The translation of the expression "check engine" in Russian literally sounds like "check the engine." The check icon is on dashboard most modern cars, but its meaning for many remains incomprehensible. Therefore, if this icon is yellow or orange engine icon- appears and does not disappear (or simply blinks), an inexperienced driver has a natural question: “what does this mean?”. Next, let's try to find out the reasons why the check engine lit up on the dashboard of your car, as well as how to get rid of it.

Initially, this light let you know about problems with the carburetor, but now that cars are equipped with full-fledged on-board computers, the message may indicate various malfunctions. For example, a "check engine" error might report about problems with the quality of the air-fuel mixture or ignition malfunctions, and much more. Messages can be caused by both minor breakdowns and critical ones.

Thus, when the “check engine” is on, it is only clear that it has fixed a malfunction in one of the car’s systems. The complete picture can only give. Next, we will analyze the main reasons why the check engine light is on, and what needs to be done about it.

TOP 10 reasons why the check engine caught fire

1. Lid open fuel tank . Check if it is tightly closed.
2. Bad gasoline. The system can react to fuel quality. The solution is to drain the gasoline and fill in a better one.
3. Oil level. First of all, check its level with a dipstick. Also look for cracks in the block and oil leaks.
4. Fuel pump problems or mesh in the tank. Check if the pump runs smoothly and does not make extraneous sounds.
5. Dirty nozzles. Eliminated.
6. Malfunction high voltage wires or coils.
7. Problem with spark plugs. The icon also lights up in case of problems with candles. It is worth checking the performance of the candles and, if necessary.
8. in one of the cylinders.
9. Faulty lambda probe. The problem is fixed only by replacing this node.
10. Catalyst failure. Also solved by replacing the catalyst.

Only the main causes and ways to solve them are listed here. In fact, there are many more. Diagnostics of the on-board computer, which controls all vehicle systems, can give a more complete picture of the current situation.

Check engine not hiding on dashboard Maza CX-5

check engine on the panel Peugeot Partner hiding in the left corner

How to remove check engine

Let us dwell in more detail on the steps that must be taken first of all in order to get rid of the illuminated Check Engine indicator. The algorithm of priority actions will be as follows:

1. Verify, Is the fuel tank cap closed?. The situation is especially relevant if you just left the gas station, and shortly after that the check engine icon lit up. This means that either the tightness of the fuel system has been broken due to an insufficiently tightly screwed tank cap, or the quality of the fuel leaves much to be desired.
2. Check the condition of the spark plugs. To do this, unscrew them and visually assess their condition. Very often, it is the candles that cause the Check Engine indicator to activate. In particular, the reason may be that they begin to pass current due to the deposition of carbon deposits on the electrodes. Such plaque is formed as a result of a high content of metals or other conductive substances in the fuel. Also, an error may occur if the gap between the electrodes on the candle exceeded the distance of 1.3 mm. In more detail and how to perform it according to their color, we consider separately. Also, information on their replacement will be useful to you.
3. Oil level. If the check engine icon only comes on when the engine is warm, stop and listen, you may hear extraneous sounds in the operation of the motor. Check the oil level with a dipstick in the engine, top up if necessary. Also check for oil leaks.
4. If your machine is equipped purity sensors process fluids (engine oil, fuel, and so on), the indicator may light up if the corresponding indicators exceed the permissible norm. The way out is to replace the appropriate filters or completely liquids in case they do not meet the standards.
5. Reset negative terminal with battery ( 15...20 seconds). After that, the Check Engine lamp should go out, and the clock on the computer should be reset. This method can be relevant in two cases. The first is a banal “glitch” of the ECU. The second - if a large number of small errors have accumulated in the memory of the electronic unit that have not been reset. (usually they are caused by the use of low-quality gasoline, the presence of harmful impurities in the fuel-air mixture, moisture on electrical contacts, etc.).

If after doing the above steps Check indicator The engine did not go out, or went out, but soon lit up again, this means that the error lies deeper, and in order to eliminate it, additional detailed diagnostics must be carried out using more serious tools.

Check engine light on - what should I do next?

You can try to find out the reason yourself by counting the number of blinks of the “check”, and check the technical documentation for the designation of such an error code. For different cars there are different intervals between flashes and different codes by which they are interpreted.

Most of the errors that the indicator tells you about are not critical. You can perform diagnostics in two ways - on your own and by stopping at the service station. The fact is that in order to obtain information in this case, you need special equipment or even software for a smartphone.

But first of all, you need to find out how the behavior of the car has changed after the error appeared. This is done in order to determine whether it is possible to drive with a check engine glowing on the panel, or it is better not to do this, so as not to aggravate the problem.

Auto behavior	The icon is solid	Blinking check
No change in car behavior	Motion can continue	keep moving IT IS FORBIDDEN
The car changed its behavior dramatically: Floating turns; There was a vibration of the engine; There is a smell of burning; Other changes.	IT IS FORBIDDEN keep moving	IT IS FORBIDDEN keep moving
Engine power and response to the gas pedal remained the same	Can keep moving	Can keep moving
The motor has become less torquey, the revolutions do not rise above a certain value (engine operation in emergency mode)	keep moving can	Movement to continue IT IS FORBIDDEN
No additional warning lights came on on the instrument panel.	Can drive	Drive can
Together with the check engine icon, another indicator lit up: Coolant light; Engine overheating; Oil lamp; Catalyst icon.	Motion IT IS FORBIDDEN continue	Motion IT IS FORBIDDEN continue

When is the check engine light on?

We find out the reason why check is on

The error code can be read using a laptop with special software. The computer is connected to the machine's ECU via a cable and diagnostics are carried out. Also, using a laptop, you can enter additional external commands into the control unit or correct (reset) the errors that have appeared.

An easier method is to download an ECU communication and analytics program to your Android smartphone (for example, TORQUE, it has free and paid versions). And a Bluetooth adapter is connected to the electronic unit, which allows you to read information from the device. If you don’t have a laptop or you simply don’t want to fool around with installing additional software, you can delegate the described procedures to service station employees. They have all the necessary equipment and programs.

It must be remembered that each car (and sometimes each ECU on the same cars, but different years release) has different list of error codes. Therefore, after receiving the information, you definitely need to have a standard set of diagnostic error codes (Diagnostic Trouble Code - DTC). You can find it in additional literature on performing diagnostics or on the Internet (for example, on thematic forums dedicated to your car model).

Another common reason for injection engines are problems in the operation of the injectors. In particular, the appearance of a significant amount of sediment on them. The solution to this problem lies in. If there are problems with candles, nozzles, as well as an activated check engine indicator, there may be such symptoms:

• weak engine thrust;
• high fuel consumption;
• jerking when picking up speed or unstable work motor;
• floating engine speed Idling.

The next step is to check the pressure in fuel system. To do this, you need to use a manometer. Standard pressure for most non-tuned cars is 3 atmospheres(kgf/cm2). However, check this information in the data sheet of your car. If the pressure is significantly lower, then the problem may lie in a faulty fuel pump or dirty injectors. If the pressure is constantly low, check the fuel pump. If at first it is normal, but falls shortly after starting the engine, check the injectors. Also pay attention to the mesh in the gas tank.

Also worth check the insulation of high voltage wires. It is better to do this not visually, but with the help of a tester turned on in ohmmeter mode. Minimum value wire insulation should be not less than 0.5 MΩ. Otherwise, the wire must be replaced.

If light bulb Check Engine lights up after turning the key, and after a few seconds it goes out, this means that the system is conducting self-diagnosis, and there is no reason to worry.

How to get to the service station with the glowing Check Engine

When driving to the service station, try to observe a gentle mode of movement. In particular:

• do not exceed the speed of more than 60 km/h;
• do not exceed engine speed more than 2500 rpm;
• turn off the air conditioner (stove), multimedia system and other currently unnecessary equipment that creates an additional load on the engine;
• Avoid sudden starts and stops, drive smoothly.

You can return to normal driving mode only after diagnosing and eliminating the identified errors.

Instead of a conclusion

Remember that when the glowing Check Engine indicator appears, do not panic. In most cases, the reasons for its activation are not critical. However, it is necessary to perform a priority diagnosis, consisting of the 5 steps listed above. Also check if the behavior of the machine on the road has changed and if other indicators have come on additionally. If minor deficiencies are found, they must be corrected. If the Check Engine does not go out after that, then conduct additional diagnostics using an electronic device. It will give you an error code indicating the cause of the failure.

Modern car models have a special indicator or on their instrument panel, which means “Check the engine” in Russian. She signals that power plant a car or other components and assemblies have experienced a malfunction that may adversely affect the quality and safety of traffic. Let us consider in more detail what Check Engine means and what actions should be taken when such a signal appears.

A lit Check Engine icon indicates a problem

The purpose of the diagnostic system

When the Check Engine light is on, this indicates that the electronic engine control unit has detected an error in the functioning of any of the engine components. The following parameters are subject to control using this system:

• engine speed,
• operation of petrol injection and exhaust system sensors,
• ignition function and much more.

Given the number of monitored nodes, there can be quite a few reasons for the Check Engine indicator to fire. And to identify them, you need some knowledge and skills, and in some cases - special equipment.

Actions when an alarm is detected

Consider what to do if the Check Engine lights up? It should be noted right away that the blinking of this light does not always mean a breakdown. If it flared up when starting the engine and immediately went out - no need to worry. But if it worked while the car was moving and flashes for a long time, you should pay attention to this and take measures to detect a problem.

The reasons why this happens can be divided into 2 groups: easily fixable and more critical for the operation of the machine. In the latter case, you must immediately go to the service to diagnose and fix the breakdown. In many other cases, you can cope with the trouble yourself.

Reasons for triggering the indicator

In most cases, the reasons for the Check Engine light to come on are:

1. Unclosed fuel tank cap. It may be loose or loose while riding. This affects the pressure inside the fuel system, it deviates from the norm, which is reported to the driver by the indicator. To fix the problem, you need to close the tank more tightly or buy a new cap.
2. Moisture ingress. The indicator may come on during rain or after washing the engine when water gets on the spark plug wires, causing short circuits that the control system perceives as a malfunction. In such situations, you need to be more careful and ask the worker to dry the connections of high-voltage wires with an air stream after washing.
3. Poor quality gasoline. Even a small amount of impurities in gasoline affects the performance of spark plugs, causing them to fail. The presence of soot on them helps to identify this. If this is the reason for the indicator to work, it is recommended to drain low-quality fuel and replace it with another one.
4. Insufficient oil level. When the CheckEngine lamp flashes while driving, you need to stop, open the hood and listen to the noises and sounds made by the engine. If you do not hear any suspicious and alarming sounds, and an inspection of the motor did not reveal any visual defects and smudges, it is necessary.

However, sometimes this signal can be the result of more serious problems:

1. Faulty spark plugs. Inspection may reveal a large gap between the electrodes or a crack in the insulator. In the first case, the gap should be set to no more than 1.3 mm, in the second, the candles should be replaced.
2. Faulty ignition coil. You need to figure out if a spark is being produced, and also measure the amount of resistance at the coil terminals. If there is no spark or the multimeter shows a large discrepancy from the nominal value, the part must be replaced.
3. Breakage - lambda probe. The inoperability of this element often entails the operation of the Check Engine light. If the test confirms this, the best way out of this situation is to replace the damaged part.
4. Problems with the catalyst. The catalyst is checked for defects and, in case of problems, is replaced with a new one.
5. Injector problems. If there is a suspicion that they do not work correctly, you need to check if they are clogged and clean them. If this event did not help, it is necessary to change the nozzles for new ones.
6. Incorrect operation of the fuel pump or fuel filter. You can fix the problem by replacing a defective or outdated part.
7. Low rail pressure. It is necessary to check that this indicator is at least three atmospheres. Otherwise, clean the filter or change the fuel pump.
8. Defective high voltage wires. To check them, you need to perform the following steps. In an aluminum or stainless steel pot, pour the salt solution in proportion to 1 liter of water and 1 tablespoon of salt. Lower the wire there so that the tips are above the water. Attach a megger to one tip, attach the other to the pan. If the indicator is less than 500 kOhm, then the resistance is insufficient and the wires should be replaced.

Diagnosing a problem using a special computer

Many drivers are faced with a situation where the Check Engine is on, but there is no one in the car that would indicate a specific problem. Then it is necessary to use a diagnostic scanner, which, when connected to onboard system the car gets access to the electronic engine control unit and issues a breakdown code.

The Check Engine computer program with a special adapter allows the car driver to use a regular PDA, mobile phone, laptop or Car PC as a diagnostic device that can determine the cause of the indicator light.

With the help of the mentioned software and hardware complex, you can:

• read, decode and delete fault codes according to the information of the car manufacturer;
• to monitor the parameters of the functioning of the motor, such as speed, temperature, state of sensors, and so on;
• control the consumption of gasoline;
• take into account the distance, time, average speed and other parameters of the movement of the machine.

How to remove an error from the dashboard

After the malfunction is eliminated, the indicator on the dashboard does not go out. Therefore, we will consider how to remove the Check Engine error after the repair has been completed.

It can be removed from the on-board computer manually, but only after you have checked for the above reasons for the indicator to work and have eliminated the problems that have arisen. If nothing could be done, it is better to contact a car service to specialists so as not to harm the car even more.

If you carefully monitor the Check Engine indicator, respond to its signals in time and correctly, identify possible reasons its operation and promptly eliminate them, then your car will serve you for a long time without the need for major repairs.

It often happens that on the instrument panel in the passenger compartment of a car equipped with electronic control, the light comes on emergency sensor. If the car starts up, continues to work, but the check engine light is on, this means that the switch-on occurred in emergency mode. Some models of modern cars (Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Porshe, VW) are equipped with a system capable of performing self-diagnosis, errors are decoded to the information panel. But drivers are not always able to understand why the check engine malfunction lighted up.

What does the Check Engine signal mean

To start the engine, the driver turns on the ignition. If at the same time the engine check is flashing, this should not cause concern, since it will soon go out. But a burning signal, with the engine running, indicates violations in its operation.

When malfunctions occur power unit, an error is recorded in the memory of the control unit in the form of a coded signal. In this case, the check engine light is on the dashboard. If the car does not provide diagnostics in automatic mode, you need to connect a scanning device to a special connector. The scanner reads the code and performs a detailed decoding of the error.

In the process of developing electronics, the Check Engine indicator has evolved from a simple fault sensor into a signaling device with many functions. A modern engine check, when blinking, reports the following inconsistencies:

• incorrect composition of fuel mixtures;
• failures of settings in the ignition system;
• sensor failures.

It is also his task to report problems not related to the power unit. To identify the place of occurrence and nature of the breakdown, the master will need professional knowledge, experience, special tools and tools.

Important: The electronic unit of the computer issues a command to flash the signaling device, as a result of detecting errors of varying degrees of complexity. Among them, there are problems, both serious and minor. For the purpose of diagnostics, it is recommended to suspend operation vehicle. Experienced car owners often independently determine the reason for the inclusion of a check, without waiting for a visit to the service station.

Signs of major malfunctions and the causes of the indicator signal

If the light comes on while the vehicle is moving Check Engine after refueling at a gas station, the most likely cause is the inadequate quality of the filled gasoline. In this case, the following symptoms are observed:

1. Power reduction.
2. Interruptions in the engine (stalls).
3. Detonation as a result of incomplete combustion of fuel.

• add a portion of higher quality fuel to the tank;
• drain the recently filled gasoline, clean the fuel system.

If the check does not want to go out after the cause has been eliminated, it is necessary to delete the error recorded in the device’s memory using a special computer program.

Checking the oil level and its condition

The next most important causes of the signal are considered to be overheating of the motor, a decrease in the level lubricating fluid in the DVS. It is recommended to check the engine temperature. If there is no overheating, check the volume and condition of the oil. After checking the level, it is necessary to add the missing amount lubricant. Using a clean paper towel, the quality and composition of engine oil is checked according to the following criteria:

1. Color.
2. Consistency.
3. The presence of mechanical inclusions.
4. The smell of burning.

If everything is in order with the quality and quantity of oil, the engine starts to eliminate unusual sounds, noises during operation both at idle and under load.

If unusual noise effects of a running engine are detected against the background of a burning check, it is recommended to send the car to the nearest service company. Self-moving a car is not recommended, delivery is carried out by towing or in another convenient way. Further operation can lead to serious damage and costly repairs to the elements of the power unit.

Flashing indicator and engine tripping

When the check is flashing and the engine is troit at the same time, it is necessary to examine the elements of the ignition system:

• wiring;
• coil.

The tripping effect occurs when only three combustion chambers are working instead of all four. The engine starts to triple in the absence of injection of the air-fuel mixture into one cylinder.

Worn out and dirty spark plugs also cause the Check Engine light to come on. In order not to think for a long time how to remove the engine check, you just need to clean or completely replace outdated candles with a new set.

Checking the ignition coil is reduced to measuring the resistance at the terminals and testing for the ability to create a blue spark.

What to do if the check engine light is on due to a malfunction in the fuel supply system

In case of violations associated with the flow of fuel into the cylinders, it is recommended to check the condition of the spray nozzles. Their holes must be cleaned, washed, if necessary, completely replaced with new devices.

The decrease in pressure in the fuel system is caused by malfunctions:

1. Gasoline pump (in carburetor, injection engines).
2. fuel filter
3. High pressure fuel pump (in diesel).

If the check engine light is caused by a failed catalytic converter, drivers simply remove it from the exhaust system and then turn off the corresponding sensor (oxygen).

How to reset check engine error

If critical errors occur in the operation of the engine, the information is recorded in the ECU memory and is not deleted on its own even after the defect has been eliminated. In this case, the check continues to glow. To reset the recorded error with your own hands, experienced car owners perform the following operations:

• warm up the engine to operating temperatures;
• disconnect the terminal battery for a while (from 5 to 15 minutes);
• restore the connection with a terminal;
• insert and turn the ignition key before starting (while all the indicators on the devices are on);
• wait one minute;
• turn the key in the opposite direction.

Most often, such actions lead to the desired result, the error code disappears from the memory of the computer unit. The check stops glowing after turning on and running the engine in idle mode for three minutes.

If the method of disconnecting the terminal did not work, the indicator continues to flash, the error is removed from the memory of the control device using special computer programs through the pinout OBD diagnostic connector.

The control block can also cause the check signal to turn on if individual elements ECU partially or completely fail.

Engine operation in modern cars controls the electronic controller (ECU), which receives information from a variety of sensors. If a problem occurs, the system will activate the "Check engine" warning light on the instrument panel. Many drivers do not know what to do in a situation where the engine malfunction light comes on suddenly and for no apparent reason.

Why does the check engine malfunction light come on

A set of utility programs is installed in the memory of the electronic unit (like an operating system on a home computer), with the help of which the ECU controls the operating modes of the motor. If the readings of any sensor differ from the normative ones, then the controller remembers the fault code and turns on the “Check engine” warning signal.

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Most often, if the engine malfunction check is on, this means the failure of the components or control devices of the following vehicle systems:

In the fuel system: incorrect work injectors, malfunction fuel pump, adsorber, as well as violation of the tightness of the tank;

In the ignition system: unstable operation of spark plugs, malfunctions of high-voltage wires and ignition distributor;

In the exhaust gas output systems: malfunction of the oxygen sensor, breakdown of the catalytic converter;

In the engine management system: malfunctions of the mass air flow sensor, knock sensor, idle speed controller and other devices.

Machines equipped on-board computer with self-diagnosis function, have the ability to display on the screen the decoding of error codes. For other models, it is possible to determine why the check engine caught fire only using a laptop with special software that connects to the diagnostic connector via a compatible cable.

If the check light comes on when starting on a cold engine

If, when the ignition is turned on, there is no characteristic sound of fuel pumping, and the engine icon lights up on the panel, then the relay that supplies power to the fuel pump is most likely faulty.

The exact installation location of this device depends on the specific machine model and may be in the immediate vicinity of the fuel injection control unit or near the fuse box. The reasons for the failure of the relay can be either a malfunction of the device itself or a failure of the fuse protecting it.

A faulty fuel pump relay must be replaced with a new one, and if the fuse blows, it is imperative to determine and eliminate the cause of this problem, since possible short circuits in the wiring can lead to a fire in the car.

If you experience problems starting, cold engine works unstable, it is probably clogged fuel injectors or their wiring is faulty. To eliminate the problem, it is necessary to flush the injection device, and eliminate damage in the electrical control circuits.

The reason that the check signal is on after starting the engine may be a malfunction of the device for absorbing gasoline vapors - the adsorber.

This happens if the absorbing element (activated carbon) becomes unusable or fails. solenoid valve management.

Many car owners remove the used adsorber due to the high cost of a new part. In this case, it is imperative to overwrite the firmware of the control unit in order to avoid the constant appearance of an error in the system.

Often the warning indicator lights up without a malfunction in the motor due to elementary inattention. A poorly tightened fuel filler cap in a hurry reduces the pressure in the fuel lines due to the passage of air. This leads to increased consumption gasoline, which the ECU evaluates as a malfunction and then the check lamp turns on on the panel.

Another reason could be a malfunction of the air flow sensor. To ensure optimal composition fuel mixture, the control unit controls the air consumption using the readings of the mass air flow sensor (DMRV). With irregular replacement air filter the working element of the DRMS ​​is clogged with dust particles, which leads to a distortion of its readings.

In such a situation, the ECU switches to calculating the air consumed by the engine by indirect methods and warns the driver about the malfunction through the included "Check". Also, if the DMRV fails, the engine does not start well at a negative ambient temperature.

Replacing the air flow sensor is quite simple, but the cost of the part itself, depending on the brand and model of the car, can reach 10 - 15 thousand rubles. Therefore, it is better not to save on routine maintenance machines and timely purchase and install a high-quality air purification filter.

The control of the occurrence of detonations during the combustion of gasoline in the cylinders is carried out using a knock sensor. If there is no information or a low signal level from the sensor, the ECU sends an error message to the dashboard.

Structurally, the sensor consists of a piezoelectric element and a resistor, so it cannot be repaired and is replaced as an assembly.

The idle speed controller (IAC) is responsible for setting and maintaining the required speed in different engine operating modes. The regulator opens and closes a special hole in the nozzle of the throttle assembly for air dosing. As a result, the car can start moving immediately after starting the engine without a long warm-up period.

Unstable idling of the engine and an illuminated engine malfunction signal indicate a breakdown of the IAC and the need to replace it.

The check signal worked on the go, the engine troit and works intermittently

Normal operation of the engine is impossible without stable ignition of the fuel mixture. If the "Check engine" light comes on on an unstable engine, this may indicate a lack of spark or misfire in the cylinders due to the following faults:

contamination or failure of spark plugs;

incorrect gap on the electrodes of the candles;

breakdown of insulation or broken contacts of high-voltage wires;

failure of the ignition coil.

Repair work consists in cleaning the candles and setting the correct gap. If the candles have worked for a long time (over 100 thousand kilometers) or have visible defects, they should be replaced with new ones. In addition, even fresh spark plugs can fail due to the use of low-quality gasoline. You also need to check the high-voltage wires for damage, make sure that sparking is normal, and also measure the resistance at the coil terminals.

It is not uncommon for the check to still be on after replacing parts of the ignition system. If the installed spare parts are probably working, then you need to erase the error from the computer's memory or wait until it disappears automatically after a certain interval (usually from 150 to 300 kilometers).

Periodically, the “Check engine” signal turns on, the engine is gaining momentum poorly

If the check lights up while driving, and the engine power has decreased significantly, this may be caused by malfunctions in the exhaust system.

IN exhaust system the control unit controls the operating mode of the oxygen sensor (lambda probe) installed on the exhaust manifold, and also evaluates the condition of the catalyst exhaust gases.

A malfunction of the lambda sensor can be judged by a significantly increased gas mileage, an increased content of carbon dioxide in the exhaust, as well as a decrease in engine power. On the modern machines several such sensors are installed, so you will either have to check them one by one, or use the error scanner.

Also, a serious drop in power is a characteristic sign of a malfunctioning exhaust gas purification catalyst. In such a situation, in addition to the fact that the check engine light is on, the car begins to react very sluggishly to pressing the gas pedal. Most often, catalytic converter failure is caused by a malfunction of the oxygen sensor and untimely replacement candles. In order not to bring the situation to an expensive replacement of the collector, it is necessary to observe the scheduled replacement periods for glow plugs.

"Check Engine" warning comes on, car doesn't pull, engine heat builds up

This problem caused by a malfunction in the cooling system. First of all, you should ventilate the thermostat, it may have jammed in a small circle, and the hot antifreeze stopped circulating through the radiator.

Another option is the failure of the cooling fan or its control electrical system. In turbocharged models, when the engine overheats, the turbine is automatically turned off, which leads to a sharp subsidence of power and a decrease in traction characteristics.

Ultimately, a stuck thermostat can cause the coolant to boil, often resulting in broken hoses and depressurization of the system.

Also, the problem may be a malfunction of the temperature sensor or poor contact on its connector, due to which a distorted signal enters the computer.

Operation of the check lamp after washing the car

Sooner or later, every car owner has to wash the power unit. This may be due to oil leakage or other operating fluids, dust and dirt settling on a wet motor or required after repair work.

If you carry out preliminary protection of the nodes from moisture ingress carelessly or overdo it with a high-pressure washer, then after turning on the engine, the engine troit and stalls, and the “Check engine” signal turns on on the dashboard.

These problems are most likely related to a malfunction electrical system car: unreliable contacts of high-voltage wires, ignition coils and other electronic blocks. There are cases when the pressure of water knocked loose plugs from the connectors of the control sensors.

Troubleshooting should be done by checking and thoroughly drying all connectors in engine compartment. For additional reliability in suspicious places, you can apply a moisture-displacing lubricant for electrical contacts.

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In conclusion, it is worth noting that the operation of the “Check engine” signal always means there is some kind of problem. If the check engine light is on but the engine is running normally, the driver still needs to determine the cause of the warning light and fix it as soon as possible.

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Modern cars are equipped with a large number of sensors that allow you to quickly diagnose a malfunction in a car. Every car has a dashboard check engine error. Why the indicator is needed and what it signals, many drivers will only find out after it lights up.

There can be many reasons for the Check Engine lamp to burn. Many in a panic turn to a car service for computer diagnostics while others continue to drive.

Check light lit up engine engine?

Rather head to the auto repair shop. Engine diagnostics by 10 parameters in our car services in Moscow. Choose the Moscow car service closest to your current location and sign up for repairs.

Check Engine light on

The Check Engine error, literally translated, means " check motor". This light is located on the dashboard of the car, and if it lights up, then your motor has a malfunction. The light bulb is lit by the car control unit, which has found a malfunction in the engine.

Once upon a time, the task of the lamp was to control the carburetor, using an equipped mini-computer. But after a while, manufacturers significantly expanded the responsibilities of the indicator.

On modern cars, it is related to the composition of the fuel mixture, engine speed, fuel consumption and the ignition system. Therefore, in the absence of proper knowledge and skills, it is impossible to determine the exact cause of a lit check.

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Meaning check engine lamps can be determined by contacting the service station. Using a special scanner, experts diagnose the car. But the situation may develop in such a way that there is no service station nearby, or it is impossible to go there. It is possible to determine the reason why the Check Engine caught fire on your own.

Remember! If the Check Engine error lights up after the ignition is turned on and goes out after a few seconds, then there is no cause for concern, the system conducts self-diagnosis.

It must be remembered that A check engine light does not necessarily indicate an engine problem. car.

1. If the Check Engine error only lights up when the car is started and immediately goes out, then there is no reason to worry. Everything is fine with the motor.
2. If after starting the engine the light does not go out, then the concern is justified, because. malfunctions were detected in the operation of the engine. Just do not rush to panic, a breakdown may not necessarily be critical. However, in order to avoid risks, it is better to go to a car service.

Remember! No need to panic. Check the oil level. Listen to see if the engine makes any extraneous sounds, if there is any damage to the engine. If everything is in order, move to the nearest car service, trying not to let the engine run at high speeds.

Algorithm of actions if the Check Engine lights up

1. Check engine light on the way, in which case the vehicle must be stopped. Raise the hood and listen for the sounds of the engine. Make sure the motor runs smoothly, extraneous noise and knocks. The oil level should be checked. Low oil level is a common cause. Inspect the engine walls for fluid leaks. If a malfunction is found, it is necessary to begin to eliminate it.
2. The level and quality of the engine oil is in order, the engine functions smoothly, and the check engine light does not go out. Most likely the problem will be in the spark plugs, perhaps one of them has gaps. Worth checking spark plugs.
3. Poor quality fuel can also be the cause. This happens immediately after leaving the gas station. This problem is typical for Russia, where the quality of fuel leaves much to be desired. We recommend draining bad fuel and fill it with quality fuel.

Car operation with a burning Check Engine error

It is highly undesirable to drive a car with a burning Check Engine lamp. If you have a lack of knowledge, then it is best to call a tow truck and go to a car service.

If you decide to go to the service station on your own, then we recommend to follow the following rules:

1. Try to move at a constant speed.
2. Do not load the motor.
3. Constantly monitor the number of revolutions, do not exceed 2500 rpm.
4. Turn off all unnecessary electronic equipment (multimedia system, video recorder). Turn off the air conditioner.
5. Do not start or brake hard. The movement of the machine must be smooth.
6. The best time to travel is during daylight hours. Headlights put extra stress on the engine

When does Check Engine light up?

1. Low quality fuel.
2. Minimum engine oil level.
3. Spark plug. It happens when the replacement of spark plugs was made too long ago. Don't skimp on spark plugs.
4. Catalyst failure. With a faulty catalyst, the engine will run unstably. Also accompanied by a lack of power and increased fuel consumption.
5. A problem with fuel filter or fuel pump.
6. Malfunction oxygen sensor. Characteristic features: engine troit, check light bulb burning.
7. Ignition coil.
8. Injector problem.
9. High voltage wires.

Without the necessary skills and knowledge, it is very difficult to find the cause of a fired check.

What needs to be done, what is the sequence of actions? Consider ways to solve the problem.

Poor quality fuel. To eliminate it, it is necessary to drain the old one and fill in high-quality fuel.

Motor oil . Engine oil should be topped up to the correct level. Checked with a dipstick. In addition, if the oil has changed for a long time, the mileage was over 10 thousand km, then it’s worth it.

Do not operate vehicle with low oil level.

The check can burn not only because of the low oil level, but also as a result of fast driving at a minimum level. Therefore, it is necessary to undergo computer diagnostics at the service station.

Spark plug. To do this, run . This is done quite simply, for this you will need candle key. After removing the spark plug, check their operation. If the candle is working, then simply clean it of soot. Check the gap between the electrodes should be no more than 1.3 mm. If necessary, set the required one.