In the era of cars with electronic engine control, many owners are often faced with an unexpected turn on of the powertrain malfunction indication, better known as the "check engine" or simply "check". The appearance of this indicator on your dashboard indicates certain malfunctions associated with the operation of both the engine itself and its auxiliary systems.
There are a lot of situations in which the appearance of this nightmare of all car owners is possible. The lightning of the "check" can directly depend on the make and model of the car, operating conditions, fuel used, frequency of maintenance, quality of installed spare parts and a huge number of other factors.
For example, some owners often complain that after washing the car, the emergency lamp came on, but the engine continues to work normally, others cannot find the reason for its periodic flickering when the engine warms up, and for others the engine stopped starting altogether for unknown reasons, etc. As part of the article, we will talk about the most basic reasons due to which the inscription "check engine" may appear on your tidy, and we will tell you about the basic verification methods that can help you solve the issue without resorting to the help of services and "garage masters".
Check engine indicator meaning
This alarm indicator works according to the following principle: the ECU constantly monitors and controls all subsystems responsible for the stable operation of the "heart" of your car (injectors, oxygen and detonation sensors, mass air flow sensor, etc.). In case of failure, or the transmission of incorrect data from any of them, the ECU records this and writes the information into its memory in the form of a special code, in parallel initiating the start of the emergency indication.
It must be said that many cars are equipped with a fairly effective self-diagnosis system that allows you to decipher errors into readable text for the user and display information about the malfunction on the on-board computer screen. Less advanced cars will require you to connect to the on-board control system using a special scanner, and only then "read" the errors.
Before considering the most common reasons for activating the engine emergency mode lamp, it must be said that if you see it on the panel when you turn the ignition key, this is not a cause for concern, but a completely normal phenomenon, because the self-diagnosis system starts working only after the engine is started. You should only panic if, after starting the engine, the hazard warning lamp is on or blinking.
As mentioned earlier, the emergency indication appears due to the fixation of the ECU of a wide variety of errors. This suggests that the trouble can be both minor and quite serious. That is why further operation of the car with a “check on the tidy” is not recommended. Experienced drivers are able to identify the cause of the trouble on their own and without visiting the service station, as well as without having special diagnostic equipment. Below we outline the most common malfunctions that can cause the hazard warning lamp to activate, as well as their main symptoms:
- Low-quality fuel;
- Engine overheating or insufficient oil level;
- Malfunctions in the ignition system;
- Incorrect operation of the power supply system;
- Destruction of the catalyst;
- Failure or incorrect readings of some sensors;
- Damage to the wiring;
- Malfunction of the ECU itself.
Let's consider them in more detail.
Poor quality fuel.
This problem is truly global not only for Russia, but also for other CIS countries. Today, you can buy low-quality fuel even at proven and "promoted" gas stations, so if after the next refueling of your car you feel interruptions in engine operation and a drop in power, and a "check" is lit on the panel, then the reason for this may be bad or not suitable for your fuel to the motor. If we omit the details, the engine control unit is able to record violations of the mixture formation process, as well as the presence of detonation inside the engine, displaying information about this in the form of an indication on the dashboard.
Usually, to solve the problem, it is enough only to dilute the previously filled fuel with a higher quality, after which the error should disappear after a few kilometers. However, in severely "neglected" cases, only a complete drain of the fuel and flushing of the engine power system can turn off the emergency indication lamp. We add that the alarm indication may remain lit even after the problem has been eliminated. In this situation, you need to reset the error record from the memory of the control unit programmatically, i.e. using special equipment.
Engine overheating or insufficient oil level.
If "check" appears while driving, first of all look at the readings of the engine temperature sensor. If there are no signs of overheating, check the engine oil and its general condition.
Malfunctions in the ignition system.
If your engine runs unevenly and vibrates strongly, and the emergency operation lamp on the instrument panel lights up, then the problem may be hidden in the improper operation of the ignition system (candles, high-voltage wires, ignition coils, etc.). To determine the cylinder, the work of which is broken, try to disconnect the high-voltage wires from the spark plugs on a running engine, or disconnect the connectors from the coils. If, when one of the coils or explosive wire is disconnected, the operation of the engine has not changed, then you are going in the right direction to identify the resulting trouble.
Next, unscrew the candle from this cylinder and assess its condition. If it is contaminated with combustion products, the gap between the electrodes is set incorrectly, there is no spark, or it has mechanical damage, then the cause of the malfunction lies precisely in the ignition system. If there is a spark, the candle is dry, clean, and without traces of unburned fuel, then the problem of the appearance of an emergency indication may already be hidden in the power system.
Incorrect operation of the power supply system.
The appearance of an alarm indication may be associated with violations of the fuel supply process through the fuel injectors. In this situation, diagnostics, cleaning and repair of injectors cannot do without special equipment and skills.
Another malfunction in the power system can be low pressure in the fuel rail, caused by wear or contamination of the main fuel pump, or a severely clogged fuel filter. It is possible to confirm or exclude the presence of such a problem in the field. To do this, it is enough just to disconnect the fuel supply hose from the fuel rail, lower it into a small container (to avoid spilling on the hot parts of the engine) and turn on the ignition. If you hear the "buzzing" of the pump, and fuel starts to flow into the container, then the problem of the malfunction is clearly not in it.
Destruction of the catalyst.
Failure of this element can lead to an unexpected appearance of a "check" on your device and can only be diagnosed at specialized service stations. The problem can only be solved by replacing it, or completely removing it with a flashing ECU.
Failure or incorrect readings of some sensors.
Modern engines are equipped with a huge number of different sensors, the output of any of which is capable of initiating an error in the operation of the motor. You can identify a faulty sensor by turning them off one by one while the engine is running. The sensor, when turned off, does not change the operation of the motor, and is defective.
Damage to the wiring.
In continuation of the above paragraph, it should be said that the alternate disconnection of the sensors does not give a 100% guarantee that it is in the sensor that it is. When disconnecting the connectors, carefully inspect their contacts for oxidation, and also assess the condition of the wires before it (especially in the place where they are bent).
Malfunction of the ECU itself.
Rarely, with some regularity, situations occur in which the ECU itself becomes the culprit of the "celebration", displaying false data on the malfunctions of various engine subsystems on the dashboard. Therefore, if all previous attempts to identify the cause of the "check" ignition were unsuccessful, send the control unit itself for diagnostics.
What to do if the engine light is on - Check Engin was last modified: January 14th, 2019 by Administrator
In the age of modern technology, the technical characteristics of a car provide for the presence of a large amount of electronics. The machines are literally crammed with it. Some motorists do not even understand what it is for or why this or that light is on. This article will focus on a small red light bulb called Check Engine. What it is and why the "Check" lights up, let us consider in more detail. Drivers begin to deal with this issue when a problem arises. After they understand the purpose of the light bulb, their head begins to ache even more, since there are many reasons for the glow of the Check Engine light bulb. Many immediately resort to the help of car services, because they believe that it is almost impossible to find the cause without diagnostics.
What kind of light is this and how does it threaten 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 management. They have to do with fuel supply, fuel consumption, ignition, etc. If you do not have certain knowledge in the field of auto business, it will be very difficult to find out why "Check" lights up.
What to do if the "Check" of the engine lights up
First, you should remember that this light does not always signal a malfunction in the engine.
- If the "Check" lights up when starting the power unit and then goes out, then this means that the engine is in good working order, and this is not a cause for concern.
- If the indicator does not go out, start worrying, because the engine is damaged. But you shouldn't get upset too much, 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 to do when this indicator comes on is to stop and listen to the machine. There are times when the malfunction disappears by itself. After all, we don't have the most unique electronics. If the problem persists, you need to find the nearest service station and try to solve it.
When going to a service station, you must follow certain rules:
- the mode of movement of the vehicle must be gentle;
- try not to maximize the speed level;
- turn off all electronic excesses in the form of an air conditioner, radio, video recorder and any equipment that is in the car at this time (multimedia systems also belong to them);
- minimize the number of sudden braking, extreme driving in this case is not welcome;
- the movement of vehicles at night with this disadvantage is not recommended;
- if you are in trouble in the evening on the road, the best way out of the situation is to observe certain precautions.
Remember that ignoring these guidelines may result in engine malfunction, which could result in seizure or fire.
The main reasons for the glow of the Check Engine indicator
Check Engine flickers due to defective spark plugs
This problem can arise if the candles have not been changed for too long. It is by no means 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 candle wrench.
Unscrew the candles for them, check them for performance. If the problem is not at all in them, clean them of carbon deposits and only then reinstall them. If the candles are out of order, get new ones. When carrying out work, pay attention to the gap between the electrodes. It should be no more than 1.3 mm. Correct in case of discrepancy.
Ignition coil problem
May cause the Check Engine light to come on and malfunction. Use a multimeter to check the coil. Check for spark at the outlet.
Oxygen sensor problem
Signs: "Check" lit up. The cause of this malfunction is the exhaust system. The readings are regularly checked by the on-board computer. The probe monitors the amount of oxygen in the exhaust gases, which allows you to determine how efficient the power unit is and how well the fuel burns.
If there is more oxygen in the exhaust, it is possible that the reason lies in a violation of the air-fuel mixture preparation system. Or the fuel does not burn completely. Whatever the reason, "Check" will signal 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 adequate. It follows from this that the operation of the oxygen sensor largely depends on the efficiency of the catalyst, because it is he who controls the reduction in exhaust toxicity.
The mass air flow sensor is out of order
The element may have failed due to dust covering it. But this is not the main reason for their loss of working capacity. There may simply be deviations in the readings. To eliminate this cause, it is necessary to clean the sensor with a special liquid.
It should be remembered, however, that irreparable damage to the sensor can be caused when used as this agent. In the event of a complete failure of the oxygen sensor, it is necessary to replace it.
Broken catalyst
In case of failure of the catalyst, you will in no way be able to fully drive the car, since the engine will be unstable, as evidenced by the "Check" button. At the same time, there will be a significant fuel consumption in your car and there will be no traction. In this case, preventive and repair measures will not help. The equipment needs to be replaced. Yes, a catalyst is quite an expensive thing, but if the problem is in it, the deficiency will completely disappear.
Breakage of injectors, fuel pump
If confirmed, clean the nozzles. If the pump and the fuel filter are unstable, you will first have to check the pressure in the rail. If it is at least three atmospheres and the deficiencies 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 these steps:
- Fill a stainless steel container with water and add a tablespoon of baking soda.
- Dip the wires into the solution, leaving the ends on the surface. Next, start checking the wires using a megohmmeter. Connect the device itself to the first tip, and the other wire must be connected to the container with wires. If an insulation fault is detected, the resistance will be less than 500 kΩ. In this case, the wires need to be replaced.
Say no to panic
When detecting the glow of the "Check" button, do not panic. This will not fix the flaws. Get together and try first to correct the shortcomings on your own according to the recommendations indicated 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 what causes the "Check" to light up, you should seek professional help. You don't need to invent anything on your own. Today's service stations are 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 this is not the end of the world. The main thing is to find the reason, because your safety on the road depends on it.
At this time, all types of cars are equipped with self-diagnosis systems, which, using indicator lamps, prompt the driver about malfunctions or abnormalities in the level of coolant, engine oil, lack of battery charging, critical wear of brake pads and other indicators. The main light on the instrument panel is the check engine indicator, which controls the operation of the engine control 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 burned on the panel of the car you are going to purchase.
Check engine light came on - reasons 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 lock to the on position, the illuminated light indicates the serviceability of the connection circuit to the current source.
What does the inscription mean?
Check engine may indicate the cause of the malfunction
Translated from English, the name of the check engine indicator gives the driver a hint - "CHECK THE ENGINE". The execution of the control light on different types of cars is made in different ways: in the form of an engine silhouette with or without various inscriptions. When the ignition key is turned to the operating position, all self-diagnosis lamps come on. They should go out when the engine is started. A glowing indicator when the engine is running is a signal of a malfunction of the equipment that it controls. On many vehicles, the flashing Check Engine LED is accompanied by a squeak to draw the driver's attention.
What does this signal mean
Initially, the check engine indicator was controlled by the electronic engine control unit. The task of the warning light was to control the operation of the mixture formation system of engines with injection through an injector. The functioning of the intake and cleaning of air, nozzles, and the fuel pump was monitored. For this, special sensors were used. But over time, the light bulb was connected to the on-board computer and her duties were added. Today, Check Engine indicators control several engine control units: ignition, fuel mixture, crankshaft speed, idle speed control and other systems.
Video: what the CHECK ENGINE indicator means
Reasons for burning a check on a carburetor engine with an injector
Why did it light up on diesel
A motor powered by a solarium, like any engine, is always subjected to variable loads. They affect the change in the number of revolutions of the crankshaft. The choice of the desired mode for maintaining constant pressure in the injection system is assigned to the control unit.
Diesel engine diagnostics
This electronic controller changes the performance of the fuel pump depending on the load applied. Due to this, the system constantly maintains a high pressure, which is necessary for the stable operation of the injectors. It is much more difficult to determine the cause of the Check engine light on a diesel engine than on a gasoline engine. Therefore, the advice is this:
- Check the oil level in the crankcase, top up if necessary.
- Drive the car to a reliable car service for diagnostics of all engine control systems, automatic transmissions and other devices. There, the work of the on-board computer will be checked using professional equipment.
When can you continue driving with this indicator, and when not
It is necessary to understand that the consequences for the further operation of the car depend on the correct actions of the driver at the moment of detecting the flashing light "Look at the Engine". The glow of the self-diagnosis element when the power unit is running prompts the car owner that the on-board computer or engine control unit has detected a malfunction.
The check engine LED came on. What to do?
It is allowed to continue driving if the indicator is constantly on (not blinking), and there have been no noticeable changes in the car's operation. It also responds instantly to sudden acceleration pedal pressures. There is no loss of power. The oil level in the crankcase of the engine and antifreeze in the cooling system are normal. The rest of the self-diagnosis lamps are off. You need to get to the nearest car service in order to establish and correct the cause of the failure in the control system using computer diagnostics.
But if negative changes in the operation of the car began to be observed: the engine power decreased, suspicious knocks, vibration appeared, the smell of burning began to be felt, and the Check engine light blinks - further movement is prohibited. The engine must be turned off immediately to avoid serious consequences. Suspicion of overheating of the power unit, a drop in pressure in the engine lubrication system and other reasons can lead to breakdowns that will require a lot of money, time and effort.
Under what malfunctions the light comes on
A microprocessor control system is installed on board a modern car, which is responsible for self-diagnostics 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. During normal vehicle operation, the computer regularly checks the electronic and electrical systems. If deviations from the standard values appear, the emergency mode is activated in the controller. With it, instead of the erroneous parameter of the faulty block, a suitable value from the embedded program is inserted. In this case, the reserve number will be entered into the controller's memory as a fault.
The Check engine LED in the instrument cluster will illuminate to inform the driver of this situation. The microprocessor of the electronic control unit stores a special fault code. You can read this indicator visually, depending on the type of ECU. These can be LED flashes of different durations 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 reading devices.
Fault codes ECU "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 the fault in a special table. This collection of codes is an annex to operating documents. The first digit is indicated by long flashes (up to 1.5 sec), the second - by short (up to 0.5 sec). There is a pause between them. It takes a few seconds.
There are also "fast codes" that are capable of giving a large detailed amount of information for diagnostic equipment.
It must be remembered that all electronic controls react poorly to external influences: power surges, static electricity and other factors. Therefore, any preparatory work must be carried out with the ignition key off.
Table Fault codes of the January-4 type controller VAZ 2110, VAZ 2111, VAZ 2112
| The code | Malfunction |
| 12 | Serviceability of the diagnostic circuit of the control lamp |
| 14 | High signal level of the coolant temperature sensor |
| 15 | Low signal level of the coolant temperature sensor |
| 16 | Overvoltage of the on-board network |
| 17 | Undervoltage of the on-board network |
| 19 | Incorrect crankshaft position sensor signal |
| 21 | Overestimated signal voltage of the throttle position sensor |
| 22 | Throttle Position Sensor Signal Voltage Insufficient |
| 24 | There is no signal from the vehicle speed sensor |
| 27 | High signal level of CO-potentiometer |
| 28 | Low signal level of CO-potentiometer |
| 33 | Incorrect MAF sensor signal (high frequency of the signal at the output of the sensor) |
| 34 | Incorrect MAF sensor signal (low signal frequency at the sensor output) |
| 35 | Idle speed deviation |
| 43 | Invalid knock sensor signal |
| 51 | Controller error (RAM error) |
| 52 | Programmable Read Only Memory (EPROM) error |
| 53 | Electrically Programmable Memory (EEPROM) Error |
| 61 | Immobilizer communication error |
In motion, during acceleration
If the "Engine service" indicator comes on: when starting off; lights up constantly while driving a car; when it accelerates, the reason is insufficient oil level in the crankcase. You need to stop the car, listen to the engine. In this case, there should be extraneous noises, 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 carefully drive home. In such cases, it is recommended to drive the car to a car service in order to find out exactly the reason for the drop in the oil level and eliminate it.
The check is flashing, the engine is troit and does not pull, the car is shaking, the revolutions are floating
Typically, this situation occurs when driving, when the engine needs to sharply increase speed. When idling, everything is fine. The suspicion primarily falls on malfunctions in the ignition system. In this case, you should not experiment with a gasoline engine to check for sparks in the coil, on spark plugs and other manipulations. This can only be done with a multimeter. If the behavior of the car is limited only by the operation of not all cylinders at the engine, 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 because of their ill-considered actions. In this case, the costs will be much higher.
Check caught fire after refueling
Bad gasoline is the cause of unstable engine operation
This problem can arise from a leak in the fuel system. One of the reasons is a poorly tightened gas tank cap or a defect in it. The plug should be replaced if necessary. Another reason for burning a check is refueling with low-octane gasoline or low-quality fuel. In the latter case, change the gas station. If the fuel is so bad that the car does not work stably, it must be drained. In all other cases, you can do the following: dilute the fuel with high-quality gasoline, and reset the check engine readings by removing the negative terminal from the battery for a few minutes.
If moisture gets inside the engine with injection, the injector after washing, heavy rain, when the river is forcing, water droplets can fall on high voltage wires, ignition coil, wiring connectors. The danger here is that the malfunction does not appear immediately, but after some time. The consequences can be dangerous if the vehicle is driving on a motorway. The "Check Engine" LED will light up, and the engine may suddenly start up, lose throttle response, or even stall. Removing moisture with a dry cloth and drying all components of the power unit with warm air (using a hair dryer) will help.
The check engine LED lights up in different engine modes
Why is the engine troit
Normal operation of a power unit with an injector depends on many reasons. As soon as one of the installed sensors that control the fuel supply, air purification, mixture formation, ignition and other control units fails, 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?
- In what conditions is unstable engine operation manifested - when starting off, accelerating, constant speed?
- Which self-diagnosis indicators light up when this happens?
- When the car was last in the car service, what repairs were carried out?
Before you start diagnosing engine control systems on your own or in a car service, you should check and eliminate such malfunctions as:
- leaks of antifreeze, engine oil, fuel;
- cracking or loose clamping of vacuum hoses;
- oxidation of the battery terminals;
- violation of contacts in the connectors of the wires;
- smoke, smells, unusual sounds;
- check engine oil, coolant and brake fluid levels.
The evenness of the engine can be checked with a strip of paper, which must be brought to the exhaust pipe. The leaf should deflect back from the stream of gases and remain in this position with slight fluctuations.
If there is little gasoline in the tank, this can lead to the ignition of the check on the instrument panel.
The battery must be kept in good technical 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 check engine LED. Reset error
On different brands of cars, the self-diagnosis process is started in different ways. For some, by turning the ignition key and pressing the gas pedal a certain number of times at intervals. The engine fault light starts blinking and you need to read 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 do I turn off the check engine LED?
For still others, certain contacts are bridged in the diagnostic connector for this purpose.
An excellent option that will help you save a lot of money on a trip to a car service is to buy an OVD-2 car scanner or another brand. With its help, 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
You can reset errors in the on-board computer or ECU in the most affordable way - for a short time, disconnect the terminal from the battery. The memory of electronic devices will be reset and the indicator should go out. 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 contacts in the diagnostic connector.
Video: Daewoo Matiz. Reset Check Engine with ELM327 and Torque
If it burns in full
Check engine is on fire
There can be many reasons for the 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. The advice you can give is this: start the self-diagnosis process and see the error code. Check the reliability of the contact at the negative terminal of the battery and all connections with the earth terminals yourself. Pay attention to the performance of all bulbs: in headlights, corners, dimensions, brakes.
The self-diagnosis indicator of the car Check engine plays a very important role in detecting malfunctions in the engine control systems and other machine components. Its main task is to draw the driver's attention to malfunctions in the operation of the motor, automatic gearbox. 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, and fuel consumption may increase. The main purpose of this warning light is to detect faults in a timely manner in order to eliminate them in time.
Every modern car is "stuffed" with electronics. And, of course, the abundance of flashing light bulbs always "enters into a stupor" car owners, forcing them to dig over the Internet in search of answers and recommendations. Especially if it is a Check Engine light bulb, there are quite a few reasons for lighting up.
So what to do, and what is the reason?
What is check engine - educational program for motorists
If you notice this icon on your dashboard, be aware that not everything is in order with your engine. The literal translation of the name of this indicator is "Check the engine" ... When the control unit detects problems in the operation of the engine, a signal about a violation occurs - this is where the "check" light comes on.
Unfortunately, despite the fact that the Check Engine has evolved very seriously in recent years, it is almost impossible to understand the cause of the light bulb lighting up without specific knowledge and experience. Therefore, when such a problem appears it is recommended to contact specialists , which, using a scanner, will be able to read the error code from the auto diagnostic system and determine the exact cause of the malfunction.
Reasons for turning on the check engine light - how to understand if it is a malfunction or an error?
First of all, it should be remembered that a fire among the Check does not necessarily mean that the engine is on its last legs. If the indicator comes on immediately after starting the engine and immediately goes out, this most likely indicates a common error and no cause for concern.
But if your "check" is constantly burning, and the hope of its fading is almost extinguished - it's time to worry. There is no need to panic, but diagnostics will not hurt (to avoid the risk of critical breakdowns).
So, why Check can burn - we study the possible reasons:
- Low oil level.
- Low quality fuel (the most common cause in our country).
- Ignition coil.
- Defective injectors.
- The Lambda probe. Also a very popular reason.
What to do if the engin's check flashes, and how to reset the error - instruction
The owner of the car can determine and eliminate most of the reasons for the appearance of "Check" on his own.
Problem solving methods:
- Low oil level ... What to do? We stop, open the hood and listen to how the engine works. We also check the presence of smudges on its body, "smoothness" of work, absence of extraneous knocks, tightness. If there are problems, we fix them. In the absence, we turn to specialists.
- Malfunctioning spark plugs. What to do? We check the candles, change if necessary. If the gap is violated, we bring it to its normal state (approx. The required value is a maximum of 1.3 mm).
- Low quality fuel (the most common reason in our country). What to do? We drain the contents of the tank and update it with high-quality fuel.
- Ignition coil. What to do? Make sure there is a spark. We check the resistance (approx. - using an ohmmeter) at the terminals of the coil. Maximum discrepancy: 1-4 and 2-3.
- Defective injectors. What to do? We check the nozzles, if necessary, we carry out cleaning.
- The Lambda probe. Also a very popular reason. What to do? We check its performance and, if necessary, replace the oxygen sensor.
- Problems in the functioning of the fuel filter or pump. What to do? We check the pressure in the rail. Its minimum is 3 atmospheres. If there are problems, we clean (change) the filter or simply change the fuel pump (For example,).
- Leakage of the fuel system. Due to the passage of air caused by the lack of tightness, the fuel consumption increases, and, accordingly, the "Check" indication turns on. What to do? We check the cap on the fuel / tank neck - is it tightened securely, are there any defects, is the tightness broken? If there is such a need, then we change the cover.
- Exhaust catalyst. It usually fails, overheating due to an untimely change of the lambda probe or spark plugs. Symptoms: lack of engine thrust, presence of a "check" signal, increased fuel consumption. What to do? You cannot do without specialists - you will have to change the catalyst (the procedure, by the way, is not cheap).
- Air flow sensor defective. Symptoms: a "check" signal, an increase in fuel consumption and CO2 levels in the "exhaust", a decrease in the smooth running and engine power. There is also poor acceleration dynamics, and in the winter season the car does not start well. This malfunction occurs due to an illiterate installation of the filter during its replacement or when it is irregularly replaced. What to do? In theory, you can ride for several months with such a problem. True, the car will "eat" more and more fuel. Therefore, we change the sensor from specialists (the service does not hit the wallet too much) or on our own.
How to reset an error - instructions for car owners
In the absence of the above-described problems, in the presence of traction, clear and smooth engine operation, the absence of sharp jumps in speed and "jerking" during acceleration (and also in the absence of complaints from specialists), you can reset the error yourself.
Option number 1
The most "barbaric" and not always effective.
We throw off the negative terminal from the battery, wait 5-10 minutes and put it back. During this period of time, the controller memory is cleared, and the accumulated errors are eliminated. Did the "check" light up again after zeroing? Feel free to go to the service station.
Option number 2
We set the diagnostic test mode. As a rule, it is included in the manual with which you receive the car.
- We warm up the engine to the 6th mark on the scale.
- We turn off absolutely all energy consumers - from headlights and stoves to an audio system with a navigator.
- We turn off the engine.
- Turn on the ignition for three seconds.
- Very quickly, sharply and all the way to the stop five times during a period of 5 seconds, press the gas pedal, completely removing your foot from the pedal.
- Then we wait 7 seconds.
- Press the gas again until it stops and hold it in this position for 10 seconds.
- Then the "Check" indicator will blink, which indicates that it has entered the test mode. You can release the gas pedal and start counting the "winks" of the indicator. If you counted 10 long "flashes", then 10 short ones, then again 10 short ones and another 10 short ones, then everything is in order (this is the corresponding system signal - a code written as 0000).
Deleting test results ...
- We repeat all operations until the sensor starts blinking in corrected / 0000 mode.
- After - press the gas pedal again all the way and hold it for over 10 seconds. It is during this period that the error codes in the block memory will be erased.
- Then release the pedal. The flashing codes will be repeated in a circle.
- We check the blinking "0000" and turn off the ignition.
How to check the wires yourself?
One of the reasons for the appearance of the "Check" may be high-voltage wires.
For your attention - instructions for checking them:
- We collect water in a stainless steel container.
- Add salt (approx. - 1 tbsp / l).
- We lower the wires into the water, leaving the ends on the surface, and carry out the check through a megohmmeter.
- The device should be connected to the 1st tip, while the 2nd clamp should be connected to the cookware with wires.
- In the event of an insulation fault, the result of the given resistance will be less than 500 kΩ. This means that it is time to change the wires.
Of course, in the absence of experience and in order to avoid serious problems - and, as a result, serious expenses - you should contact the specialists. It is possible that you are lucky and the problem will be solved quickly, easily, and cheaply. Finding a serious breakdown is also a plus. After all, you can fix problems in a timely manner and save on more serious repairs.
Residents of St. Petersburg can contact where you can find excellent service for any car maintenance at attractive prices.
Almost every modern foreign car has a light bulb, strange for some - a check engine, the meaning of which some learn when it lights up and get a lot of unpleasant problems along with their knowledge, and some may drive their whole life, but never see how check engine is on.
So what is check engine and why he is so unpleasant for the modern motorist, today I will try to give answers to these and many other questions. The check engine indicator light in literal translation from English means - "Check the engine", it is located. If the check engine lights up, this means that the control unit has detected certain malfunctions in the engine. The first "Check Engines" were equipped with mini-computers, and their main task was to control the carburetor, but over time, the "duties" of the light bulb increased, and the field of action expanded significantly.
Modern check engine control units relate to: the composition of the combustible mixture, engine speed, ignition and many other parameters. As a result of the reasons why check engine fired up it has become a lot and without certain knowledge and skills, and in some cases and equipment, it is quite difficult to find out the cause of the sunburn.
What to do if the check engine is on?
First of all, it is necessary to understand when the indicator light is considered normal, and when it indicates engine malfunctions. If the light comes on when the engine starts and then goes out - there is no reason for concern, the engine is working properly. If check engine light lit up and does not go out for a long time, most likely there are malfunctions in the motor, but you should not immediately despair, since they may not be serious. However, you shouldn't even "wave your hand" to signaling, because breakdowns can be critical.
Check engine caught fire - possible reasons
If the check engine only lights up while the vehicle is in motion, the cause may be a low oil level. Stop the car and listen to the operation of the engine, whether it has any extraneous knocking or noise, make a visual inspection for damage to the body and smudges. If you find any of the above, eliminate it upon arrival home, if during a visual inspection nothing was found, go "armed" with special equipment to quickly and accurately establish the cause of the "Check" burning.
If the operation of the motor is "smooth", while check engine is on, perhaps the problem lies in the spark plugs, one of them may have a misfire. The reason for the ignition of "Check Engine" is often poor-quality fuel, which is quite important for gas stations in our country.
As I said, the reasons why check engine light quite a lot lights up, since the signal comes directly from the on-board computer, the task of which is to monitor a huge number of systems: carburetor, ignition, automatic transmission, engine as a whole, and much more, in some cases, you can try to diagnose the malfunction yourself.
Below I give a number of possible reasons why the check engine may light up, as well as ways to solve them:
- Low quality fuel. Treatment: drain the bad fuel and fill it with good quality fuel.
- Defective spark plugs (wrong gap, cracked insulator). Solved: by checking and, if necessary, replacing. The gap between the electrode should not exceed 1.3 mm.
- Ignition coil. Check if there is a spark, check the resistance at the coil terminals, the spread should not exceed more than 1-4 and 2-3.
- Lambda probe - quite often it becomes the reason for the check engine to catch fire. Treatment: checking the sensor's functionality, in case of malfunction - replace it.
- Catalyst. Solution: replacement.
- Injectors. If the problem is in the nozzles, they will need to be cleaned or replaced.
- Gasoline pump or. It is treated: by measuring the pressure in the rail, the value should not be lower than 3 atmospheres, if necessary, try to clean the filter or mesh in the gas tank, or.
- High voltage wires. Often the reason when check engine fired up it is the high-voltage wires that become. The solution to this problem is similar to the previous ones, as in all cases it is necessary to check and replace if necessary.
How to check high voltage wires
Checking high-voltage wires is carried out as follows. Pour water into a stainless steel pot, add a tablespoon of salt to the water. Take a megohmmeter and dip the wires into the water, with the ends on the surface. Connect the device to the first ferrule using a clamp, install the second clamp on the container in which the wires themselves are located. Insulation is considered to be in good condition when the resistance is more than a megohm, a value of more than 500 kOhm is allowed, if the resistance is less, the wires need to be replaced.
If the above diagnostic methods and remedies did not help you and the panel is still check engine is on, I recommend that you immediately seek help from specialists, otherwise more serious repairs may be required.
