical error, but it requires attention (for example, increased emissions, a problem with the sensor, clogged catalyst).
• Flashing (blinking): This is a signal of a serious malfunction, such as an ignition failure or damage to the catalytic converter. In this case, the engine may run roughly, lose power, and the vehicle operation becomes dangerous.

If the light flashes, stop immediately and do not continue driving until you are sure that it is safe to continue.

The main reasons for the Check Engine light to appear

The Check Engine light can be caused by dozens of factors. Consider the most common ones:

1. Problems with the ignition system

Faulty spark plugs, high-voltage wires, or the ignition coil often cause improper combustion of fuel. This causes engine vibrations, loss of power, and the appearance of the Check Engine light.

2. Errors in the fuel system

If the fuel supply is impaired due to a clogged fuel filter, a faulty gasoline pump, or dirty injectors, the ECU detects an imbalance in the mixture and lights up a warning light.

3. Malfunction of the oxygen sensor (lambda sensor)

This element monitors the oxygen content of the exhaust gases. When it fails, the engine starts to run with an oversaturated or lean mixture, which increases fuel consumption and catalytic converter wear.

4. Problems with the catalytic converter

The catalytic converter cleans the exhaust from harmful substances. If it is clogged or destroyed, the ECU registers an incorrect gas ratio and displays an error.

5. Damaged fuel filler cap

Many people are surprised, but a loose fuel filler cap is a common cause of Check Engine. This breaks the tightness of the system and causes fuel vapor leakage.

6. Sensor malfunctions (MAF, MAP, TPS, etc.)

The mass air flow (MAF) sensor or the absolute pressure (MAP) sensor can become defective due to contamination. This leads to incorrect fuel metering and ECU errors.

7. Problems with the EGR system

The EGR (exhaust gas recirculation) valve is responsible for reducing emissions. Its jamming due to carbon deposits often causes a Check Engine light and unstable engine operation.

What to do if the Check Engine light comes on

This step-by-step guide will help you act calmly and competently:

Step 1. Check the condition of the car

Assess the car's behavior: whether there are vibrations, loss of power, noise, gasoline or smoke. If the engine is running smoothly and the warning light is on, you can safely drive to the nearest service center. If the engine is stalling, smoking, or losing traction, it is better to stop and call a tow truck.

Step 2. Check the fuel filler cap

Screw it on until it clicks into place. Sometimes, after refueling, the lid is not closed tightly, and this is why the error occurs. If this is the case, the lamp may go out after a few trips.

Step 3. Restart the engine

Sometimes the error is temporary (for example, a power surge). Turn off the engine, wait 5-10 seconds, and then start it again. If the light goes off, you can continue driving, but it's still worth running a diagnostic.

Step 4. Run a computer diagnosis

The most reliable way to understand what exactly caused the error is to read the fault codes (OBD-II diagnostics). Modern car repair shops, including ATL, use professional equipment to determine the exact cause and eliminate it without unnecessary costs.

Where to check and fix the Check Engine error

If you want to quickly and accurately determine the cause of the Check Engine light, contact ATL car service. Experienced technicians will conduct computer diagnostics, check the ignition system, fuel and exhaust systems, and eliminate the malfunction under warranty.

ATL is a network of professional car service centers with modern equipment, original spare parts, and a high level of service. Details can be found on the official website https://atl.ua/avtoservis. Here you can sign up for diagnostics, engine repair, replacement of spark plugs, catalyst, or any other system components.

Decoding Check Engine errors

When you connect to the diagnostic connector, the diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) are read. For example:

• P0300-P0304 - ignition misfires;
• P0171/P0172 - lean or oversaturated mixture;
• P0420 - low catalyst efficiency;
• P0442 - leakage in the EVAP (fuel vapor control) system.

These codes help to accurately identify the faulty unit and make a decision on repair.

Can I continue driving with the Check Engine light on?

If the light is on all the time, but the car behaves normally, short-term operation is allowed until a service visit. But if the indicator flashes, vibrations, clicks, or loss of traction are felt, driving is prohibited. In such cases, the catalyst may be damaged, the engine may overheat, or the pistons may be destroyed.

Why you shouldn't ignore the Check Engine

Even if the car is running "as usual," a burning Check Engine light is a signal of an imbalance in the engine's systems. Long-term driving without eliminating the cause leads to:

• increased fuel consumption;
• increased engine wear;
• overheating of the catalyst;
• possible sensor failure and expensive repairs.

Regular diagnostics help to identify the problem at an early stage and avoid serious consequences.

Олена Болган