The check light comes on after a few minutes. How long can I drive with the Check Engine Light on? If the check light is on, is it possible to drive?

There are cars that are designed for ordinary city driving; such vehicles hardly stand out from the general flow. And there are brutal SUVs that were created for harsh military conditions. Such transport can be seen mainly only in service. But still, there are military vehicles that can safely drive in normal mode.

GAZ-69. This brutal military SUV has a real four-wheel drive. It is very reliable because its design is very simple. Everything in the cabin is extremely clear: nothing superfluous, all control levers are difficult to switch, you need to get used to it. For winter operation this car is unlikely to fit as it has a soft top instead of a regular roof. But in the summer it’s a pleasure to drive a GAZ-69!

UAZ Hunter. This Ulyanovsk SUV has been produced for more than 15 years. Well, it is mainly used for purposes law enforcement. Only a portion of buyers purchase it for normal use. But in principle, an SUV is perfect for these purposes. It has a 2.7-liter gasoline engine with a power of 128 hp, a spacious interior and a large margin of reliability.

Mercedes- Benz G- class. This legendary German SUV can now hardly be called military, since now it has become more luxurious and pretentious, and its dynamics have reached a new level. But once upon a time the car was completely different. For example, instead of a 4 liter turbo engine, it had a Gas engine volume 2.3 liters. And even now you can find such a simple G-class with modest equipment and without any body kits.

Absolutely all cars are equipped with self-diagnosis systems, and the more modern the vehicle, the more sensors it contains. As a result, you may become confused about the alarms. Although you can understand that not everything is in order with the car. But many drivers, especially beginners, are more concerned about what a “check” is in a car ( Check Engine).

Meanwhile, his presence on dashboard At a minimum, it should alert you, because it indicates a possible malfunction of some vehicle system. At best, this may indicate a loose gas cap. However, the signal may also indicate more serious problems with the engine.

General information

As you know, all modern cars are equipped with an electronic control unit, or ECU. It is also called a controller. Without a doubt, it can be called the brain of the machine and compared to a personal computer, only it is a little simpler. Moreover, than newer car, the more complex its electronic “filling”.

Like desktop personal computers, in which processors and other motherboard components such as automotive devices have been improved all the time, and now they represent the final product of electronic evolution.

What is a "check" in a car? In early versions of cars, the main task of the controller was to control the operation of the carburetor. Now the list of tasks of modern ECUs has expanded a little:

• Tracking the composition of the feed fuel mixture.
• Fuel monitoring.
• Fixing engine speed.
• Control of gear shifting in automatic transmission.

And this is by no means a complete list, but you can immediately guess that there may be plenty of reasons for the Check light to come on. And therefore, in the absence of certain knowledge, it is quite difficult to independently determine the reason for the appearance of the indicator. Not to mention detecting the malfunction itself. But what is this indicator?

What is the check indicator?

As noted at the very beginning of the article, any car has a variety of sensors, each of which performs its own task. Some devices record the number of revolutions crankshaft, others monitor the amount of air, the task of others is to check quality exhaust gases and so on.

But what is a “check”, what does it look like in the car and what do the car’s sensors have to do with it? The most immediate thing! The fact is that the ECU, which all cars are equipped with, at least absolutely all modern models, receives information from all these sensors. They let him understand how a particular system works vehicle.

But sooner or later something in the car malfunctions, because nothing lasts forever. And one of the sensors sends data to the ECU about a malfunction in the operation of any system. The controller, in turn, writes into memory special code fault error and notifies the driver of this fact by lighting a light on the dashboard.

Some modern models Cars with a perfect self-diagnosis system can immediately display a fault code on the on-board computer display. In other cases, this requires a special scanner, which is connected to the diagnostic connector.

The indicator looks like a schematic drawing car engine, and cannot be confused with any other sign.

What is a malfunction and what is not

However, the “Check Engine” light in a car does not always directly indicate any malfunction. There are cases when its appearance is considered normal. Beginners should not be scared when they see such a warning light when they turn on the ignition. It's a kind of passing quick diagnostics, and the indicator should soon go out. This is the norm.

However, if the indicator continues to light while the engine is running, this is a serious reason to think about what it might indicate. As noted above, the ECU operates on data from many sensors, so a malfunction can include either a minor breakdown or a serious problem.

In any case, if an indicator is detected, you should immediately contact the nearest station Maintenance(service station) for the purpose of vehicle diagnostics. Experienced drivers can independently determine the reason for the warning light to come on. But not every beginner can handle this.

What does the warning light mean?

Translated from English, Check Engine means “check the engine.” At the same time, the power unit itself may have nothing to do with this and be fully operational. It is worth considering that the ECU does not control all vehicle systems. Their number depends on design features vehicle.

Since the tasks of modern control units have expanded significantly, the lighting of the indicator may indicate a malfunction of the systems:

• nutrition;
• ignition;
• exhaust gas removal;
• lubricants;
• cooling.

By and large, any system that is equipped with a sensor can cause the Check indicator to appear on the dashboard.

Is it possible to drive with a Check indicator?

Many beginners will be interested in the answer to the question whether it is possible to continue driving the car when the Check indicator appears. It all depends on the correctness further actions driver at the moment of detection of this signal. The main thing is to make decisions competently and in a timely manner, because the ECU detected a malfunction, which it made clear by means of a “check” sign in the car. And in any case, you shouldn’t ignore the breakdown - it will end up costing more!

There are situations when the light is constantly on, but there are no noticeable changes in the engine's operation. That is, he reacts just as quickly to sharp pressing on the gas pedal, there is no loss of power, and the oil and coolant levels are normal. At the same time, there are no other indicators, with the exception of only the “check”. In this case, you can continue driving, but you should immediately head to the nearest car service center. There in the course computer diagnostics a fault will be detected and corrected immediately.

It’s a completely different matter if there are obvious changes in the engine’s operation, but the indicator does not light up, but blinks. That is, power is lost, detected extraneous sounds, vibration and a burning smell appear. Then the car must be stopped immediately and the engine turned off.

This will avoid serious problems in the near future. This type of vehicle behavior can usually indicate overheating. power unit, decreased pressure in the engine lubrication system and a number of other malfunctions. Ignoring these signs will inevitably lead to costly repairs.

Main reasons

What is a "check" in a car? We can say that this is a harbinger of trouble that will happen if appropriate actions are not taken. The hazard warning light cannot light up on its own, there must be a good reason for it. As a rule, the main reasons are related to interruptions in the operation of the power supply system, ignition, and exhaust gases. We'll look at them a little later and in a little more detail.

First, it’s worth finding out how you can understand whether the indicator is reporting some kind of malfunction or whether it’s a false positive. It occurs when one of the sensors loses contact, which is caused by oxides or vibrations. However, then everything can be restored, however, the indicator will continue to light, since the ECU memory already contains information about the non-working sensor.

In this case, you need to remove battery negative terminal for a few minutes. At this time, the ECU should reset. The exact time for this reset depends on the vehicle model and is usually indicated in the owner's manual.

As a result of this manipulation, the error information should also disappear and the indicator should stop lighting up. However, this should not be overused, and if the Check Engine continues to light up, you need to look for the cause. After all, an indicator is just a consequence of some kind of malfunction; the breakdown itself cannot be eliminated in this way.

Supply system

If after resetting the ECU the indicator lights up again, then this is not a false positive. And we should start with a global problem for the CIS countries. Often, after visiting a gas station, a Check will soon appear on the dashboard. In this case, power is lost, and the engine begins to work intermittently, although there are no apparent reasons for this behavior of the motor.

In this case, the whole issue may be the quality of the fuel, which may not be suitable for this type power unit. In this case, the immediate reasons for the appearance of the Check indicator may be:

• failure in work fuel pump;
• low fuel quality;
• injectors are not working properly.

Often, the Check light starts to light up due to a loose gas tank cap, which can be classified as a false alarm. The fact is that inside the tank must be maintained required level pressure for efficient operation of the fuel pump. A tightly closed lid ensures the required vacuum.

This is what a “check” is in a car: when the cap is poorly tightened, air enters the tank, which causes the pump to begin supplying more fuel to the system, which ends up enriching the working mixture. As a result, the composition of the exhaust gases changes, to which the lambda probe reacts in a timely manner. And everyone has one modern car. As a result, an indicator appears on the dashboard. The same applies to poor quality gasoline, which usually contains impurities harmful to the engine, which also change the composition of the exhaust gases.

Malfunctions of power system elements

The appearance of the indicator may be due to a malfunction of the fuel pump and a clogged filter element. Then the fuel pump cannot provide the required level of pressure in the fuel system, which affects the working mixture - it becomes leaner. The lambda probe can also detect this.

In this case, you need to check the functionality of the device, not forgetting about the filter. Maybe it is very clogged, which is also causing the pressure to drop. If necessary, the parts are replaced with new ones and the error is reset. At a service station, after determining the reason why the check engine light came on in the car, a reset is always done using a scanner.

As for the injectors, they can become clogged. This reduces the quality of fuel atomization, which leads to improper engine operation. The problem is solved by washing the injectors or replacing them with new parts.

Ignition problems

Regarding the ignition system, the "check" appears in following cases:

• the candle does not work;
• there is a breakdown in high-voltage wires;
• ignition coil malfunction.

Due to such defects, the combustion process of the air-fuel mixture is disrupted, which also leads to a change in the composition of the exhaust gases. Each spark plug has its own life, after which the spark supply deteriorates and the fuel does not ignite properly. Therefore, when you find a familiar indicator on the instrument panel, you should first check the spark plugs. Especially when they haven't changed for a long time.

And after that, you can move on to checking the wires going to them and the ignition coil. After troubleshooting, the main thing is not to forget to reset the error.

Maybe it's all about the exhaust gases?

As you might guess, in most cases the “check” blinks in the car due to the readings of the lambda probe. But often the sensor itself contributes to this. During vehicle operation, large deposits can form on the oxygen sensor, which affects its operation. In this case, you need to check its functionality.

But in addition to the lambda probe, the cause of the “check” can be the catalytic converter (if there is one). This element of the system can become very clogged, leading to loss of functionality. The problem is solved by replacing the catalyst, which has a very high price. How Alternative option- install a flame arrester.

As a result

As you can understand, the Check indicator appears not only when there is a false alarm, but can also indicate a serious malfunction. If a car enthusiast has a desire, you can purchase a car scanner and practice detecting faults yourself. It is also important not only to know what a “check engine” is in a car, but also to make appropriate decisions.

Finally, I would like to wish all drivers to carefully monitor the condition of their iron horses and not bring everything to costly repairs. And for this it is worth at least undergoing scheduled maintenance in a timely manner.

It is impossible to completely avoid the Check indicator coming on under Russian realities. It remains to wish for his appearance to be as rare as possible.

Many of us have encountered such a problem as turning on the engine icon (Check engine...), the appearance of which frightens car drivers. We offer you the 5 most common reasons why the check engine light comes on on the dashboard.

The engine warning light usually appears without warning. The reason for the appearance of the Check engine cannot be immediately understood. Even if the car has auto diagnostics (for example, in cars such as ,), which scans all car systems for errors and, if any, displays a decryption on the information panel, the reasons for the appearance of the check engine light will not be decrypted.

For most drivers, the appearance of this warning icon on the dashboard means the need to urgently go to an auto repair shop to diagnose and eliminate the reason why the "Check Engine" warning sign appeared. But in fact, in most cases, when the “Check” indication appears, it is possible, and in some cases, perhaps, to eliminate the cause yourself without a trip to a car service center, which will save you money.

1. Replace the oxygen sensor (lambda probe)

Oxygen sensor in your car is part of the exhaust system that controls how much oxygen is not burned in the engine's combustion chamber. This sensor helps control the vehicle's fuel consumption. A malfunctioning oxygen sensor (lambda probe) means that the car computer is receiving incorrect data, which can significantly increase fuel consumption and reduce engine power. Most cars have 2 to 4 oxygen sensors. If you have a home car error scanner, then by connecting it to the car, you can easily find out which sensor needs to be replaced.

For what reason does the oxygen sensor in a car become unusable? Over time, the sensor becomes covered with a layer of waste and motor oil(oil soot), which reduces the accuracy of reading sensor readings to regulate the gasoline mixture and distribute the optimal . A malfunction of the oxygen sensor in a car leads not only to, but also to increased levels of harmful substances CO2 in the exhaust.

What to do: If you do not replace a faulty car oxygen sensor, this can lead to your car's catalyst failing (it may burst), which will result in expensive repairs. The cost of new catalysts is very high due to the precious alloys they contain. On some cars, there are several catalysts, the cost of which can reach up to 90,000 rubles. So don't delay replacing the sensor. Although replacing the sensor and its cost is not very small, it is not commensurate with the cost of the exhaust gas catalyst system. You can also save on replacement costs by doing it yourself. Many car manuals contain detailed instructions, how you can replace the oxygen sensor yourself. If you know where the oxygen sensor is located, then it will not be difficult for you to disconnect the faulty lambda probe and replace it with a new one. Remember to wait to replace this important element You can't pull!

2. Check the fuel filler cap

Many drivers, in most cases, when the check engine light appears, will think about serious problems in a car engine, but they don’t even think to check for leaks fuel system which may be broken due to a defect or insufficiently tightened neck cap fuel tank. This is a very common reason for the appearance of the "Check" engine icon.

Reason for the error: Leakage of the fuel system due to the passage of air through the fuel tank filler cap will increase the vehicle's fuel consumption, to which the vehicle's diagnostic system will generate an engine error by turning on the "Check engine" indication on the vehicle's instrument panel.

What to do: If, when the “Check” indication appears, your car has not lost power, and there are no audible signs of engine damage (engine knocking, humming, creaking, etc.), then first check the gas tank for leaks. Your gas cap may be cracked or not tightened enough. If the cap was not tightened enough, then after tightening it all the way, continue driving the car for a while to see if the engine error disappears. To prevent a check engine light from appearing for this reason, check your fuel filler cap regularly. Remember that the cover must be replaced with a new one periodically!

3. Car exhaust catalyst

An automobile catalyst helps a car make engine exhaust gases more environmentally friendly. It converts carbon monoxide and other harmful substances into harmless compounds. If your exhaust catalyst has become unusable, you will notice it not only when the engine icon (check) appears, but also long before that, when the car’s power drops by half. For example, when you press the gas pedal, the car will not have good acceleration dynamics as before.

What can cause a car catalyst to fail: If you regularly service your car in accordance with the car company's maintenance regulations, then the catalyst should not fail. main reason failure of the catalyst is an untimely replacement of a faulty oxygen sensor, as well as non-regular replacement of spark plugs when the expiration date expires. When the oxygen sensor or spark plugs are faulty, the conversion of carbon monoxide in the catalyst into harmless chemical elements stops, which leads to overheating of the catalyst, which can therefore fail.

What to do: If your catalyst has become unusable, then you cannot drive a car, since the engine will not work correctly, warning about this by an indication on the dashboard with an engine icon (check). Also, your fuel consumption will be greatly increased, and there will be no engine thrust. Although replacing a catalyst is a very expensive repair, there is no escape from repairs. Although there is an alternative to replacing the catalyst with a flame arrester, this is not a 100 percent option. Unfortunately, if you are not an experienced auto mechanic, you will not be able to replace a faulty exhaust gas catalyst yourself. In any case, you will have to contact a car repair shop. Remember that timely replacement of oxygen sensors and spark plugs protects your catalyst from damage!

4. Replace the mass air flow sensor

The mass air flow sensor regulates how much air needs to be added to the gasoline mixture for optimal ignition of the fuel. The sensor constantly reports data to the car's computer about the amount of oxygen supplied. A faulty mass air flow sensor increases fuel consumption, increases CO2 levels in the exhaust gas, and reduces engine power and smoothness. Also, if the sensor is faulty, poor acceleration dynamics are observed. In cold weather, a car with a faulty sensor has difficulty starting.

What are the reasons for the failure of the mass air flow sensor: Most sensor failures occur due to incorrect installation air filter when it is scheduled to be replaced. Also if not changed regularly air filter, as required by the vehicle maintenance regulations recommended by the manufacturer, the mass air flow sensor may fail.

What to do: Theoretically you can for a long time Drive with a broken mass air flow sensor (several weeks or months). But you will notice that the longer you drive, the more your fuel consumption increases. Replacing the sensor in a car service is not that expensive, since the work itself does not take much time and is quite simple. The main costs are related to the cost of the sensor, which for some car models can be 11,000-14,000 rubles if it is an original sensor or up to 6,000 rubles if it is an analogue substitute. Replacing the sensor yourself is very simple. But due to the low cost of replacing the sensor, you can entrust this work to a mechanic at a car service center. Remember that you need to regularly change the air filter, observing the vehicle maintenance regulations!

5. Replacement of spark plugs and high-voltage wires

Spark plugs in a car are the main components for igniting the fuel mixture. If the spark plugs are faulty, the spark will not be supplied correctly to ignite the gasoline mixture. Faulty spark plugs often result in a lack of spark or an incorrect spark interval, which results in the engine not running properly. If the spark plugs do not work properly during acceleration, especially from a standstill, you may feel slight jolts.

What are the reasons for spark plug failure: Most spark plugs in vehicles built before 1996 need to be replaced every 25,000-30,000 kilometers. In newer cars, spark plugs last more than 150,000 km. However, these scheduled spark plug replacement intervals may be reduced by various factors related to fuel quality and driving style.

What to do: If your spark plugs have not been changed for a long time, or you feel failures in the engine operation associated with ignition, then you must immediately replace them with new ones without delay. Don't try to save on untimely replacement spark plugs, since the cost of spark plugs is not very expensive, as well as the work of replacing them. By replacing old spark plugs, you will improve engine performance and reduce your vehicle's fuel consumption. Changing spark plugs yourself is quite easy. Basically, they are easily accessible under the hood of the car. You need a regular spark plug wrench to remove the spark plugs from the engine. It is also advisable to monitor the condition high voltage wires, since over time they can become unusable and allow electricity to pass through to the spark plugs, which will reduce the strength of the spark. Remember that regularly replacing spark plugs, in accordance with your car’s maintenance schedule, protects your exhaust catalyst from breakdowns and also improves engine performance!

Modern cars have diagnostic systems, in which the lights come on to indicate to the driver that there is a specific problem. The main indicator on the panel is an indicator called checkengine, which is responsible for monitoring the functioning of the engine control system. This function has such a large list of properties that the area of ​​failure is determined solely by a special code that appears on the panel. You can find out why the check engine light came on very simply, which will be discussed further.

System Description

A lighted icon does not in all cases serve as a marker of a breakdown in the control system of a functioning device. When the cylinder turns in the ignition switch, this sign will indicate connection.

If we go deeper into the translation, “checkengine” means “check the engine.” Control LED on different models auto done in different ways. This could be a silhouette of a motor with different inscriptions. When the ignition is turned, all diagnostic indicators come on. They should go out when the engine starts.

A sign that lights up while the engine is running serves as a signal that the equipment being monitored has broken down. On many vehicles, this LED is also expressed by an accompanying sound to attract the driver’s attention.

Initially the system was controlled the electronic unit management. The responsibilities of this light bulb included controlling the system through the injector. Special sensors were used for this. However, the time came, and the device was connected to a computer, and more responsibilities appeared. Modern indicators regulate several control units.

How to remove an icon

On different car models, car diagnostics function differently. Some of them, when you rotate the key and press the pedal a certain number of times, the indicator lights up. After this, you should count the number of fires and look for an interpretation in the table. For other brands, a code appears on the screen when starting diagnostics using a combination of buttons.

For other brands, the contacts begin to bridge. An excellent solution is to purchase a special scanner that allows you to monitor the operation of the motor and understand what exactly has gone wrong.

If you are interested in the question of how to remove the check engine light, then this can be done in the most accessible way. Disconnect from the battery in a short period of time. Then the device will be reset and the lights should go out. But this is only done after the error has been correctly identified. There are many other reset methods, for example, using a scanner, installing special programs, or closing contacts.

Determining the causes of carburetor fires on the engine

The main reasons why the check engine light is on may be the following factors:

1. Gasoline is of poor quality. It is recommended to drain the liquid from the tank and refill with a quality product.
2. If there is no spark at the spark plug, it makes sense to check the serviceability of all devices for igniting the mixture. If necessary, replace the spark plugs.
3. If there is no spark at the ignition, you should check the device for serviceability.
4. It makes sense to check the lambda probe for serviceability. A device that has failed must be replaced.
5. It makes sense to inspect the device not only because the icon is lit, but also if the car’s performance is poor. A breakdown of the catalyst requires replacement; driving without it is strictly prohibited; this can lead to severe damage to the structure and regular fire of the light bulb.
6. When the injectors are clogged, they should be cleaned.
7. If the fuel pump does not produce the required pressure, it is recommended to check the fuel filter.
8. If the voltage wires are pierced, the situation negatively affects the functionality of the motor. It is necessary to check the functionality of the caps, contacts and insulation.

Causes of diesel fires

A device operating on a solarium is subjected to severe loads. All this affects the change in the number of revolutions. To select the required mode, you need to use the control unit.

The electronic device changes performance based on the load encountered. Due to this, the device regularly maintains the pressure that is required for the smooth functioning of the nozzles. Why the check engine light blinks in this case is quite difficult to say. The recommendations will be as follows:

1. If necessary, add oil.
2. Take the car to a good auto repair shop to have all control systems checked. You will be checked to see if the system is functioning using professional equipment.

If it lights up half a channel

When the check light is half-lit, there may be several reasons to blame. Among them are poor weight on the car, installation of incandescent lamps, problems with wiring, etc. Run the diagnostic process and check the code.

See how absolutely all the light bulbs work. The diagnostic indicator is of great importance in identifying faults in control systems and other devices. The main goal is to identify breakdowns. This can happen even before problems begin to manifest themselves through changes in the behavior of the power device. At the same time, the check light blinks and the engine throttles, gasoline consumption increases. The most important task is to identify problems in time to eliminate them.

Is it possible to drive when the indicator lights up?

There are many reasons why the check engine light is on. If the engine problem is to blame, then continuing to drive is quite dangerous. The situation is significantly complicated by the fact that it is quite problematic to identify problems with a modern unit.

You should definitely contact a specialist who will use a scanner to determine the problem.

When, after starting the car for the second time, the light does not go out, you can only drive to the car service center. Our specialists will perform a comprehensive diagnosis of the engine and all its components.

The use of a vehicle with an illuminated indicator helps high consumption gasoline, engine instability, decreased traction properties. The driver in this situation has every chance of losing guarantees for the repair of his vehicle.

In what situations does the indicator light up?

Modern vehicles have a control system that is responsible for diagnosing the engine and other devices. The computer provides this opportunity. It is equipped with a special program that controls the functionality of the processor. When the car is operating normally, the computer systematically checks the health of the system. As soon as violations occur, the emergency lights begin to turn on. Instead of problems with the block parameters, the desired program value is set. The backup indicator will be stored in the device memory.

To notify the driver of this situation, an indicator in the combination of equipment lights up. You can visually see this value, taking into account the type of ECU. LED lighting can be triggered by:

1. Breakdown.
2. By closure.
3. Connecting a voltmeter to the contacts.

Flashes represent specific codes with a minimum amount of information. They include several indicators that indicate a problem in a special table. All these codes serve as a supplement to the operational papers.

There are also instant codes, which mean a huge amount of information for diagnosing the system.

It is worth noting the fact that all components react poorly to external influences. Any preparatory work must be performed with the ignition on.

Movement and acceleration

If the engine malfunction check light comes on at the time of departure, and flashes systematically while the car is moving, as a result of acceleration, it is recommended to change the oil. Stop and check the functioning of the engine. You should hear extra sounds and tapping. If there is very little oil and there is nothing to top it up with, you can carefully drive home and take the car to a service center to accurately determine the oil loss factor.

Troubles the engine

Why does the check engine light flash and the engine stall? As a rule, this phenomenon makes itself felt after the engine needs to gain sharp speed. When the car is idling, everything is fine. It makes sense to suspect problems with the ignition. There is no need to conduct experiments in this situation. This can be done using a multimeter.

When the behavior of the vehicle is limited by the functioning of not all cylinders in the engine, you should slowly drive to the nearest car service center. It is better to give a certain amount to real masters than to harm the equipment with your wrong actions. The miser, as we know, pays twice.

Problem after gas station

If the tightness is not observed, a similar phenomenon may occur. When the tank cap has flaws or does not close well, the light may come on. It is recommended to replace the plug here. Another significant reason is refueling with poor quality fuel. It is recommended to drain the fuel and change the gas station.

When raindrops and other things get inside the system, problems will not make themselves felt immediately, but only after a while. In this case, it is necessary to remove the moisture using a dry rag and thoroughly dry all parts.

The light glows in different modes

The normal functioning of the system depends on a variety of reasons. If even one element fails, the motor will immediately begin to function poorly. If there is any suspicion of a problem, the motor will respond falsely to certain actions. What should be done:

1. Determine the temperature outside.
2. Find out how warm the engine is.
3. Under what circumstances does the engine become unstable?
4. What lights are lit when this happens?
5. What repair work was last carried out?

The full functioning of the motor can be checked using a paper strip, which is presented to the pipe. She should lean back and remain in this position with slight fluctuations. If there is little fuel, this may be indicated by the check light coming on.

There are a huge number of reasons why an indicator located on a car panel might ignite. Each of these problems requires the implementation of its own actions and a specific strategy for resolving the issue. You can solve some problems yourself.

Unquestioningly following all the rules of professionals will help extend the life of your unit and help you get real satisfaction while driving.

Which dashboard icon scares the Renault owner the most? That's right, Check Engine. Let's try to figure out why on-board computer detects an error in engine operation and what to do about it.

Indicator Check and its purpose

The Check Engine icon, which drivers often call a “check,” normally lights up only when the engine is started - and goes out a few seconds later, after the electronics check that the systems are ready for operation. The meaning of the indicator is literally translated as “check engine”.

If the "check" does not go out or lights up while driving with the engine running, it indicates that the engine and its electronic systems There has been a breakdown.

To find out the cause of the problem, you need to connect the Renault on-board computer via a special cable to the computer and carry out diagnostics - reading engine errors.

Why does the check engine light come on?

An illuminated Check Engine light indicates a variety of engine problems. Most often, Renault owners encounter the following:

• poor fuel quality / leaking fuel tank
• the fuel pump is broken, the fuel filter is clogged
• insufficient engine oil level
• faulty spark plugs
• The lambda probe sensor has failed
• The MAF mass air flow sensor has failed
• exhaust gas catalyst has failed

The Check Engine Light came on - what to do?

As soon as the Renault owner sees a “check” on his dashboard while the car is in motion, he should stop as quickly as possible and also listen to the engine.

• If no suspicious sounds are detected, you can begin inspecting the car.
• If, along with the Check Engine light, you hear noise, hum, knocking and other extraneous sounds under the hood, the engine is shaking and losing power - stop as soon as possible and call a tow truck. Attempting to continue driving in this case will result in engine damage.

In any case, you should be very careful when the “check” indicator appears. Disconnecting the battery or removing the terminal so that the icon goes out and continuing to drive is not an option. It is necessary to understand the essence of the problem, replace failed elements and sensors, and not attribute everything to “electronic failures.”

However, experienced owners can perform a number of diagnostics and even fix them themselves.

What to check if the check light on Renault comes on

• First you should check Is the gas cap tightly closed?. If the check light comes on immediately after refueling, low-quality fuel may be to blame. In this case, you need to completely drain the bad gasoline or diesel fuel from the gas tank and refuel with something else, quality fuel. If the cap is not tightened enough or is cracked, the indicator will also light up.
• Open the hood and inspect the engine to see if there are any oil stains or damage on it? Then remove the dipstick and wait until the engine cools down. check oil level, if necessary, top it up.
• The main reason why the check light comes on on petrol Renaults is failure of ECM system elements- spark plugs, coils, high voltage wires, sensors - especially mass air flow sensor and lambda probe. Therefore, open the hood, carefully inspect the spark plugs, clean the carbon from them, or better yet, replace the entire set. We wrote about how to independently check the ignition coils on Renault. Special attention should be paid to the insulation of the wiring.
• It is better to entrust the diagnostics of sensors to professionals. Oxygen sensor (lambda probe) Over time, it becomes covered with oil soot, and cleaning will not help - the sensor must be changed.
• Mass air flow sensor“measures” the amount of air that enters the combustion chamber and helps the engine “prepare” the correct mixture. If it fails, the engine runs unstably, stalls, fuel consumption increases, the check light comes on - all due to a lean or too rich fuel mixture. A broken mass air flow sensor needs to be replaced with a new one. And in order for the mass air flow sensor to work correctly, do not forget about replacing the air filter.
• In diesel Renaults, the Check Engine indicator may indicate fuel system malfunctions- failure of injectors or their sprayers, breakdown or corrosion of fuel injection pump parts. Diagnostics and troubleshooting of Renault high-precision diesel fuel equipment should be entrusted to professionals.
• Also, the "check" may be on due to a faulty fuel pump and clogged with sediment fuel filter . To prevent this problem, never drive with an empty tank, and on diesel Renaults, change the filter annually before cold weather.
• Finally, the cause of the problem with Check indicator Engine is worth searching in malfunction of the exhaust gas catalyst. The catalyst cleans the exhaust diesel engine, and when it gets clogged with dirt, the engine power drops and the check light comes on. The problem is typical for Renault with impressive mileage. The solution is to replace the catalyst, but due to high cost car owners simply cut it out and replace it with a flame arrester.

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