Owners of cars with electronic engine control system (ESKD) quite often face an unexpected fire of the emergency lamp "check engine" (from English. "Engine check") on the dashboard. Let's note at once, that if the "check" of the engine burns, then this indicates certain faults, which are related to the operation of the power unit and its systems.
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Situations, when the engine fault check lit up, can be quite a lot. Owners often complain, that after washing the engine the check caught fire, the check burns when the engine or internal combustion engine does not start, the emergency lamp periodically or constantly flashes on the cold or hot motor, etc.. P. Next we will consider the main reasons, on which the check engine can light up, as well as talk about ways to diagnose and troubleshoot a number of common problems.
What is a "check engine": what problems does a hot check indicate?
The emergency light comes on for the following reason: The ECU engine detects an error or failure and writes the fault in its memory in the form of a code. In parallel, the control unit initiates the ignition of the check. Let's add, that on some cars, who have a developed system of self-diagnosis, this error can be decrypted immediately and the data is displayed on the on-board computer screen. Simpler versions of the car will require a special scanner to be connected to the diagnostic connector, then the error code is read for further detailed decryption.
It is worth noting, that if the engine check is lit when the ignition is switched on, then this is perfectly normal, which is not a malfunction. The normal icon should go out after starting the engine, that is, after the start of independent work of the internal combustion engine. The situation is considered a cause for concern, when the engine is running and a hot check is present on the panel after starting.
Let's add, that the check engine in the process of evolution of electronic systems in the car device has gone from a simple indicator of malfunctions during carburetor injection to a full-fledged signaling device about all sorts of problems with internal combustion engines and equipment. A hot check may indicate an incorrect composition of the fuel-air mixture, ignition system malfunctions, malfunctions of ESKD sensors and other problems, which may not be related to the motor at all. Given the above can be seen, that the reasons for the fire check engine on a modern car are many. Not only experience and knowledge may be required to determine a fault, but also special equipment.
As already mentioned, The ECU records various errors, then the check lights up. This means, that the malfunction could be a serious breakdown, and a minor problem. In any case, further operation of the vehicle is not recommended, as the car needs immediate diagnostics. At the same time, experienced drivers can determine the cause of the check fire without a trip to the service station or the use of diagnostic equipment. Let's look at the main symptoms, signs and causes of common faults, as a result of which the alarm indicator flashes.
Why the "check" of the engine caught fire: reasons and what to do in this case
Let's start with the global problem for the CIS countries. If the "check" caught fire while driving after a recent refueling at the gas station, there is a drop in power, the engine began to run intermittently for no apparent reason, then the culprit may be the quality of the fuel or its non-compliance with this type of engine. Without going into details, The ECU can detect the occurrence of detonation in the engine, various violations of the combustion process of the mixture, etc.. d. As a result, the controller signals to the driver about faults.
To solve the problem, it is enough to dilute the fuel poured into the tank with a portion of high-quality gasoline or diesel fuel, after which the hot check will go out by itself after a few km. mileage. Let's add, that in some cases low-quality fuel must be drained, clean the power system. Also, the check may not go out even after the cause is eliminated. In this case, the error recorded in the ECU must be reset programmatically, that is, with the help of special equipment.
Another reason for that, burning check during operation of the power unit, there may be overheating of the engine or low oil level in the engine. In this situation, pay attention to the motor temperature. If there is no obvious overheating, then check the level of engine oil and its condition. A normal oil level will indicate this, that the engine can be started and listen to the sound of its operation. The appearance of extraneous knocks in the engine on the twentieth or under load at the same time with a burning check may be the reason, to stop self-driving. In such a situation, it is better to deliver the car to the service for diagnostics on its own.
We will also touch on the situation, when the engine stopped and the check caught fire. This problem can often be caused by problems with the ignition system (candles, wires, coil, etc.), and power system malfunctions, when there is no fuel injection into one of the cylinders.
If we summarize the main reasons, on which the check on the cold engine burns, the motor starts or does not start at the burning check, then the list should be noted:
- Low quality fuel, which must be drained or diluted with normal fuel.
- Faulty or heavily soiled spark plugs, incorrect gap between the side and center electrode. In this case, the candles need to be cleaned and checked, you can also immediately replace the set of candles.
- High voltage wires. Insulation breakdown is possible, contact defects. Spark plugs must be checked and / or replaced.
- Ignition coil problems. It is necessary to check the coil for a spark, and measure the resistance of the conclusions.
We also recommend reading the article about it, What shall I do, if the spark on the injector or carburetor engine is lost. In this article you will learn about how to diagnose individual elements of the ignition system.
- Violations in the process of fuel supply, related to fuel injector malfunctions. In this situation, the injector must be checked, clean or change nozzles.
- Insufficient fuel pressure due to fuel pump failure, contamination of the fuel pump screen, reducing the throughput of the fuel filter. In the case of diesel, it is necessary to diagnose the pump.
- Catalyst and lambda probe. Failure of these elements leads to an unexpected fire of the check on the dashboard. On some cars, you can completely remove these items (cut out the catalyst and turn off the oxygen sensor), others only need to replace parts.
- Failure of individual ECM sensors (camshaft position sensor, speed sensor, DMRV, etc.. d.).
Let's summarize
As you can see, in some situations the check burns and the engine starts. This may indicate that, that the ECU allows you to start the unit, but the motor will run in emergency mode or the problem is not critical. In other situations, the check is lit and the engine stalls. In this case, the malfunction may be due to fuel supply, failure of the crankshaft position sensor (DPKV) etc.. d.
Finally, let's add, partially failed may be the ECU itself. For this reason, the electronic control unit should also not be excluded from the list of devices, which can lead to that, that on the dashboard is lit "check".