How intelligent is the 'engine check' light?

akash_m · 27th May 2008, 10:57

This may seem like a layman's query , but I had always wondered about the role of engine check indicator. I have never seen it light up after the engine coming to life! My query is, under what circumstances is the indicator supposed to remain lit?

will it light up if any of the belts is broken?
if any one of the cylinders is not working (due to malfunctioning spark plug)
If any of the fluids has leaked (coolant, gear oil etc)
Gear box problem?
Or any other trouble..

Just wanted to know if anyone has come across an on 'engine check indicator' ?

navin · 27th May 2008, 11:09

Quote:

Originally Posted by akash_m

This may seem like a layman's query , but I had always wondered about the role of engine check indicator. I have never seen it light up after the engine coming to life! My query is, under what circumstances is the indicator supposed to remain lit?

will it light up if any of the belts is broken?
if any one of the cylinders is not working (due to malfunctioning spark plug)
If any of the fluids has leaked (coolant, gear oil etc)
Gear box problem?
Or any other trouble..

Just wanted to know if anyone has come across an on 'engine check indicator' ?

Not very intellegent. many years ago (early 80s) the engine check light in my Toyota Corolla went on. I was on a long distance trip and freaked. I pulled into the nearest service station and found out that all it was, was a reminder for oil change and a regular service.

Shan2nu · 27th May 2008, 11:10

I think the engine check light will only come on, if theres a prob with any of the engine functions that are assisted by the ECU.

I've had the check light come on my OHC vtec due to an "oxygen sensor" failure.

But i've heard that even if the speedo/tacho cable snaps, it should technically show the check light since both are connected to the ECU.

Shan2nu

sabret00the · 27th May 2008, 11:12

Can someone list out the features of the engine check light....I mean what are the things which triggers it off?

spadival · 27th May 2008, 11:13

Nope. ECU will report only sensor malfunction. None of the items listed have a sensor attached to them.

gigy · 28th May 2008, 23:50

In old baleno ECM check engine light can come on when ignition switch is on and engine running if fault is detected with -
oxygen sensor
engine coolant temperture sensor
throttle position sensor
intake air temperature
manifold absolute pressure esensor
camshaft position sensor
ignition fail safe signal
vehicle speed sensor
cpu of ecm .
new cars will be having lot more.

GTO - Touring · 29th May 2008, 00:13

Whenever the ECM senses a malfunction (through its various sensors and equipment) that it cannot set right, the check engine light will activate. An error code will almost always be stored for future diagnosis.

27th May 2008, 10:57	#1
akash_m BHPian Join Date: May 2007 Location: Noida Posts: 257 Thanked: 101 Times	How intelligent is the 'engine check' light? This may seem like a layman's query , but I had always wondered about the role of engine check indicator. I have never seen it light up after the engine coming to life! My query is, under what circumstances is the indicator supposed to remain lit? will it light up if any of the belts is broken? if any one of the cylinders is not working (due to malfunctioning spark plug) If any of the fluids has leaked (coolant, gear oil etc) Gear box problem? Or any other trouble.. Just wanted to know if anyone has come across an on 'engine check indicator' ?
	() Thanks

27th May 2008, 11:10	#3
Shan2nu Senior - BHPian Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Hubli - Karnata Posts: 5,533 Thanked: 125 Times View My Garage	I think the engine check light will only come on, if theres a prob with any of the engine functions that are assisted by the ECU. I've had the check light come on my OHC vtec due to an "oxygen sensor" failure. But i've heard that even if the speedo/tacho cable snaps, it should technically show the check light since both are connected to the ECU. Shan2nu
	() Thanks

27th May 2008, 11:12	#4
sabret00the BHPian Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: YYC \| BLR \| CCU Posts: 692 Thanked: 55 Times View My Garage	Can someone list out the features of the engine check light....I mean what are the things which triggers it off?
	() Thanks

27th May 2008, 11:13	#5
spadival Senior - BHPian Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Melbourne, AU Posts: 1,773 Thanked: 26 Times View My Garage	Nope. ECU will report only sensor malfunction. None of the items listed have a sensor attached to them.
	() Thanks

28th May 2008, 23:50	#6
gigy Senior - BHPian Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: mumbai Posts: 1,321 Thanked: 47 Times	In old baleno ECM check engine light can come on when ignition switch is on and engine running if fault is detected with - oxygen sensor engine coolant temperture sensor throttle position sensor intake air temperature manifold absolute pressure esensor camshaft position sensor ignition fail safe signal vehicle speed sensor cpu of ecm . new cars will be having lot more.
	() Thanks

29th May 2008, 00:13	#7
GTO - Touring BHPian Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Mumbai Posts: 710 Thanked: 54 Times	Whenever the ECM senses a malfunction (through its various sensors and equipment) that it cannot set right, the check engine light will activate. An error code will almost always be stored for future diagnosis.
	() Thanks