“Check” icon on the car dashboard: what does it mean?

Almost all new cars are equipped with an electronic engine management system, which often displays a Check engine error on the instrument panel. Translated from English, a check is a check, and an engine is an engine. Therefore, it is easy to guess that the emergency light indicates some problem in the operation of the power plant and the need for diagnostics.

general information

There are many reasons why the check engine light comes on. The error appears on the dashboard suddenly and without warning, and it is not easy to determine what led to this. And even if the vehicle is equipped with automatic diagnostic tools, such as in BMW, Porsche, VW or Audi, which scan the vehicle systems for failures, it is impossible to find the source of such an error without a technical inspection.

The check engine sign means absolutely nothing to the average motorist, so you need to visit a service center as soon as possible and check the engine. However, in some cases, you can find the source of the error and eliminate it at home. To do this, you need to understand the key reasons for the notification and how to solve them. Timely diagnostics are a good way to return your car to its previous performance, saving money.

Popular myths

Varieties

Some people deliberately get rid of the catalyst, others deliberately ignore the clogged unit. All this caused the spread of myths.

1. By removing it, the engine gains power. A misconception that arose for unknown reasons.
2. The engine cannot “breathe” normally due to the catalyst. Absurd. It functions quite well if the cat itself is in working order.
3. A clogged element ensures a more environmentally friendly ride. Another myth, the origin of which can only be guessed at. Rather, on the contrary, a clogged device harms nature and your car even more.

Therefore, monitor the condition of the catalyst on the VAZ 2114, check its functional condition, and if necessary, replace it with a new one or replace it with a flame arrester. Both options have shown their effectiveness.

Today we will talk about signs of catalytic converter failure. Many car owners believe that this device is eternal, but unfortunately this is far from the case. But first things first.

Replacing the oxygen sensor

The appearance of the “check car” message can be caused by damage or improper operation of the oxygen sensor (lambda probe). This element is an important part of the exhaust gas treatment system, which monitors the volume of remaining oxygen after combustion of the fuel-air mixture. the lambda probe fails,

• Sudden increase in fuel consumption.
• Reduced power of the power plant.

Modern cars are equipped with two or four oxygen sensors, so you will have to use an error scanner to determine the damaged part. If you have such a device in your garage, then checking the engine will be simple.

There are many reasons that cause damage or malfunction of this sensor. One of the most common is coating the part with oil soot, which prevents normal readings. As a result, fuel consumption begins to increase, and the exhaust system emits large amounts of harmful CO2.

When faced with such problems, you need to immediately change the oxygen sensor, otherwise another component, the catalyst, may fail. Repair of the latter is more expensive, which is due to the presence of precious alloys in its composition. And if several catalysts are installed in the car at once, then the total cost of repairs can reach 90,000 rubles. Such significant costs can be avoided if the sensor is replaced in a timely manner.

A new element is also not cheap, but its purchase will cost hundreds of times less than repairing the entire exhaust gas converter system. It is not difficult to replace an element with your own hands. To do this, it is enough to determine where the lambda probe is located and remove it to install a new one.

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How to solve the problem of low catalyst efficiency

Since most often the P0420 error appears when the catalyst has expired, most likely the problem of low efficiency of the catalytic converter system below the threshold level will have to be solved by replacing it with a working one or flashing the ECM to a different toxicity standard (under EURO2).

The most expensive (about 40,000 rubles) repair method will be replacing the catalyst with a new original one .

Much cheaper (5-6 thousand rubles) - replace it with a universal catalyst . Its operating efficiency is somewhat worse (the original is ceramic, while this one is often made of iron), the service life is only about 30-50 thousand km, and not all cars will react positively to such a change. But you won't have to make any software changes. It will cost about the same to buy a used original from disassembly.

installing a flame arrester is a relatively inexpensive option . This solution involves cutting out the catalyst can and installing a second lambda blende.

A budget option, including re-flashing and installation of a blende (mechanical or electronic), is a transfer of the car to a reduced toxicity standard . Such a solution to the problems that appeared with code p0420 will not only eliminate the malfunction, but also allow the engine to “breathe deeply,” because all these standards greatly reduce power capabilities in order to comply with environmental standards. This method involves removing the catalyst from the exhaust system, and installing a two-channel emulator will make it possible to fine-tune the response time parameters, signal speed and its offset.

And if the throughput of the catalytic converter is still within normal limits (0.21 kg/cm² at 2000 rpm), since a signal about the need to replace the catalyst can appear even at 70% efficiency, then you can temporarily put a spacer under the lambda probe . This solution is the cheapest, but not a panacea and is not suitable for everyone.

I hope that all the above methods for solving the problem associated with code P0420 will help you, and you will no longer have questions like: “why did error P0420 appear and how to fix it,” and you will share the knowledge gained on social networks with your friends. Write us a review, whether you managed to fix the problem, how much it cost, and which method helped to figure out the reason for the poor efficiency of the catalyst.

Hi all. Today we want to clarify a little about how the catalyst works, how it is diagnosed, why the error does not light up when the catalyst is clogged, and much more.

For a catalytic converter, there are several options when it can be concluded that the catalyst has become unusable.

Let's start with the first example - this is the weak throughput of the catalyst, as a result of heavy carbon deposits on the catalyst honeycombs. This usually happens due to poor quality fuel (additives in it), or excessive oil or antifreeze entering the combustion chamber. In this case, the ceramics are covered with a rich layer of carbon deposits, and in the literal sense of the word, the catalyst honeycombs become overgrown. This is usually accompanied by a decrease in traction after active driving around the city or sitting in traffic jams, especially in the hot season. A decrease in traction can also be noticed when driving on the highway; after some time of driving on the highway, the car begins to find it more difficult to pick up speed, sometimes it cannot reach speed at all. the speed is above 100 km h, if you let the car cool down, it starts to drive well again. If you don’t take any measures to repair the catalyst, the situation gets worse, the car drives well when cold, but after warming up it also starts to stall, no matter whether you’re stuck in a traffic jam or driving on the highway. In very advanced cases, the car will simply stall and will not start again. In parallel with these symptoms, fuel consumption rises by several liters, idle speed begins to float, in some cases you have to turn the starter longer to start the engine. At the same time, I would like to draw your attention to the fact that with this malfunction, the CHECK DOES NOT LIGHT UP.

, since in a gasoline car the throughput of the catalyst is not controlled by anything.

Checking the fuel tank cap

When trying to understand why the check engine light is on, car owners consider worst-case scenarios, but do not pay attention to minor breakdowns. These include loss of sealing of the fuel system due to deformation or improper fixation of the tank filler cap. With such a defect, the error icon may light up suddenly. If the system is not properly sealed due to air leaking through the cap, fuel consumption will increase and a Check Engine notification will appear on the dashboard.

If, after the indication lights up, the car does not lose its previous power, and there are no sound changes in the operation of the power plant (knocking, humming, creaking), you must perform the following actions:

• Check the gas tank for leaks. If the filler cap is damaged, it must be replaced.
• Check that the cover is securely fastened. If the cap is not tightened sufficiently, air will enter the fuel system, causing the indicator to light up. Just tighten it all the way and then continue driving. If you do everything correctly, the error will disappear after some time.

Replacement on a 16-valve engine

In the case of a 16-valve power unit, the catalyst is included in the design with the output manifold. Therefore, look for it behind the cylinder block directly in the engine compartment.

The nuance of dismantling the 16-valve engine is the presence of two lambdas.

• The first is located directly on the catalyst. It serves to adjust the fuel mixture;
• The second is located on the flange after the device. It is called ecological. If this lambda is not in place, the sensor will immediately generate an error, the injection will stop working properly, thrust will increase and fuel consumption will increase.

There are two ways to solve this issue:

1. If you bought a spider for one regulator, the electronic control unit can be upgraded to Euro 2 from the current Euro 3. But such a spider has a serious drawback - the only thread for the lambda is on the flange. To mount the injection lambda there, you will have to assemble an extension cord from a wire and two connectors, called mother-father.
2. If it is a spider with two regulators, the injection lambda is mounted in a standard socket. The thread for the second sensor is plugged or a dummy for the electronic control unit is installed in its place. In the second situation, there is no need to reflash the ECU.

Exhaust gas catalyst maintenance

The task of an automobile catalyst is to clean exhaust gases from toxic impurities, which is required by environmental standards. The element converts carbon monoxide and other hazardous substances into harmless compounds, so the exhaust becomes cleaner. And if the catalyst malfunctioned or was completely damaged, this will be displayed on the instrument panel in the form of a Check engine indication. Also, a breakdown may be accompanied by a decrease in vehicle power by approximately 2 times, which will worsen the previous acceleration dynamics.

The reasons for catalytic converter failure vary. The most common ones include the following:

• Lack of regular technical inspection.
• Damage to the oxygen sensor and untimely installation of a new one.
• Worn spark plugs.

If the last two elements fail, the carbon monoxide mixture remains harmful, full of toxic impurities. This composition leads to severe overheating and then damage to the catalyst.

If a part becomes faulty, you will have to stop driving the car because the motor will not be able to function normally and a corresponding notification will appear on the dashboard. In addition, catalyst wear will cause increased fuel consumption and reduce the normal thrust of the power plant.

Buying a new catalyst is an expensive investment, but it is inevitable. There are alternative solutions in the form of installing a flame arrester, but this option cannot replace a failed unit and it has disadvantages. Without experience in carrying out repairs, it is better not to start it yourself. Instead, the task should be left to a professional auto mechanic.

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Instrument panel information signs

Information icons indicate the presence or activation of a vehicle system. For example, when you turn on the high beam headlights, a blue icon in the form of a circle with horizontal stripes often lights up. Information indicators are usually blue or green, although if the necessary system cannot be started, they may change color to yellow or red.

Dashboard light icon

It looks like a green or blue light bulb with an inverted base, from which rays of light emanate. The indicator indicates that the vehicle's exterior lighting is turned on (except for the high and low beam headlights - there are separate icons for them). If a yellow light with an exclamation mark lights up, this indicates a breakdown of the lighting fixtures. The nature of the failure can be different, so you need to proceed as follows:

1. Inspect all exterior lighting fixtures. If you find a non-working element, disassemble it and carry out a full diagnostics.
2. If the lighting fixture does not work, then simply buy a new one and replace it with the old one. If the lamp works, then it is necessary to inspect the wiring and replace damaged wires.
3. If all the lights work and there are no breaks in the wiring, then the problem may be an old battery that is quickly discharged due to its expiration date. The device needs to be replaced.

If it's all about the battery , then there is a high chance that the yellow or red battery light on the instrument panel will light up.

High/low beam

Two icons in blue or yellow:

• An icon in the form of a slightly flattened circle, to the left of which there are five horizontal stripes, indicates the activation of the high beam.
• An icon in the form of a slightly flattened circle, to the left of which there are five downward inclined horizontal stripes, indicates the activation of low beam.
• Sometimes the sign AUTO - this indicates that the car has an automatic system for turning on/off the headlights.

If you turn on the high/low beam, but the headlights do not light up, a similar icon will appear on the panel. However, it will be colored yellow and the stripes will be cut with a vertical wavy line. The presence of such an indicator indicates a breakdown of the headlights or failure of the electrical power cables. In any case, it is necessary to inspect the headlights and carry out repairs.

Turn indicator (“turn signals”)

Looks like a green, blue or yellow arrow pointing to the right or left. The icon is activated after turning on the external turn signal, which is activated using a lever on the steering wheel. Depending on where exactly you decide to turn (right or left), the corresponding arrow (right or left) is activated.

If the turn signal arrow is constantly on, and you did not pull the turn lever, then this indicates a breakdown of the turn relay.

The best option would be to replace this device, since it is extremely difficult to repair:

1. On most modern vehicles, the relay is located in a mounting block under the hood. Before replacing the device, be sure to disconnect the battery.
2. After turning off the power under the hood, open the cover of the mounting block and find the rotary relay - it looks like a small black cube with an electrical connector.
3. Place the new device in place of the old one, close the lid, restore power to the battery.

Snowflake

It looks like a snowflake with six or eight rays, and can be yellow or red. It is a purely informational indicator that signals to the driver that there is a risk of icy conditions on the road, so you need to move carefully. The color of the snowflake indicates the temperature level outside:

• Activation of a yellow snowflake states that the temperature outside is between 0 and +4 degrees.
• A red snowflake indicates that the temperature has dropped to between -4 and 0 degrees.
• If the temperature is colder, the icon will not activate (assuming that the presence of ice is obvious).

Eco-driving and fuel-saving ECO mode

It looks like a red circle, inside of which the word ECO is written in large letters. An alternative look is black ECO letters on a green leaf background. This sign is activated when the engine’s environmental mode is turned on, which is characterized by a reduction in fuel consumption (although the speed also decreases). The indicator will remain on until the driver turns off the economy mode or until the vehicle stops.

Four-wheel drive sensors

All-wheel drive is a type of transmission in which all four wheels of the vehicle are driven. All-wheel drive can be always active or activated manually or automatically depending on driving conditions. On vehicles with all-wheel drive, the following sensors may light up:

• Black inscription “4 x 4 AUTO” on a green background. The indicator lights up on vehicles that operate on an on-demand all-wheel drive model. The sign means that by default only one drive (front or rear) is running on the machine, and if there is a lack of rotational movement, an additional drive is automatically activated, which improves the quality of control.
• Black lettering “4 x 4 HIGH” on a green or yellow background. The situation is similar to the previous scenario with the difference that all-wheel drive starts only at increased engine speeds (if desired, it can be turned on manually). The mode is great for driving in deep snow or sand, as well as on inclined surfaces. But on a regular asphalt road, activating the mode is not recommended.
• Black lettering “4 x 4 LOW” on a green or yellow background. The situation is also similar to the first scenario, but all-wheel drive starts only at lower engine speeds (although it can also be turned on manually). The mode is suitable when driving on very bad roads and completely off-road. It is also not recommended to use it for driving on normal good roads.

Activating cruise control

Cruise control is an auxiliary system that allows you to automatically record the speed of the vehicle. To activate cruise control, use the buttons located on the left side of the steering wheel or next to the cigarette lighter. When the system is turned on, the cruise control sensor on the instrument panel is activated. It looks like a green speedometer with an arrow. It will stay on until you turn off the cruise control or park the vehicle.

Low fuel sign

It looks like a filling dispenser, which can be painted yellow or red. The sign is activated when the fuel is running low. The sensor setup may vary depending on the make and model of the machine, but the most commonly used approach is the following:

• The yellow column indicates that the fuel level in the gas tank is between 5-15%. Therefore, it is recommended to refuel the car, but this is not too urgent.
• The red column indicates that there is very little gasoline/diesel left in the tank - 0-5%. Therefore, refueling must be completed as quickly as possible.

In rare cases, activation of the sign may indicate damage to the gas tank (a common problem that occurs in a serious accident). In this case, you need to put the car on an overpass, drain the remaining fuel, remove the old tank and install a new one. It will be quite problematic for a beginner to do this, so the best option would be to seek help from a car service center.

Spark plug

The “check” sign on the instrument panel also lights up when the spark plugs or high-voltage wires are worn out. Without these elements, the process of igniting the fuel mixture will become impossible, since the spark plug will not be able to produce a normal spark. The following problems may indicate damage to this element:

• No spark.
• Unnatural spark interval.

Such failures lead to improper operation of the power plant, which will be felt when accelerating from a standstill. The average service life of spark plugs in modern cars is 150 thousand km. Models produced before 1996 need to be replaced every 25-30 thousand km. However, the established operational life may be reduced under the influence of various factors. This is primarily due to the low quality of fuel and the driver’s driving style.

If the spark plugs have not been replaced for a long time, and serious malfunctions are felt in the engine, you need to change them as quickly as possible. It is important not to postpone such work until the distant future, as this will entail unjustified financial expenses. New spark plugs are inexpensive, and you can replace them yourself.

After such a simple repair, the quality of engine operation will significantly improve, and fuel consumption will return to normal. To change the part, just open the hood and unscrew the old spark plugs with a regular spark plug wrench.

In addition to these elements, high-voltage wires that supply sparks to the spark plugs can also fail. Therefore, they also need replacement and maintenance. Correct and timely replacement of spark plugs will extend the life of important components of the car and make their work coordinated, reliable and of high quality.

Breakdowns and their signs

Typically, this element begins to “strange” when it travels about 150 thousand kilometers. That is, this is more likely an age-related problem with the car.

Standard and Modified

Typical signs that the catalyst is clogged are:

• The car's dynamics deteriorate significantly and noticeably;
• The engine starts with problems;
• There is a characteristic smell of sulfur in the cabin;
• The engine is unstable at idle.

If the car stops driving normally, it is advisable to immediately check the condition of this device. Alas, this cannot always be done in a garage environment, since special equipment and devices are required. But there are still two ways.

1. Replace the lambda probe with a pressure gauge. Start the engine and check the pressure. If it is more than 0.5 atmospheres, things are bad.
2. In the second case, you will need a remote pyrometer. If the catalyst is working normally, the temperature of the pipe before it will be higher than after it. But at the same temperature, this indicates the destruction of the honeycomb and a violation of the flame extinguishing function.

The second method allows you to obtain indirect data, so the pressure must be checked in any case. If a breakdown is detected, the catalyst must be replaced.

Other reasons

The appearance of the Check engine sign often happens after a recent refueling at a gas station. In this case, the engine loses speed and malfunctions without any hint of serious damage. The culprit of the unpleasant phenomenon may be low-quality fuel or its incompatibility with a specific type of engine.

Faced with such a problem, the electronic control unit will record the appearance of detonation and various disturbances during the combustion of the mixture, which will be displayed as a Check engine error. This problem can be solved very simply: just add high-quality gasoline or diesel fuel to the fuel poured into the tank and the error will disappear on its own.

But if the quality of the fuel is critically low, you may have to drain it, cleaning the entire power system. If the error does not disappear even after such radical solutions, you have to reset it using software using special equipment.

Also, overheating of the power plant or a decrease in oil content in the internal combustion engine can cause the indicator to light up. In this case, you need to estimate the current engine temperature. If there are no signs of overheating, it is enough to check the engine oil level and its condition. At a normal mixture level, the engine will operate without external knocks and sounds, both at idle and under active load.

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Considering the reasons for the appearance of the “check” sign, it is impossible not to mention the engine tripping. The problem develops against the background of damage to the spark plugs, high-voltage wires, coils and other elements of this system. It can also occur when fuel is not injected correctly into one of the cylinders.

How to check the catalyst for clogging with your own hands without removing it

How to check the catalyst for clogging with your own hands without removing it? No way!

Why? Because you will have to either remove it and see its condition for congestion live, or go to a car service center and have the anti-pressure checked.

A man wanted to hand over a “kopeck” to a ferrous metal shop because of an incomprehensible engine malfunction (they searched with all the car service centers, and found a malfunction)

The catalyst may fail over time. After all, no matter how high-quality fuel you refuel, it can still contain all sorts of impurities. Therefore, over the years, this element may become clogged with waste and cease to perform its function.

In addition, the catalytic converter often breaks due to low-quality fuel. That’s why it’s so important to refuel at trusted gas stations and fill your tank only with the gasoline recommended by the car manufacturer.

Tips for the driver

The list of reasons that cause the Check engine light to come on is very extensive. If you make one general list, it will include the following items:

1. Low quality fuel mixture. The problem is solved by draining the fuel or diluting it with a better product.
2. Damaged or worn spark plugs, abnormal gap between side and center electrode. In case of such a breakdown, it is necessary to check and clean the elements or replace the set of spark plugs.
3. Defects in high-voltage wires. If an insulation breakdown occurs in these elements or the contacts are damaged, the spark supply will be suspended. You will have to replace the spark plug wires.
4. Problems with the ignition coil. This unit also needs to be carefully checked for any problems.
5. Malfunctions in the operation of fuel injectors. The problem results in poor fuel delivery, which prevents the engine from operating normally.
6. Fuel pump failure. Damage to this element is accompanied by insufficient fuel pressure. The problem is caused by contamination of the pump mesh and deterioration of the filter throughput.
7. Problems with the catalyst and lambda probe. If one of the specified nodes stops coping with its tasks, a corresponding error notification will appear on the instrument panel. On some car models you can remove these elements, but on others you have to buy new ones. Such repairs are not a cheap service, but they are inevitable.
8. Incorrect operation of important sensors. If individual elements of the ECM stop functioning normally, this will be accompanied by the appearance of an error on the display panel. We are talking about the camshaft position sensor, speed sensor, mass air flow sensor and others.

In general, you can understand the reason for the Check Engine light coming on at home. Sometimes it is insignificant and practically does not affect the operation of the power plant, but sometimes it is accompanied by serious engine malfunctions in the form of loss of power or sudden stopping of the machine.

However, the cause of the error may be the ECU itself, which has been disabled. You cannot fix such a breakdown yourself; you will have to show the car to a workshop employee. And the faster this is done, the more successful and cheaper it will be to restore the car.

Instrument panel warning icons - explanation

Most of the indicators on the dashboard are warning icons . They light up when any vehicle system is activated (for example, power steering). They also warn about the occurrence of faults (usually non-critical). They come in different colors.

• Green or blue color

The indicator informs the driver that a vehicle system is activated or connected, and also indicates that this system is functioning normally. For example, a green speedometer icon indicates that the driver has activated cruise control, which will keep the vehicle at a constant speed while driving.

• Yellow

Indicates the presence of faults that require driver action. At the same time, “yellow” faults are usually not critical, so the driver does not need to stop the car and urgently carry out diagnostics and repairs. For example, a yellow fuel pump icon usually indicates that the gas tank is low on fuel (usually less than 15% of the tank capacity) and the vehicle will need to be refueled soon.

• Red color

Indicates a critical malfunction has occurred that the driver needs to resolve as quickly as possible. For example, a red oil can may indicate a critical level of engine oil drop, which can lead to rapid overheating of the engine. Activating the red icons often puts the vehicle into limp mode so the driver can safely get to a garage or auto repair shop to make repairs.

• “Missing” color.

If there is space for an icon on the instrument panel, but it does not light up, this means that the corresponding vehicle system (for example, power steering) is not activated or there are no problems with it. Missing colors can also be associated with the intentional actions of the driver (for example, he turned off the power steering system via the on-board computer), as well as in rare cases - with the presence of a hidden breakdown (for example, the temperature sensor has failed, the computer does not see it, so the indicator does not lights up).

Check Engine

The icon looks like a yellow engine, which can be supplemented with lightning and the words “Check” or “Check engine”. It signals that the car has a moderate breakdown, which requires additional diagnostics. The reasons for activating the indicator may be different:

• Wear or mechanical damage to the engine.
• Air leak in the fuel system.
• Failure of the lambda probe.
• Exhaust gas catalyst contamination.
• Dirty injectors.
• Lack of lubricants.
• Problems with spark plugs.
• Damage to the fuel pump.

To perform a full diagnostic:

• Connect the auto scanner to a special connector on the car;
• Connect to the device wirelessly via your phone;
• Look at the error code and find out what the code means (an error database is usually included with the program).

After this, you need to act in accordance with what exactly caused the breakdown. If the problem is a broken lambda probe, you need to replace it; if there is a lack of lubricant, then it needs to be poured into the system and so on. The best option would be to visit a car workshop, where all the necessary work will be carried out by a specialist.

Steering wheel indicator

It looks like a car steering wheel, painted yellow or red, and its activation means there is a problem with the steering system:

• Yellow steering wheel.

Indicates incorrect calibration of the steering angle sensor in the power steering or power steering system. On modern cars, this problem can be solved simply - you need to activate the calibration mode through the on-board computer, and then turn the steering wheel all the way, alternately to the right and left. On older cars, calibration is done on the road using an on-board computer or an external control device. If you couldn’t solve this problem yourself, be sure to visit a car repair shop for calibration.

• Red steering wheel.

Indicates a complete or partial failure of the power steering or electric steering system. There is a high probability that the appearance of this indicator is accompanied by a serious deterioration in the operation of the steering wheel (it turns poorly, the rotation is jerky, and so on). A breakdown may indicate a failure of the pump, pressure regulator, tank, hydraulic cylinder, electronic power steering unit, and so on. To repair, it is recommended to perform a full inspection of the power steering/electric power steering and replace the broken part or the entire mechanism. If you do not have experience in this area, it is recommended that you seek help from a car repair shop.

Brake sensor

It looks like a red circle with the letter P inside it . In a normal situation, the sensor lights up when the handbrake lever is raised; if it is lowered, the sign disappears. If the driver did not lift the lever, but the icon still lit up, then this may indicate a problem of moderate severity:

• The pads are worn out. To diagnose, remove the protective wheel cover, find the pads and inspect them - if there is a black coating, this indicates wear. To replace the pads, it is recommended to contact a service center, since this is a complex technical task.
• The brake fluid is running low. For diagnostics, use test strips, which can be purchased at any auto repair shop. Carefully find the brake tank in the engine compartment, unscrew its cap, place the strip in the liquid for 30-60 seconds, and then compare it to the table on the package. If there is not enough fluid, buy any DOT 4 fluid from the store and fill the tank with it.
• Malfunction of the limit sensor. This problem may only occur if you are using an electronically controlled braking system. The best diagnostic option would be the exclusion method - if there is no plaque on the pads, and the testers show a normal oil level, then the problem is in the sensor. For repairs, it is recommended to contact a service center, since repairing the sensor is also a difficult task.

Do not confuse the brake symbol (P in a red circle) with the emergency brake symbol (exclamation mark in a red circle or triangle) . In the first option, you can drive on the roads at low speed; in the second case, driving is not recommended, since there is a high risk of an accident.

Coolant indicators

There are two types:

• Red sign in the form of waves and a vertical thermometer

Indicates vehicle engine overheating. When the indicator appears, you need to slow down and see what happens. If the indicator disappears, then the whole problem was due to high transport loads and there is no malfunction here. If the icon remains, this indicates a breakdown of the cooling system. The reasons may be different - from a leak in the seal to failure of the regulator. The best solution to the problem would be to visit a workshop.

• Yellow sign in the form of a rectangle with waves

Indicates low coolant level in the system. To get rid of the problem, you need to drain the old coolant and pour a new one into the vehicle. Filling is usually done through the neck, which is located on the cooling radiator. Antifreeze is usually used as a coolant.

Immobilizer sensor

An immobilizer is a car's anti-theft system that blocks the vehicle's engine in the event of a break-in attempt. The device usually consists of a special lock, magnetic panel or small connector. It can be activated using a key, a magnet or a special plate that only the driver has. In case of incorrect activation, the engine is blocked.

When the immobilizer is activated, a sensor lights up on the instrument panel, and depending on the make and model of the car it is different:

• A green key , inside of which there is a small horizontal line with vertical serifs.
• A red passenger car with a small black key burning inside.
• A red passenger car with a large door lock next to it.
• A yellow car with a rear wheel shaped like a small key.

If the driver correctly passes identification (for example, brings the required magnet), then the immobilizer goes out on the panel. It will appear again after the driver gets out of the car and sets the alarm. If an intruder wants to break into the car, the alarm will be activated, and the sensor will remain unchanged or will flash quickly.

Seat belt sensor

The sign is strictly red. It looks like a person sitting in a chair, and from right to left diagonally it is crossed out by a straight line. The indicator indicates that the driver is not wearing a seat belt and will be putting himself in danger while driving. For the indicator to disappear, the person needs to buckle up. In rare cases, it is possible that the driver has not buckled up and the indicator does not work - this indicates a breakdown of the seat belt buckle. The best option would be to completely replace the belt.

Traffic fumes

The icon is yellow and looks like exhaust gases. It indicates a malfunction in the exhaust gas purification system, which is formed during the combustion of fuel in the engine. The problem occurs in three main situations:

• Refueling with low-quality fuel. If you refuel with fuel that is too dirty, harmful gases will be formed during fuel combustion in increased quantities, so the yellow exhaust gas sensor will light up. To solve the problem, you need to use up the bad fuel or fill in new fuel immediately - after which the indicator will turn off.
• Lambda probe malfunction. If the lambda probe breaks down, the state of the exhaust gases is not monitored, which will lead to the activation of the sign. To solve the problem, you need to lift the car onto the platform, turn off the power to the car, unscrew the old sensor and install a new one.
• Catalyst malfunction. If the car has two lambda probes, then the yellow sign with exhaust gases may indicate a malfunction of the catalyst (for example, its excessive contamination). To fix the problem, you need to rinse or install a new catalyst.

If the problem is in the lambda probe or catalyst, then with a high probability the Check Engine .

Wrench icon on instrument panel

It looks like a wrench, painted yellow, red or gray. It is usually activated by software and is not associated with vehicle breakdown:

• The control units of many modern cars are programmed in such a way as to remind the driver of the importance of preventive technical inspection. Most often, the standard is set at 10-20 thousand kilometers - after overcoming this distance, the icon in the form of a wrench lights up.
• To get rid of the annoying sign, you need to restart the on-board computer, which will reset the mileage data. Or you can visit a service center - after preventative maintenance, the restart was performed by a technician.

Catalytic converter - what is it for?

Car designers are increasingly paying attention to reducing harmful emissions.

To achieve this, the power supply systems of power plants are being modernized in order to achieve the lowest possible fuel consumption, without affecting power performance.

Also, more and more cars are equipped with catalytic converters installed in the exhaust system.

The essence of the catalyst's work comes down to the breakdown of harmful elements into harmless ones through chemical reactions.

The catalytic converter consists of a housing, inside of which active catalysts, the so-called bobbins, are placed.

Nowadays these bobbins are often made of ceramic, but some are also made of metal.

The reel contains a large number of honeycombs through which the exhaust gases pass.

But ceramics do not enter into a chemical reaction; for this purpose, the surface of the honeycomb is covered with a layer of noble metals - platinum, iridium. Thanks to these metals, a reaction occurs, which reduces the harmfulness of car emissions.

The operating efficiency of this device depends on the temperature - the optimal temperature is considered to be from 300 degrees, so there is also a heat-insulating layer inside the housing, and the element itself is placed as close as possible to the exhaust manifold.

You can read more about the design features of the catalytic converter, as well as the principle of its operation, here.

One of the main disadvantages of the catalytic converter is its relatively short service life. On average, it is designed for 100-120 thousand km, after which it becomes inoperative.

Consequences of late diagnosis and repair

What could be the consequences of untimely elimination of the Check Engine? The list here can be quite long. Let us describe the main reasons and problems:

• The failure of one element can lead to a chain reaction that will lead to more complex consequences.
• The occurrence of tripping effect, poor starting, system failure, increased consumption and other similar malfunctions.
• Overheating of the power unit, and as a result, deformation of the cylinder head. Then only a major overhaul will follow.
• The ECU receives unreliable data, and, accordingly, incorrect operation of other main and auxiliary systems.
• Other consequences.