Chevrolet Cruze Club; Engine fault light is on

Malfunction indicator. HELP

Hello, guest Login Registration This is a specialized subforum. Search this forum only?. Hello, guest Login Registration…….. ENGINE SYSTEMS MALFUNCTION ALARM Options. Did you buy a Lacetti SX NUM here on Monday at ADD-AUTO.RU?

The only thing is that the ENGINE SYSTEM MALFUNCTION WARNING indicator is constantly on. Then everything will go away by itself. Like, I’m not the first to encounter this... Did they tell me correctly at the salon? Maybe it’s still worth calling for service or has almost all owners of new cars encountered this? Quote zigor Did they tell me correctly at the salon? Maybe it’s still worth calling for service or has almost all owners of new cars encountered this?

Everything was OK for me. Maybe this is a feature of the new ones with ABS. You definitely need to go to the service. Quote zigor But the ENGINE SYSTEMS MALFUNCTION WARNING indicator is constantly on. On the other hand, if the buyer applies to the OZPP vol. But is it pleasant to drive with this light bulb? Is it also possible to send the car out of service with the brake malfunction or brake fluid level light on? Or explain your point of view.. It turns out, as I was told, the air flow sensor was disconnected.

The error has been cleared on the computer. Chevrolet Lacetti cars and others. Useful information and reviews. Representative offices of the Lacetti Club in the regions of Ukraine north, south, west, east. Friends and partners of the Lacetti Club. To the first unread message. Group: Full members of the club. My car: the best work car. What did you change to what? This is the first time I’ve heard of it, and I think that you were scammed, although Vanya didn’t seem to have to :oops:.

My check engine light has never come on. Call the service and let them read the error code using a scanner. Then you tell us the code, I'll tell you what the problem is.. Quote zai What did you change to what? And the indicator - drive them in the neck - did not light up for me.. And the indicator - drive them in the neck - did not light up for me.

About how things happen

Before the warning light comes on, the ECU detects a malfunction in any part of the engine. After that, it stores the Check Engine error in its memory as a specific sequence or digital code. At the same time, the mentioned light comes on.

Those cars that have a modern diagnostic “tool” on board usually decipher all errors immediately. The data is displayed on the on-board computer display. However, such cars are correspondingly much more expensive. And then there are not so many of them. Mainly, to decipher the error, it is necessary to connect special diagnostic equipment to the corresponding connector.

It is worth noting here that the fault indicator itself has gone through a long evolutionary path from the first moment of its appearance. And it all started with a simple device, when carburetors were still in use. Now it is a full-fledged indicator of existing problems in relation to the power unit and other electronic equipment that is under the control of the ECU.

When the Check Engine light comes on, it usually indicates either a minor problem or a serious problem. Therefore, it is necessary to respond to this signal promptly and as soon as possible. Otherwise, this threatens with no less serious consequences, which implies unreasonably inflated costs.

Check Chevrolet Cruze

The Chevrolet Cruze has electronic engine control. Thanks to this, it is possible to monitor the state of the power plant. In case of problems with the engine and related systems, the “Check engine” indicator lights up.

Thanks to this, the car owner has the opportunity to detect a malfunction in time and eliminate it. This allows you to avoid costly repairs to the power plant. Therefore, you should not delay diagnostics if the check light comes on, even if the car continues to drive normally.

Reasons that can cause a fire "Check engine"

One of the most harmless reasons for the appearance of a check on a Chevrolet Cruze is the use of low-grade fuel. Usually this problem manifests itself a few kilometers after visiting a gas station.

Refueling with low-octane gasoline leads to detonations when the air-fuel mixture ignites. The electronic control unit records this violation in engine operation and issues a command to the “Check engine” indication.

A low engine oil level or insufficient circulation as a result of a clogged filter leads to poor lubrication of friction units. This causes increased loads and excessive wear on motor components. If a malfunction is detected in the oil circuit, the ECU lights a check.

While stuck in a traffic jam, the power plant may overheat. The lack of cooling of the radiator by counter air flows leads to a rise in temperature above the optimal one.

To maintain stable operation of the power unit, the Chevrolet Cruze has a lot of sensors. Failure of any of them leads to incomplete information to the ECU, which makes it impossible to control the engine normally. The revs begin to fluctuate, the dynamics deteriorate, and fuel consumption increases. Very often the engine starts to stall. At the same time, the driver may notice the “check engine” light on the instrument panel.

If ESP OFF, slippery road and “Check engine” light is on, then a common cause is a dead battery. After charging it, it is usually not difficult to remove the illuminated indicators.

What malfunctions cause the light to come on?

A microprocessor control system is installed on board a modern car, which is responsible for self-diagnosis of the engine and other components. This probability is provided by the on-board computer. Its read-only memory (ROM) contains a program that controls the actions of the microprocessor. During normal vehicle operation, the computer regularly checks the electronic and electrical systems. If deviations from standard values ​​occur, the controller switches to emergency mode. With it, instead of the erroneous parameter of the faulty block, a suitable value from the embedded program is inserted. In this case, the reserve number will be entered into the controller’s memory as a fault.

To inform the driver about this situation, the Check engine LED indicator in the instrument cluster will light up. The microprocessor of the electronic control unit stores a special fault code. This indicator can be read visually depending on the type of ECU. These may be flashes of an LED light bulb of varying duration caused by:

• the malfunction itself;
• by closing the specified contacts of the diagnostic connector;
• connecting an analog voltmeter to certain pins of the outputs used to connect reading devices.

Trouble codes ECU "January 4" - reading codes

Check engine flashes are so-called slow codes that carry a small amount of information. They consist of two numbers indicating a malfunction in a special table. This collection of codes is an appendix to the operational documents. The first number is indicated by long flashes (up to 1.5 seconds), the second - by short flashes (up to 0.5 seconds). There is a pause between them. It is a few seconds.

There are also “quick codes” that can provide a large, detailed amount of information for diagnostic equipment.

It must be remembered that all electronic control elements react poorly to external influences: power surges, static electricity and other factors. Therefore, any preparatory work must be carried out with the ignition key turned off.

Table Fault codes for controller type “January-4” VAZ 2110, VAZ 2111, VAZ 2112

On the move, when accelerating

If the “Engine Service” indicator lights up: when starting off; lights up constantly while the car is driving; when it accelerates, the reason is insufficient oil level in the crankcase. You need to stop the car and listen to the engine. In this case, extraneous noises, tapping, and rattling should appear. Stop the engine and check the dipstick. If there is not enough oil in the system, and there is nothing to add, you can drive home carefully. In such cases, it is recommended to take the car to a car service center to find out exactly the reason for the drop in oil level and eliminate it.

The check light is flashing, the engine is shaking and not pulling, the car is shaking, the speed is floating

Typically, this situation occurs when driving, when the engine needs to suddenly increase speed. When idling everything is fine. Suspicion primarily falls on malfunctions in the ignition system. In this case, you should not experiment with a gasoline engine to check the spark in the coil, on the spark plugs and other manipulations. This can only be done using a multimeter. If the car’s behavior is limited only to the engine’s operation of not all cylinders, you need to carefully, cautiously, and slowly drive towards the nearest car service center. It is better to pay some money to professionals who are able to find and eliminate the cause than to damage the on-board computer or other delicate electronics due to your ill-considered actions. In this case, the costs will be much higher.

The check light came on after refueling

Bad gasoline is the cause of unstable engine operation

This problem may arise from a leak in the fuel system. One of the reasons is a poorly tightened gas cap or a defect in it. If necessary, the plug should be replaced. Another reason for the check to burn is refueling with gasoline with a low octane number or low-quality fuel. In the latter case, the gas station is changed. If the fuel is so bad that the car does not work stably, it needs to be drained. In all other cases, you can do this: dilute the fuel with high-quality gasoline, and reset the check engine readings to zero by removing the negative terminal of the battery for a few minutes.

If moisture gets inside the engine with injection, the injector after washing, heavy rain, or when crossing a river, drops of water can get on the high voltage wires, ignition coil, and wiring connectors. The danger here is that the malfunction will not appear immediately, but after some time. The consequences can be dangerous if the car is driven on the freeway. The “Check Engine” LED will light up, and the engine may suddenly rev up, lose throttle response, or even stall. It will help to remove moisture with a dry rag and dry all components of the power unit with warm air (using a hairdryer).

The check engine LED lights up in different engine modes

Why does the engine stall?

The normal operation of a power unit with an injector depends on many reasons. As soon as one of the installed sensors that controls the fuel supply systems, air purification, mixture formation, ignition and other control units malfunctions, the engine begins to work irregularly, uncleanly, and abnormally. When there is a suspicion of a malfunction, that is, the engine reacts incorrectly to certain driver actions, you need to pay attention to the following circumstances:

• What is the temperature outside?
• Is the engine warmed up?
• Under what conditions does unstable engine operation occur - when starting from a standstill, accelerating, at a constant speed?
• What self-diagnosis indicators light up during this?
• When was the car last in the workshop, what repair work was performed?

Before diagnosing engine control systems on your own or at a car service center, you should check and eliminate the following faults:

• leaks of antifreeze, engine oil, fuel;
• cracking or weak tightening of vacuum hose clamps;
• oxidation of battery terminals;
• broken contacts in wire connectors;
• smoke, smells, unusual sounds;
• Check the level of engine oil, coolant and brake fluid.

The smooth operation of the engine can be checked using a strip of paper, which must be brought to the exhaust pipe. The leaf should tilt back from the stream of gases and remain in this position with slight fluctuations.

If there is little gasoline in the tank, this may cause the check mark on the instrument panel to light up.

The battery must be maintained in good condition. The voltage at the terminals should be between 13.5–15 volts.

The check engine light may come on if:

1. New spark plugs were not checked for sparking with a special device and a non-working one was screwed in. Often, drivers with a running engine remove the high voltage wire from each cylinder in turn to identify a defective spark plug. This bad practice can also cause your check engine light to come on;
2. After replacing the air filter, the engine started with the sensor turned off, and gasoline consumption will increase;
3. After replacing the timing belt , if the camshaft position sensor detects deviations from the factory standard;
4. The gas-butane equipment was installed unprofessionally - specialists must adjust the parameters of the gearbox, jets, and rod stroke in exact accordance with the gasoline data (then the check will not light up);
5. A type of alarm has been installed that, when locked, will not allow the engine to start;
6. The replacement of the fuel filter was carried out carelessly and inaccurately - it is necessary to determine and eliminate the malfunction in the fuel supply system using the error code.
7. Increased fuel consumption. In cars with injection engines, many sensors that control mixture formation affect gasoline consumption. Fuel consumption is noticeably influenced by the air flow sensor (absolute pressure), lambda probe, and camshaft position sensor. If the crankshaft position sensor fails, the engine will not start. To reduce the risk of sensor failure and avoid burning gasoline in vain, you need to:

   What increases gas mileage?

   regularly change the paper element of the air filter;

   monitor the condition of the spark plugs and promptly discard them;

   maintain constant tire pressure and monitor the condition of the brakes;

   keep the engine compartment clean, avoiding deposits on high voltage wires;

   fill up gasoline at reliable gas stations.

8. The chip blinks frequently and the engine does not start . There is only one reason here - the chip in the ignition key is not recognized by the immobilizer. It could also be a conflict between two security systems - in the ignition switch and with autostart. A short-term removal of the positive terminal of the battery will help. In case of repeated cases, you need to carry out self-diagnosis and write down the error code or go to a car service center.
9. The lift check light is on . This indicates low-quality gasoline. As the load increases, the knock sensor changes its signal and the check engine lights up. There is only one piece of advice - you need to refuel at proven gas stations.
10. After replacing the ignition module, the check light comes on at sub-zero temperatures . The most common reasons are low-quality motor fuel and dirty oil. But you definitely need to check it by scanning it yourself or at a car service center with professionals.
11. When you press the accelerator . If the engine does not develop speed (chokes) and this signal comes on, there are many reasons. These are various problems in the fuel supply system (for a gasoline engine and a diesel engine), a malfunction of the ignition system, problems with the air supply. It can be treated by scanning and deciphering errors or by going to a car service center for diagnostics.
12. When you turn on the stove . When the check engine lights up when you turn on any electrical equipment: heater, air conditioner, windshield wipers, turns and other consumers, it is possible to determine the malfunction only by the error code. Or you should close the contacts in the diagnostic connector (the markings do not match for different models) and count the light bulb flashes, or scan with a special device - a scanner. Professionals can give a more precise reason.

Diagnostics of a Chevrolet Cruze to identify the causes of a lit check

There are several ways to determine the cause of the “Check engine” light on a Chevrolet Cruze. The main ones are:

• visual inspection of the power plant without the use of special equipment;

using a diagnostic scanner to read the error and then decipher it;

• contacting specialists.

Obvious engine damage can be detected by inspecting the engine compartment. For example, such malfunctions are:

• oil leaks;
• squeezed out oil seals;
• carbon-coated candles.

Deviations in the engine oil level can also be diagnosed without the use of special equipment.

Instead of using a diagnostic scanner, you can use a smartphone with a special application installed. It should be taken into account that counting errors is not enough to identify a breakdown. It is important to correctly decipher the received data.

Typical check engine ignition problems and how to fix them

Typical problems with Chevrolet Cruze with 1.6 and 1.8 engines that cause the Check engine to light up, as well as methods for eliminating them, are shown in the table below.

Auto parts for foreign cars, auto repair

Chevrolet Cruze how the check light is on

The revs begin to fluctuate, the dynamics deteriorate, and fuel consumption increases. Very often the engine starts to stall. After charging it, it is usually not difficult to remove the illuminated indicators. After fluorine, the car will start only after 30 seconds, you need to let it sit, as if the candles were flooded.

After 5 minutes of engine operation, the car warms up and this does not happen again until the next morning. Neither changing the gasoline, nor turning off the gas, or turning off the gas, helped.

The proprietary service found nothing. Home Knowledge Base Important to know If the check engine light comes on: We offer you the 5 most common reasons why the check engine light comes on on the dashboard.

If the check engine light comes on: 5 most common reasons for the “Check engine” light to turn on

The appearance of a check engine light on a Chevrolet Cruze usually occurs without warning. Even if the car has auto diagnostics, for example in cars such as BMWAudiPorsheMercedes-BenzVW, which scans all car systems for errors and, if any, displays a decryption on the information panel, the reasons for the check engine light will not be decrypted.

For most drivers, the appearance of this warning icon on a Chevrolet Cruze, the check engine light on the instrument panel means the need to urgently go to a car 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, you can independently diagnose the cause of the engine failure and, in some cases, possibly eliminate the cause yourself without a trip to a car service center, which will save you money.

Replace the oxygen sensor lambda probe The oxygen sensor in your car is part of the exhaust gas system that monitors how much oxygen is not burned in the engine 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 check engine light on the Chevrolet Cruze becomes covered with a layer of used engine oil and oil soot, which reduces the accuracy of reading sensor readings for regulating the gasoline mixture and distributing optimal fuel consumption.

A malfunction of the oxygen sensor in a car leads not only to increased fuel consumption and to an increased content of harmful CO2 substances in the exhaust. What needs to be done: If you do not change a faulty car oxygen sensor, this can lead to failure of your car's catalyst, which 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 rubles. So on a Chevrolet Cruze the check engine light is on, don’t delay replacing the sensor. I came to them and waited for 3 hours.

Chevrolet Cruze engine error light on

They call and say take it. It turned out they just stupidly reset the error and asked me to drive more until it appeared again. I told them that I had already performed a similar operation and asked them to order a catalyst just in case.

They agreed. A week has passed and the error appears again.

Let's sum it up

So, we looked at why the “check” on a car blinks and at the same time the engine stalls. The most common causes of breakdowns are a faulty spark plug or a breakdown of the high-voltage wire winding. You can check this yourself, even without diagnostic equipment (although, to save time, it is better to use it and just read the error codes). Anyone can replace a spark plug or wire. You don't need any special tools for this. However, if the “check” is on due to burnout of the valves or wear of the rings, as indicated by a compression test, only a professional mechanic can help in this situation.

Check for a Chevrolet Cruze: what to do if the check lights up

If the check engine light comes on: 5 most common reasons for the “Check engine” light to turn on

A week has passed and the error appears again. I called the dealer and they said come. Upon arrival, it turns out that they did not order the catalyst.

They begin to look at my car completely, after 2 hours they say that the car will remain in service until the catalyst arrives. Diagnosis: I myself live 90 km from them, and naturally this bothered me very much. And now, in order: When you try to drive, there is reduced traction, and as soon as you take your foot off the gas, the speed of the check engine chevrolet cruze lights up and the car usually stalls at an intersection: The car will only start after 30 seconds, as if the spark plugs are flooded. After 5 minutes of engine operation, the car warms up and this does not happen again until the next morning.

After charging it, usually removing the illuminated indicators does not mean the check engine light on Chevrolet Cruze.

Check Chevrolet Cruze

The main ones are: Obvious engine breakdowns can be detected by inspecting the engine compartment. For what reason does the oxygen sensor in a car become unusable: Over time, the sensor becomes covered with a layer of used engine oil and oil soot, which reduces the accuracy of reading sensor readings for regulating the gasoline mixture and distributing optimal fuel consumption.

A malfunction of the oxygen sensor in a car leads not only to increased fuel consumption and to an increased content of harmful CO2 substances in the exhaust.

What needs to be done: If you do not change a faulty car oxygen sensor, this can lead to failure of your car's catalyst, the check engine light on your Chevrolet Cruze 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 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 have detailed instructions on how to replace the oxygen sensor yourself. Remember that you cannot delay replacing this important element!

Check the fuel filler cap Many drivers, in most cases, when the check engine light appears, will think about serious problems in the car engine, but will not even think to check the tightness of the fuel system, which may be compromised due to a defect or insufficiently tightened fuel filler cap. This is a very common reason for the appearance of the “Check” engine icon.

Reason for the error: If when the “Check” indication appears, your Chevrolet Cruze check engine light comes on, but it has not lost power, and there are no audible signs of engine damage: engine knocking, humming, creaking, etc.

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.

If the car is equipped with HBO

Very often, cars with gas equipment have a similar problem. Why does the engine stall and the check engine light flash? There are several reasons for this:

• Clogged gas filter. No matter what generation the gas equipment is, it must have a gas filter. This is a small element that is usually installed next to the evaporator reducer. On average, the filter resource is 20-30 thousand kilometers. But if you refuel with low-quality fuel, this deadline may come earlier. As a rule, the filter becomes clogged with graphite shavings, which prevent the gas from passing further through the membranes of the reducer. You can replace the cleaning element yourself. To do this, you must first turn off the valve on the tank, start the engine and exhaust the remaining gas from the line. Then unscrew the cap with a hexagon and replace the filter. It is also worth installing a new gasket. Upon completion of work, do not forget to unscrew the gas supply valve on the fuel tank again. At first, the engine will be difficult to start, but then its operation will stabilize (since the fuel needs time to get into the gearbox).
• Malfunction of gas injectors. The problem is relevant for fourth generation HBO. At the same time, gas consumption increases, detonation and tripling appear. How to fix this problem? As a rule, the problem is resolved by flushing and calibrating the injectors. However, unlike the previous case, it will be difficult to do this work yourself. Here it is better to seek help from specialists.

Other problems may be related to the ignition system, but these malfunctions are no different from simple gasoline cars without LPG. If the engine troubles due to wires or spark plugs, you need to act in the same way as described above.

If the check engine light comes on: 5 most common reasons for the “Check engine” light to turn on

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 BMW, Audi, Porshe, Mercedes-Benz, VW), which scans all car systems for errors and, if any, displays a decryption on the information panel, the reasons for 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, you can independently diagnose the cause of the engine failure and, in some cases, possibly eliminate the cause yourself without a trip to a car service center, which will save you money.

Using an adapter to read and reset Scan Tool Pro errors

For example, consider the popular auto scanner – Scan Tool Pro. Costs from about 1900 rubles, all applications are free, the adapter fits most cars after 2000.

Scan Tool Pro is based on the ELM327 chip with firmware 1.5, which is based on the well-known pic18f25k80 controller.

The device is portable and connects via a special diagnostic connector (OBD2). The functionality is managed using mobile Russian-language applications. To count and reset you need to:

• Connect Scan Tool Pro via OBD II.
• Wait until ready (indicated by the Power indicator turning on).
• Connect the auto scanner to your smartphone via Bluetooth.
• Launch the application on your mobile device.
• The completion of testing will be indicated by the corresponding icon.
• A list of errors and their explanation will be displayed.
• After troubleshooting, clear the error through the application.

You can see what Scan Tool looks like in the photo below. For the driver, having a diagnostic device is a good help in the garage.

Demonstration of Scan Tool Pro

Replace the oxygen sensor (lambda probe)

The oxygen sensor in your car is part of the exhaust system that monitors 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 used engine oil (oil soot), which reduces the accuracy of reading sensor readings for regulating the gasoline mixture and distributing optimal fuel consumption. A malfunction of the oxygen sensor in a car leads not only to increased fuel consumption, but also to an increased content of harmful CO2 substances in the exhaust.

What needs to be done: If you do not change a faulty car oxygen sensor, this can lead to failure of your car's catalyst (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 have detailed instructions on how to 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 that you cannot delay replacing this important element!

Replacing spark plugs and high-voltage wires

Spark plugs in a car are the main parts; they are designed to ignite the fuel mixture. With faulty spark plugs, the spark is not supplied correctly to ignite the gasoline mixture. With faulty spark plugs, it often happens that there is no spark or the timing of the supply of this spark is incorrect, and this affects the incorrect operation of the engine. If the spark plugs are not working correctly, you may feel slight jolts when accelerating the car, especially when starting from a standstill.

What are the reasons for the failure of spark plugs: -Most spark plugs in cars produced before 1996 must be changed every 25,000 - 30,000 thousand kilometers. In newer cars, these spark plugs last for more than 150,000 thousand km. But, nevertheless, these periods of planned replacement of spark plugs can be reduced due to various factors that are naturally associated with both fuel quality and driving style.

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

This article of ours was originally published in 2013, and was further updated with new information on 02/17/2020.

Check the fuel filler cap

Many drivers, in most cases, when the “check engine” indication appears, will think about serious problems in the car’s engine, but will not even think to check the tightness of the fuel system, which may be compromised due to a defect or an insufficiently tightened fuel tank cap. 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 filler cap of the fuel tank 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 needs to be done: 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!

Reasons for tripling

If the “check” is flashing on a VAZ car and the engine is shaking, this may indicate the following problems:

• Presence of air leaks in the brake system (possible problems with the vacuum booster).
• Failures in adjusting the ignition timing.
• Faulty spark plugs.
• Violation of the integrity of the high-voltage wire.
• Ignition coil malfunction.
• The air filter is clogged (the engine simply does not have enough oxygen).
• Violation of carburetor adjustments (applies to older cars).
• Failures in adjusting the gas distribution mechanism.

Among the more serious problems that cause the “check” to flash and the engine to stall, we can highlight:

• Worn intake or exhaust valve. This could be a burnout or mechanical deformation of the plate.
• Intake manifold leakage.
• Wear of valve stem seals (in this case, the engine consumes about one liter of oil per thousand kilometers).

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. The main reason for catalyst failure is untimely replacement of a faulty oxygen sensor, as well as non-regular replacement of spark plugs when their 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 needs to be done: 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!

To find out the cause of the appearance 100% is to use an adapter for diagnostics

The list of problems and their solutions is individual, and there are no general recommendations for repairs; the table is based on the experience and reviews of those who have encountered a burning Check. To be 100% sure of the correct diagnosis, car enthusiasts contact service centers.

Service station services are not cheap, and complex repairs, such as a clogged gasoline filter, are not always required. Therefore, to save money and timely diagnose your car, it is recommended to have a diagnostic adapter on hand. After reading data from the sensors, the fault code will indicate the faulty unit and parameters that are outside the normal range.

An adapter for autodiagnostics is a portable device that is connected to the machine being tested. Error code is a symbolic designation of a breakdown. The device automatically reads the information coming from the reading elements to the central control unit and checks whether the unit itself is working correctly. It’s easy to do all the steps yourself, via your smartphone.

A directory or software is used to decrypt the error. So, if it turns out that the mass fuel flow sensor is faulty, the application on the smartphone will display a corresponding entry. Based on the information received, the problem unit is replaced (repaired).

Reset errors using the adapter and the Torque app

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 improper installation of the air filter during its scheduled replacement. Also, if you do not regularly change the air filter, as required by the vehicle maintenance regulations recommended by the manufacturer, the mass air flow sensor may fail.

What you need to do: Theoretically, you can drive for a long time 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!

Motor trouble: signs

If the engine starts to stall, the check engine blinks. But the indicator does not always work, so other signs of malfunction must be taken into account. For example:

• engine vibration increases. This is very noticeable at idle and cold speeds. If this phenomenon becomes permanent, then one of the cylinders has failed. But such damage occurs gradually, so not everyone detects it in time. This method is used in later stages of breakdown;
• spark plugs have changed color. If you remove them, you will notice that the head has become dark. This is due to carbon deposits and soot due to the lack of ignition of the mixture. This indicates obvious problems. Even with prolonged use of candles, their color changes slightly, but there is no soot;
• fuel consumption has increased - you need to immediately pay attention to the engine;
• The engine has become less powerful, which is noticeable when moving. It operates on three cylinders. Therefore, if at least one fails, the engine does not have enough torque resource;
• unstable exhaust sound, which is complemented by vibrations in the body;
• When accelerating or moving evenly, the car began to twitch.