Engine Related Repair/Maintenance [2020.07.15 UP]
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There are many warning lights displayed on the instrument panel of a car, but do you know what they mean? It seems that there are many people who drive without worrying about it too much, but if they do, they may not be able to respond appropriately when trouble occurs. In this article, we will focus on the "engine warning light" among the warning lights and explain when it lights up. We will also introduce what to do when the light comes on, so be sure to keep it in mind. Understanding the meaning of the engine warning light display and being able to deal with it correctly should make driving much more comfortable.
この記事の目次There are various types of warning lights on the instrument panel of a car, as shown below, and they notify the driver when an abnormality occurs in each device.・Airbag warning light ・ABS brake assist warning light ・Brake warning light ・Charging warning light ・Remaining fuel warning light ・Water temperature warning light
The warning lights flash all at once when the engine switch is turned to the ON position, even when an abnormality does not occur, and turn off when the system confirms that there is no abnormality. The colors of warning lights are determined by international standards (ISO), and are common throughout the world: red for danger, yellow for caution, and green for safety. In the case of the engine warning light, ``red'' means a serious condition that requires immediate stopping of the vehicle, and ``yellow (orange)'' means immediate service is required. You don't have to stop the car immediately when the yellow check engine light comes on, but you should check to see if anything is wrong. Knowing the colors and types of warning lights will help you stay calm when they come on while driving. Check out this article to learn more about the check engine light.
The engine warning light is a symbol shaped like an engine and is also called an "engine check lamp". Basically, it informs you of engine malfunction, but in some models, it is designed to inform you of both engine and transmission troubles.
Many modern cars are equipped with computer control technology, and all sensors must function properly to maintain good operation. Therefore, it is no exaggeration to say that engine malfunction is almost a sensor malfunction. At its core is the ECU (Electronic Control Unit). It plays the role of automatically adjusting the engine to the best condition according to the situation, such as controlling the fuel injection inside the engine, maintaining the optimum mixture ratio of air and fuel, ignition timing, and exhaust gas condition. The ECU has a self-diagnosis function, and if there is a problem with the engine running properly, the engine warning light will notify the driver. However, since it only informs you that there is an abnormality, you will have to check the details at the repair shop / dealer.
As mentioned above, the engine warning light lights up "when the engine switch is turned to the ON position" and "when an abnormality in the engine control system sensor is detected". The characteristics of each lighting are as follows.
Turning the key to the ON position illuminates all warning lights in the instrument panel. At this time, each warning light is checked for burnout and the warning system itself. If there is a warning light that does not light up at this point, please consult a repair shop or dealer as soon as possible. When the system confirms that there is no abnormality, the warning light turns off, so there is no need to worry about the lighting when the engine switch is turned on.
There are countless control systems in the engine, and sensors constantly check for dangers that hinder safe driving or cause insufficient performance. When an abnormal value is detected, the engine warning light will turn on to notify the driver whether the vehicle is running or stopped.
The symptoms of trouble indicated by the engine warning light differ greatly depending on the role each control sensor has. In this section, we will explain the symptoms of trouble for each sensor, so let's deepen your understanding.
O2 sensor trouble is said to be the most common engine warning light related issue. The O2 sensor measures the oxygen concentration in the exhaust gas and plays the role of maintaining and monitoring the optimal combustion state. When the O2 sensor malfunctions, the combustion state of the engine cannot be accurately grasped, and symptoms such as abnormal rotation during idling and high temperature of the muffler catalyst (in the worst case, fire) may appear. In addition, fuel efficiency deteriorates because more fuel is basically injected. However, it is unlikely that the car will suddenly stop or slow down, so you don't have to worry about that. In addition, O2 sensors are said to last about 10 years or about 100,000 km in the case of Japanese cars.
Engines generate energy by burning a mixture of air and fuel. The airflow sensor measures the amount of air sent into the engine and adjusts the amount of fuel injected accordingly. If this sensor fails and there is a discrepancy between the amount of air actually sent to the engine and the amount of air measured, the fuel injection becomes inaccurate, resulting in less power and an engine warning light. If the air flow sensor detects a problem and the engine warning light turns on, there may be trouble or malfunction in the engine intake system. This is fatal trouble for combustion. In addition, if the air cleaner or element is dirty due to lack of maintenance, the amount of air sent to the engine will decrease, so proper combustion may not occur and a warning may be issued. Basically, the airflow sensor is a robust device, so it's not uncommon for a faulty airflow sensor to cause the warning light to come on. However, if the sensor failure is left unattended, the engine will stop, so maintenance is necessary.
The ignition sensor is a sensor used for engine ignition control. In recent cars, the ignition timing is computer-controlled, so if there is a disturbance in the engine ignition, the engine warning light will come on. In the worst case, the engine will stop if the warning is left unchecked, but if there is a problem with the engine ignition, it is common for the driver to notice the abnormality before the engine warning light comes on. Therefore, in most cases, it can be said that it is a trouble that can be dealt with without falling into the worst itself.
The battery sensor is a sensor that checks the battery operating status. The engine warning light will come on when the sensor malfunctions or the battery is dead. If the terminal connection is not properly done when the driver replaces the battery, it may light up. In addition to abnormalities in the battery sensor, there are also cases where the battery is displayed at the timing of the battery life such as voltage drop. In that case, the battery needs to be replaced. If the warning light does not go off after checking the battery itself and connections, it may be better to have a dedicated computer clear the error code.
The accelerator position sensor is a sensor that measures the amount of depression of the accelerator and is also called an "accelerator opening sensor". If there is an abnormality in this sensor, it is said that it will affect the speed change and rotation speed, and it is a sensor that affects the driving itself. If you have any of the following symptoms, avoid continuing to drive and ask a repair shop or dealer to check. At that time, the sensor will be replaced if necessary.・The transmission of an automatic transmission is malfunctioning ・Even though the accelerator is depressed, the engine speed does not increase ・The traction control does not work, etc.
The cam angle and crank angle sensors are sensors that measure the angle of the engine parts "cam" and "crank" and send the rotation status of the engine to the ECU. These parts are always moving at high speed, so they can be misaligned from the correct position. The engine warning light will turn on when it senses a deviation, but even if there is some deviation, the engine will be able to rotate, so there is no problem with driving itself. However, this deviation will reduce fuel consumption. This is the reason why this sensor is said to improve fuel efficiency. If the angle deviation exceeds the allowable range after being left for a long period of time, the engine may suddenly stop or become unable to start, leading to serious damage. Some people seem to have a strange feeling when starting the engine, so let's check it early.
The engine warning light may also come on for the following reasons, but there are not many cases.
Have you noticed that when you open the fuel filler cap, you hear a "whooshing" sound when the pressure is released? The fuel filler cap adjusts the internal pressure, but if the internal pressure cannot be maintained due to deterioration, the engine warning light will turn on. Also, it seems that the light may come on when the fuel filler cap is not tightly closed.
When an abnormality occurs in various meters, the engine warning light lights up or flashes. If left unattended, the engine may not start, and trouble with the meter hinders comfortable driving, so early inspection is recommended.
Modern cars are equipped with many electrical components and usually have many sensors. In addition to comfortable equipment such as air conditioners and audio systems, sensors are also installed in equipment that is essential for driving a car, such as the drive system and charging system. If these sensors related to driving and safety detect an abnormality, the engine warning light may turn on or flash.
Here are some tips on what to do if your engine warning light comes on so you don't panic. First, remember that a yellow check engine light is less urgent than a red one. However, if battery trouble occurs during a long drive, there are cases where roadside assistance cannot be called and the vehicle is stranded. You will have to make decisions based on the circumstances. Also, since the engine warning light is related to many sensors, it is not easy for ordinary people to identify the cause. Therefore, we recommend that you proceed as follows.
Even if the check engine light comes on, do not panic and stop the car. Pay attention to your surroundings, move to a safe place, and stop. Surprised by the sudden lighting, there is a tendency to park your car on the side of the road nearby, but this is not acceptable. In the case of expressways, parking and stopping on the road is not permitted unless there is an unavoidable reason such as an accident, breakdown, or sudden illness. Parking and stopping are prohibited, including on the shoulder of the road, so let's stop in the parking area/service area. Even on public roads, sudden stops may annoy others and are still dangerous. Let's move to a nearby parking lot and park. When the warning light comes on, it is important to remain calm and act calmly. Avoid highway driving or long drives, and if you are driving on a highway, get off the road early.
It is difficult for ordinary drivers to identify and deal with the cause of the engine warning light coming on while away from home. Call your regular repair shop or dealer and ask for instructions on what to do. At repair shops and dealers, the person in charge identifies the cause using special equipment. Here's what to say over the phone:・Date and time when you noticed the warning light lit ・Things you noticed while driving (engine speed, gear shifting, etc.) ・Current location (information that shows the distance to your home or repair shop)
Cars are designed to turn on various warning lights with minor problems. In order to prevent unexpected troubles from occurring on the go, it is a good idea to undergo regular inspections at a repair shop or dealer. If you are always indebted to the driver, it will be easier for the driver to consult when a problem occurs, and the person in charge should be able to identify the cause. Also, if you ask for regular inspections, there is an advantage that it is easy to build a relationship that you can easily rely on in an emergency. It is very reassuring to have an expert to consult with when a problem occurs.
When the engine warning light comes on, there is a difference in degree, but some kind of abnormality has occurred. The symptoms of trouble indicated by this warning light differ greatly depending on the role of each sensor, making it difficult for ordinary drivers to identify and deal with. Refrain from driving when the engine warning light is on, and have the vehicle inspected and repaired at a maintenance shop or dealer as soon as possible. It is recommended that you have regular inspections at a place where you usually take care of yourself so that you can feel free to consult us when trouble occurs.
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グーネットピット編集部We are a group of professionals related to automobile maintenance that produces maintenance articles such as vehicle inspections, inspections, oil changes, repairs, painting, sheet metal, and bringing in and installing parts. We hope that we can help people who are having trouble with how to maintain their beloved cars.
この人の記事を読むWe are a group of professionals related to automobile maintenance that produces maintenance articles such as vehicle inspections, inspections, oil changes, repairs, painting, sheet metal, and bringing in and installing parts. We hope that we can help people who are having trouble with how to maintain their beloved cars.
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