Table of Contents

Introduction

The engine is the main driving component of any vehicle that burns fuel to drive the car. Although the engine is considered one of the sturdiest components of a vehicle, excessive usage or other problems can impact its performance. Modern automakers have added features in their cars in the form of diagnostic trouble codes for users’ convenience. These diagnostic trouble code (1) indicates the drivers in case of the smallest error in a component to prevent a long-term issue.

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Check engine light is a diagnostic trouble code that indicates some error in the engine’s components or performance.
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In any case, checking the engine light should be taken with seriousness by the drivers as it could be an indication of a major engine component failure causing. This article explores the most common reasons that trigger the engine warning light and provides solutions.
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Why should the Check Engine Light not be ignored?

Although a check engine light can indicate a minor error, such as a loose gas cap (3), it is advised to the drivers not to ignore this light in any case. Some drivers need to catch up on this light due to the fear of high-cost engine maintenance. But it is crucial to promptly address the check engine light warning, as ignoring this can lead to a further costlier problem later. Old vehicle owners (2) want to squeeze some last miles of their vehicle without paying hefty repair bills, but they need to turn the warning light off to pass the state’s vehicle inspection.

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Never ignore this warning light due to the fear of expensive service bills, as neglecting this light can lead to a further costly problem in the form of engine seizing or your car failing the state’s vehicle inspection test.
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Yellow and Red Engine Warning Lights

The modern vehicle models have an added feature where they blink the warning lights in different colors to indicate the severity of the issue.

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If the engine check light blinks in yellow, it means there’s a problem that is not serious, but the driver still needs to figure out what it is to avoid any long-term problems.
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It is advised to the drivers not to drive the vehicle when the red engine warning light appears on the dashboard.

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A red engine warning light indicates a major engine component failure or another critical issue requiring immediate attention.
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Reasons of Blinking of Engine Warning Light

A problem in Mass Airflow Sensor

The mass airflow (2) sensor is beneficial in operating the engine. Mass airflow sensor is also known as “air mass sensor and hot-film sensor.” Fuel and air are burnt together in a combustion engine, and the mass flow sensor collects the amount of fuel used during combustion and measures the amount of air used. The mass flow sensor sends the information to the car’s Electronic Control Unit (5). If the engine’s proper combustion process is not taking place, the mass air flow sensor will collect the data and turn the warning light on. A Mass Airflow sensor is present at the top of the engine at a point where the air enters the engine.

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An error in the air filter can cause a defect in the mass air flow sensor due to dirty air particles. Thus, the wrong information will be sent to the vehicle’s ECU, triggering the engine light.

In some cases, the mass airflow sensor can also malfunction, sending wrong information to ECU, resulting in an engine warning light blinking on the ECU. The engine is always a complex part that simple drivers cannot comprehend. If the dirt on the mass air flow sensor is not accessible to the driver, thus, take the car to a service center to resolve this issue.

Faulty Ignition Switch Problem

The car’s ignition switch (1) is mainly known as the starter button. The purpose of the ignition switch is to help the engine burn fuel. In modern vehicles, the power and air are present as vapors and inserted into the combustion chamber. In the combustion chamber, the fuel and air vapors are burnt with the help of a spark. This spark is generated with the help of the spark plug present in the ignition system (5) of the cars.

In some vehicles, i.e. in diesel cars, the ignition of the fuel does not take place with the help of the spark plug. Instead, the piston is compressed and generates the spark. The spark plugs in cars require high power to ignite the fuel. The engine’s coils fulfill this power requirement. Modernized cars consist of separate coils for each cylinder. If there is any ignition switch problem, the particular cylinder will fail to ignite the fuel properly. This defect would impact the performance of the engine and also causes extreme damage to the car’s exhaust system. When any such issue occurs, the engine light turns on to indicate the problem.

The common signs of an ignition switch problem include a misfiring engine and a decrease in power and fuel efficiency. First, take the car to a service center and replace the ignition switch or connected parts. This will resolve the check engine light issue.

Gas Cap Problem

The fuel tank (4) is a complicated part of the cars and becomes more pressurized due to air stored.

Yellow box – The air replaces the fuel position as the fuel is thrown toward the engine from the fuel tank. The replacement of fuel with air or vacuum ceases the fuel tank. Thus, this affects the working of the fuel tank air sensor, and poor information is transmitted, which ultimately illuminates the engine light.

The drivers are advised to check whether the gas cap is tightly closed in case of an engine light blinks on the cluster meter. If the gas cap is closed tightly, there can be a hole in either the cap or any part of the fuel tank resulting in this problem. Take the car to a service center to get the issue resolved in that case.

Engine Oil Issues

Engine oil is necessary for the proper performance of the engine. It helps in lubricating all the engine parts. The warning engine light may appear due to a defect in the engine fuel. The light usually turns on to give a message of maintenance.

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This light depicts that engine oil has become dirty and needs replacement or has dropped below the level, affecting the engine’s performance. The engine operating on low fuel may become damaged. Another reason for illuminating engine light is the low engine oil pressure.

Moreover, when the engine oil becomes less, the pressure in the engine becomes low, which can impact the engine’s performance. Besides, there might be an error in the sensor, which provides false information, and the light is turned on. On the other hand, if the engine fluid is at level and sensors are working accurately, there might be any defect in the engine pump that is turning on the warning light.

In this case, ensure the engine oil is filled up to the level. Fill it up to the level of the engine oil level is low. Also, try getting the engine oil replaced every 3000 miles or the mileage indicated on the vehicle’s manual.

Faulty Oxygen Sensor

Due to the modernization in technology, the main aim of the car industry is to reduce pollution. Therefore the car industries are trying their best to provide safe driving and aim to reduce pollution by installing modern sensors that can help reduce air pollution.

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The oxygen sensor will send the information to the engine management light, and immediately, the light turns on. Moreover, the other reason for the illuminated engine light is the fault in the oxygen sensor, which determines the incorrect information.

One of the significant sensors installed in cars is the oxygen sensor. They are usually two in number. The oxygen sensors help determine the amount of unburnt oxygen released from the vehicles. This sensor helps in assessing the functionality of the engine, i.e., the amount of fuel burnt by the engine. If the car’s exhaust releases less oxygen, the vehicle consumes a large amount of energy and pushes minimum air into the cylinders. Thus, the large amount of fuel burning will increase air pollution.

The oxygen sensor cannot be checked at home, given its housing material and sensitive location. In this case, take the vehicle to the service center for the professionals to check the oxygen sensor and replace it if necessary.
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Personal Experience

A check engine warning light is common on the vehicle’s cluster meter. The same was the case with my Toyota Camry 2015. It was my first vehicle, so I was sensitive about any issue. I took it straight to the service center, which charged me around $100 for deciphering the code. Then they charged me another $200 for sensor replacement. The next time a check engine light appeared on the car’s cluster meter, I was not willing to spend $100 to decipher the code. Thus, I ordered an inexpensive code reader for $75 that can be easily connected to the car’s OBD. This reader gave me a code I deciphered online and figured out the issue without spending $100. Then I went to a local professional to replace the oxygen sensor. This saved me around $100 for deciphering the problem causing this light to blink.

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Common Cost to Get the Check Engine Light Issue Fixed

The following table illustrates the cost of getting the check engine light issue fixed in your vehicle:

Common IssueCost Required to Fix the Issue
The problem with Mass Airflow Sensor$80-380 for sensor replacement, $20 for common sensor service
Faulty Ignition Switch Problem$75-130 for ignition switch replacement
Gas Cap Problem$15-20 for gas cap replacement
Engine Oil$200-300 depending upon the model of your vehicle
Faulty Oxygen Sensor or Catalytic Converter$60-300 for oxygen sensor replacement, $900-3000 for catalytic converter replacement

Key Takeaways

Engine check warning light is only sometimes a sign of an expensive service bill, as it can be resolved in less than $15-20. Most drivers fear high service costs and keep driving their vehicles, ignoring this light. But it is to be noted that ignoring this light can even result in costly long-term problems such as engine seizing. This will cost you much more compared to a simple component replacement. The new vehicles will indicate the severity of the issue through the color of the light (yellow/orange or red). The old vehicle owners are advised to check with the gas cap and take their car to the service center if the light is not going off. Buying an inexpensive code reader and deciphering the code online can also give you an idea about the issue causing this light to blink on the vehicle’s dashboard.

FAQs

No, a check engine light can appear on the vehicle’s cluster meter due to different issues. It can be as simple as a loose fuel cap or as complex as a catalytic converter failure. In any case, you should always pay attention to this light. Although this light does not indicate that the engine has failed yet, it can be a sign that if the issue is ignored for a longer term, the machine can fail.

The engine warning light is a signal issued by the ECU, and it takes minutes for the ECU to send another signal when you tighten the fuel cap. Therefore, if the light does not go after a few minutes of tightening the fuel cap, it can indicate another problem causing this light to blink.

Yes, you can keep driving in case of a yellow check engine light. However, do visit a mechanic at the earliest to get the issue resolved. Also, the light can go red if you are driving longer with the yellow check engine light.

Although code readers are only sometimes accurate, they can give an idea about the issue causing the light to blink on the vehicle’s dashboard. You can get a code reader for $75-150, and you can check the online platforms to decipher the code indicated by the code reader.

References

About Author

Andrew Ray

Andrew is an automotive technician with 10 years of experience mainly in American and Japanese cars, covering everything from routine vehicle maintenance and engine inspections to tire rotation.