What to do when your engine light comes on
Friday 15th November 2024
The engine light (also known as the engine management light) is an icon that can appear either red or amber on the dashboard.
A solid amber light is the most common and least serious light but should not be ignored. If the amber light flashes, it could signal a performance issue, requiring you to drive to a garage as soon as possible. A red light is the most severe warning, meaning your car is unsafe to drive. Therefore, you must call roadside assistance immediately.
It’s one of many warning lights that light up on your vehicle’s dashboard, but it can be hard to know what issue the engine management light has detected. Whether it’s a simple fault or something more severe, ignoring the engine light can lead to car-breaking damage, such as a blown engine gasket or coolant leaking into the engine.
Discover why an engine light would come on with Formula One Autocentres.
A loose fuel cap
If the fuel cap is loose, your vehicle can become less efficient, fuel tank air-pressure sensors will then trigger the engine management light to come on.
The fuel tank is pressurised so a loose cap will reduce pressure and allow fuel to evaporate or even leak out, increasing fuel consumption and emitting harmful emissions into the atmosphere. Not only will you have to fill up with petrol or diesel more often, but it can also cause significant damage to the engine over time.
Regularly checking if the fuel filler cap is secure ensures that no petrol escapes from the tank and only takes a few seconds to check.
The oxygen sensors are triggered or are faulty
Oxygen sensors are located on your vehicle's exhaust system, which measure the levels of unburnt oxygen in the exhaust fumes. If there is too much oxygen or too little present this will trigger the EML to illuminate.
When the oxygen sensor fails, the engine light will light up on the dashboard. However, we recommend not driving your car, as you may not know if the sensor is faulty or if there is a serious issue with the engine. If the O? sensor is broken or faulty, it can clog the catalytic converter. Also, your vehicle is likely to fail the exhaust emissions test as part of your car’s MOT test.
If the oxygen sensor has failed, you should take your car to your nearest garage today. Our friendly vehicle technician can replace your vehicle’s existing sensor with a new one.
The oil dipstick is loose
Have you checked your vehicle’s oil levels? If you have started your car and the engine light comes on the dashboard, it could be that the dipstick is loose. Open the bonnet and double-check if the dipstick is fastened in the engine block. Take the dipstick out and readjust it, the engine light should now go off.
A dead car battery
If your car battery is dead or has an insufficient charge, it can cause the engine light to come on. Likely, the battery cannot hold a charge or is low on power. A dead car battery should be replaced with a new one. Formula One Autocentres offers many battery options to suit the make and model of your vehicle. Alternatively, if you are worried that your car battery has failed or is dead, book a free battery check at your nearest branch online.
Faulty or failed catalytic converter
The catalytic converter is an essential part of your vehicle’s exhaust system and is a common reason why your engine light comes on. If the catalytic converter is faulty or has failed, it can cause the following issues:
- Reduced engine performance.
- A rotten egg smell coming from the exhaust.
- Decreased fuel efficiency.
- Increased carbon emissions.
Quickly addressing the issues you have with your car’s catalytic converter ensures your vehicle is safe to drive.
If the engine light comes on your dashboard, a mechanic can scan the car's computer with an onboard diagnostic scanner to identify the issue and repair it to avoid further damage to your vehicle. Other faults that may trigger your engine warning light include loose wiring or connections, a problem with the ignition system in petrol cars, a blocked diesel particulate filter in diesel vehicles or an issue with the mass airflow sensor.
Is your engine sputtering? Discover the reasons why your engine sputters with our article. Keep your engine running smoothly by booking a fuel saver service at your local Formula One Autocentres branch today.
