26/07/2023
I wrote this in 2019. I hope those of you asking find it useful.
MALFUNCTION INDICATION LAMP (CHECK ENGINE LIGHT): CONCEPTIONS & MISCONCEPTIONS
As the name implies, a MIL or Check engine light is one that indicates or tells of a malfunction in a computerized engine. These issues range from minor to major and severity is usually differentiated either by a steady light for minor issues and a continuous blink for major issues.
Whenever a malfunction is detected by the Electronic Control unit (brainbox), it stores a code peculiar to that particular malfunction. This code can be retrieved with the help of a scantool and referenced on the vehicle manufacturer's manual for either a change or a repair of the faulty part(s). Some recent scantools on the OBD2 system however can tell on diagnosis what the issue is and what fixes to effect.
As against the average Nigerian Mechanics thinking that a steady "check engine" light is normal, on turning on your vehicle's ignition system, the check engine light must come on to show that there is a communication with the ECU (brainbox) and should go off after a few moments or on starting the vehicle where there exists no problems. A steady check engine lamp means the vehicle needs to be scanned/diagnosed and whatever codes detected treated and wiped. A blinking one means it must be stopped and diagnosed immediately. Most times, a severe damage to the engine looms.
There are a few cases of false triggering either as a result of the nature of PMS or diesel bought or even carbon deposits in the catalytic converter.
The most known trigger of the Check engine light is the 02 sensors (oxygen sensors). The reasons for this are more technical and I hope to keep this message as simlle as possible. Ranging from a heated oxygen sensor to a low threshold one, there are different reasons why the 02 sensor triggers the MIL. It hurts no one to have these things checked when they come up especially if your car was produced between 1998 to date.
There are a handful of issues that can trigger the MIL, they include but not limited to :
- Missing Catalytic converter (indomie) 😁
- Cylinder misfiring (when one or more ignition coils are malfunctioning, or nozzles not supplying or getting enough fuel, or spark plugs dead or soaked etc)
- Faulty transmission or its sensors
- Fault in electrical systems
- Faulty or malfunctioning sensors (radiator heater sensor, engine knock sensors, crankshaft position sensors, speed sensors etc)
- Faulty or malfunctioning Oxygen sensors etc.
Not only would these and others trigger the MIL, vehicle performance in most cases will be affected and fuel economy negatively impacted.
If you have that amber or red light showing on your dashboard/instrument board, Kindly check it out, it may be the difference between your vehicle lasting 8 years as against 18 months with you.
When I say have a good mechanic check your car, please do not let quacks get close to that priced asset of yours. You'd be doing yourself a favour. You know I sell cars too. Fee free to ask for a quote.
Thank you for reading. Benjamin Wilfred from
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