What Does The Engine Management Light Mean? Reasons Why My Check Engine Light Is On?

Have you ever seen an engine management light on your dashboard while driving? Engine Management Light or Engine Warning Light is a warning symbol, alerting that there is a problem in the car. While it doesn't provide specific details like low fuel or a dead battery, it's a crucial warning for your vehicle's health. This is your car's emission control warning light, which should not be ignored, as it shows up when your car sensors detect a problem with the engine.

In this blog we will discuss about engine management light, what causes it to turn on and how to reset them. Let's also understand whether this can lead to engine breakdown or MOT failure. Whether it's a minor issue or something more serious, we've got you covered with the information you need to be safe on the road and prevent unexpected hiccups.

What Is Engine Management Light?

The Engine Management Light (EML), often known as the Check Engine Light, is a vital dashboard warning light that detects a problem with your vehicle's engine, exhaust, or emissions system. When the EML lights up, it indicates that your car's sensors have identified a problem that requires your attention. These sensors keep track of numerous components and systems to ensure that everything runs smoothly. If they detect something odd, such as an engine malfunction or an emissions system problem, then the sensor will notify the engine control unit (ECU) which then turns on the EML.

As mentioned above, it's important not to ignore this warning light. While the underlying issue might be as simple as a loose fuel cap, it could also indicate a more significant problem, like a damaged catalytic converter. Addressing this will help you prevent further damage to your vehicle and save you money on additional costly repairs.

What Does An Engine Management Light Look Like?

The Engine Management Light is symbolized by an engine symbol or the words "check engine," while each car can show an amber, red, or flashing amber light and appears behind the steering wheel.

Types of Check Engine Warning Lights

Your engine management light may signal a problem in three ways including steady amber light, flashing amber light and steady red light

1. Steady Amber Light: A steady amber check engine light indicates a minor issue, usually connected to emissions. While this means you will be able to complete your drive without incident, it's critical to have your vehicle evaluated by a professional as soon as possible to prevent the problem from deteriorating.

2. Flashing Amber Light: A flashing amber light suggests a more significant issue than a steady amber light. This might indicate a significant issue with the catalytic converter, among other potential issues. Ignoring this warning might result in costly repairs, so get your vehicle evaluated by a professional right away to solve the problem before it worsens.

3. Steady Red Light: A continuous red engine light management indicates a significant issue with your vehicle. If this light turns on, you should stop driving as soon as it is safe to do so and contact your breakdown protection provider right once. Driving through a red light can do considerable damage to your car, resulting in costly repairs and jeopardizing your safety.

Top Reasons Why a Check Engine Light Comes On

The engine management light (EML) may appear for a variety of reasons, signalling potential problems with your vehicle's engine or emissions system. The following are a few reasons for check engine light to come on:

Loose Fuel Cap: A loose or damaged fuel cap can cause the EML Light to on. Simply checking and tightening the fuel cap can often resolve this issue.
Catalytic Converter: A damaged or blocked catalytic converter can also be a main cause for engine management light to come on, leading to increased exhaust emissions, reduced fuel efficiency, and poor engine performance. Get it inspected and possibly replaced by a mechanic.
Oxygen Sensor: A malfunctioning oxygen sensor can cause inefficient engine performance and reduced fuel economy. Replace the faulty sensor to restore proper engine function and efficiency.
Spark Plug: Worn out or faulty spark plugs can cause misfires and poor engine performance, triggering the EML. Replace the spark plugs to improve your car's overall performance.
Airflow Problem: Airflow problems, like a dirty or failing mass airflow sensor, can cause the check engine warning light to come on. Cleaning or replacing the airflow sensor can often fix this issue and help maintain proper engine operation.
Diesel Particulate Filter: Diesel cars have a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) to reduce emissions. If the DPF gets blocked, it can trigger the EML and lead to reduced engine performance. Driving at higher speeds on motorways can help keep the DPF clear.
Problems in Emission: Emission issues including faulty oxygen sensor, or exhaust leaks can cause the EML to come on and impact your car's performance.
Ignition: Issues with the ignition system, including spark plugs and ignition coils, can trigger the EML, causing misfires, reduced fuel efficiency, and increased emissions.
Mass Airflow Sensor: The mass airflow (MAF) sensor measures air entering the engine to ensure the proper air-fuel mixture. A faulty MAF sensor can cause poor engine performance, stalling, and increased fuel consumption, triggering the EML.
Dead Battery: A dead or dying battery can cause the EML to light up, affecting various sensors and systems. If you notice the EML along with other electrical issues, it might be time to test your battery and replace it if necessary.
EGR Valve Failure: The EGR valve reduces nitrogen oxide emissions. If it fails, engine performance decreases, and emissions increase. Look out for the EML light, indicating the need for a professional check and possible valve replacement.
Vacuum Leak: Unintended gaps in the system cause unmetered air to enter the engine, affecting the air-fuel mixture and leading to rough idling or stalling. The EML will turn on to alert you. Ignoring it can lead to severe engine problems over time.
Fuel Issues: Faulty fuel cap, fuel injectors, or fuel pump can trigger the EML, leading to poor engine performance, increased emissions, and reduced fuel efficiency. Have a mechanic inspect and address the problem promptly.
Transmission Problems: Issues like slipping gears, failing torque converter, or sensor problem can cause the EML to come on, affecting drivability and leading to difficulties in shifting gears. Prompt attention can prevent further damage and costly repairs.

How to Reset An Engine Management Light?

In most cases, the check engine light will turn off automatically after fixing the underlying problem. In modern vehicles, the EML should turn off on its own, as these cars come with onboard computers that continuously monitor the engine and electrical systems which alerts the driver if anything goes wrong. However, if the light remains on, it may signal that the original fault persists, or a new issue has emerged. In such cases, the following steps can be helpful to turnoff engine management light:

1. Restart the Engine: If the EML comes on, locate a safe place to pull over and turn off the engine for about two minutes. If the problem was caused by a single occurrence, a brief reboot may assist in resolving it.

2. Check for Persistent Problems: If the light stays on even after restarting the car, take it to a technician so that the professional can diagnose any new or continuing issues. They can identify the problem and are responsible for ensuring that it has been properly resolved.

3. Battery Reset Method: In certain cases, the car engine warning light could stay on because of an electrical malfunction as opposed to mechanical one. To reset the light, you can try disconnecting the car battery by following below mentioned steps:

Turn off your car and take the key out of the ignition.
To isolate the battery, start by removing the negative terminal followed the positive terminal.
Wait for approximately 15 minutes.
Now reconnect the battery starting with the positive terminal (+) then followed by the negative terminal (-).
Start the engine to check whether the light has gone off or not.

4. On-Board Diagnostics Scanner: If the EML remains on after attempting the reset, the driver should take their vehicle to a repair who will utilise an On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) scanner. This tool can pinpoint the problem causing the LED to remain on. Once the scanner is connected to the diagnostics port on your car, the mechanic can get the codes and suggest how to fix the problems.

Can You Drive With A Check Engine Light On?

Driving with check engine light on is not safe as it can lead to severe damage and costly repairs. But you want to reach your destination, then you can drive for a while till the engine management light starts flashing. Do remember to avoid high acceleration and high engine speed if you are driving. Once you reached the destination, get your car checked by an expert for the problem and get it resolved.

If you notice a red or flashing amber light, then remember it is a sign for something serious engine problem. In this case, follow the below steps:

1. Pull over to a safe location

2. Switch off the engine

3. Call for a roadside assistance, who can help to fix the problem.

Is an Engine Management Light an MOT Failure?

Yes, if the engine management light is on during a MOT test, then it is classified as a major problem and will result in MOT failure. This is only because the EML light indicates that there is a serious engine or emission system issues affecting vehicle's performance, efficiency, and environmental impact, leading your vehicle to fail for an MOT test.

Engine Management Light FAQ's

1. How to remove EML light?

You cannot remove EML light, but however if this light shows on then turn the engine on and off to reset. If the light is not turning off, then it is advised to get your vehicle checked with an expert.

2. How long can you drive with the engine management light on?

You can drive for 50 to 100 miles with the engine light on or till it starts flashing. Once it starts flashing, you must take your car to a mechanic as it can have a serious engine problem.

3. Can low oil level cause engine management light?

In rare cases the low oil level can also be a reason for engine management light to turn on. Anyways, low oil has its own dashboard warning light, that looks like an oil can which alerts you about oil levels.

4. Do electric cars have an engine management light?

Electrical cars do not have engines, so technically there is no engine management light.

Engine Management Light On? Warranty Direct Has Got You Covered

Dealing with an illuminated engine management light can be stressful, but you don't have to face it alone. Warranty Direct is here to help with all your EML-related issues, whether it's a faulty oxygen sensor, fuel issues, airflow problems, airbag concerns or any other engine issues. Our comprehensive warranty coverage plans ensures that you get the support you need to keep your vehicle running smoothly and safely.

For drivers who are unsure about what to do next, remember that our 24/7 roadside assistance is just a call away. A mechanic will be sent to your location and will try to repair your car at the roadside. If the issue can't be resolved on the roadside, your car will be transported to the nearest garage to ensure that you receive the necessary repairs promptly and efficiently.