A modern car is crammed with electronics. Multiple gauges and warning lights on the instrument panel indicate different faults. This progress has not spared Daewoo Matiz either. The most well-known signal is the “CHECK” function lighting up. This is an indication that there are problems with the operation of the engine or control unit.
Video
The video material will tell you what to do when the check engine light comes on, and also indicate the reasons and solutions.
Reasons for the check function to light up
The "CHECK" signal is usually located in the very center of the instrument cluster, where the driver can quickly pay attention to it. This function is responsible for the operation of the engine and if it signals, then there may be problems in the operation of this particular unit. Of course, this is scary for any motorist, because repairing the power unit is complex and expensive. But don’t immediately get scared and panic, the reason may be petty.
So, let’s look at what are the reasons why the “CHECK” function on the Matiz came on:
- If the indicator lights up when you start the engine, then don’t worry, everything works.
- If the “CHECK” lights up and signals for a long time, then, first of all, it is necessary to make a diagnosis, and only then worry.
- If there is a “CHECK” while driving, this may mean that the oil level in the engine is insufficient.
- The “CHECK” function is on - it’s worth checking the engine for signs of depressurization or oil leakage.
If the above reasons do not work, but the “CHECK” is lit, then this may be a signal that the spark plug has failed or low-quality fuel has been filled.
When the “CHECK” function lights up, it indicates that something is wrong with the engines and it is worth carrying out diagnostics before taking other actions.
The check engine light is on: why does a malfunction occur?
Owners of cars with an electronic engine control system (ECM) quite often encounter the unexpected illumination of the “check engine” warning light on the dashboard. Let us immediately note that if the engine check light is on, then this indicates certain malfunctions that are associated with the operation of the power unit and its systems.
There can be quite a few situations when the engine fault check light comes on. Owners often complain that after washing the engine the check light comes on, the check light comes on when the engine is running, or the internal combustion engine does not start, the warning light periodically or constantly lights up on a cold or hot engine, etc. Next, we will look at the main reasons why the check engine light may come on, and also talk about ways to diagnose and fix a number of common faults with your own hands.
Elimination methods
If translated literally, “Check Angie” is an engine error, which, according to the developers, should indicate to the driver that it is worth checking this particular system. So, there are several malfunctions associated with the activation of such an alarm. Let's look at the main problems that cause a "CHECK" in the engine.
Bad fuel
Low-quality gasoline, or as it is popularly called “bad gas,” can cause the engine warning light on the dashboard to fire. So, troubleshooting can take a lot of time and labor. In order to get rid of the effect, you will have to clean the fuel system. To do this you need to do the following:
- Remove and clean the fuel tank.
- Remove the fuel rail and wash the injectors using a special stand.
Replace the fuel filter, because as practice shows, after low-quality fuel it becomes clogged and completely loses its service life.
Spark plug
If one of the spark plugs is damaged, Check Engine appears on the dashboard. To fix the problem, you will have to dismantle all the elements and check them for resistance, as well as visually inspect their condition. Thus, if necessary, it is worth replacing the spark plug. As practice shows, it is best to install a completely new kit, which should be pre-adjusted, check the gaps, as well as the resistance.
Low fuel level
When the fuel level is low, the Check Engine sign appears on the instrument panel, which may also indicate that the fuel tank cap is not closed completely and the seal is broken.
Ignition coil
The absence of a spark in the cylinders immediately signals the electronic unit, which displays the inscription “check”. This may primarily be due to the fact that the ignition coil has failed. As a rule, it cannot be repaired and must be replaced.
Oxygen sensor
A clogged lambda probe is immediately visible from the inscription on the dashboard. Here, there can only be one way out - replacement. Of course, some car enthusiasts try to clean the oxygen sensor and are quite successful, but in practice it doesn’t last long and it quickly breaks down. Therefore, it is recommended to replace it immediately.
Catalyst
The catalyst may be another reason why the Check Engine message appears on the dashboard. Usually, this is due to the high mileage of the car, so when the car starts to take oil, you should prepare for the fact that this particular part will fail. But this is not the only reason. So, bad fuel or mechanical damage will lead to the replacement of this unit.
Wiring
Cases have been repeatedly noticed that when there are problems with the explosive wire, the message Check Engine pops up. Of course, the reason should be looked for in this system and, if necessary, it is worth replacing.
ECU
The electronic engine control unit can cause a “check” to appear. Thus, accumulated errors that have not been reset for a long time may cause the dashboard to display Check Engine. This can be treated quite simply by resetting all accumulated errors. But, as experience shows, things can get to the point where you have to change the software and flash the ECU.
DMVR
The mass air flow sensor repeatedly causes the Check Engine to appear on the dashboard. In order to determine serviceability, diagnostics should be carried out. If necessary, replace this unit.
Underwater rocks
If the “CHECK” light on your Daewoo Matiz comes on, then don’t panic. Often on cars the signal is supplied from a common ECU, which, like any computer, can malfunction. This may be caused by a short circuit or replacement of electrical circuit components. Therefore, errors occur in the electronic control unit, which can serve as a “CHECK” signal.
This problem is quite easy to treat. The ECU itself needs to be connected to a software laptop and errors in the system should be corrected or outdated firmware changed. It is best to entrust this operation to specialists who know how it is done.
Reset and clear errors
It is not possible to remove errors by removing the terminal from the negative pole of the battery, since the volatile memory of the ECM runs on the battery installed in it. Therefore, there are only two ways to reset errors on a Volkswagen Polo V sedan: contact a service station or do it yourself using a diagnostic cord. The procedure for using the “Vasya Diagnostic” utility as an example is as follows:
- Launch the utility.
- Connect the cord to the diagnostic socket.
- Change the initial speed value in the program settings from 0 to 9600.
- Click “Troubleshooting”, in the “Select vehicle” column leave “Auto detection” (if there is a CAN bus) or manually select the model (if there is no CAN bus).
- Click "Run".
Wait for the process to complete and click “Remove faults”.
Conclusion
The reasons why the “CHECK” function lights up on a Daewoo Matiz are quite simple, since this sensor is responsible for the full operation of the engine. To identify the causes, it is worth conducting a diagnosis and determining why this happened, and only then eliminating it.
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 ,), which scans all car systems for errors and, if any, displays a decryption on the information panel, the reasons for the appearance of 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, it is possible, and in some cases, perhaps, to eliminate the cause yourself without a trip to a car service center, which will save you money.
Check Volkswagen Polo
The Volkswagen Polo has an electronically controlled powertrain. The car has a well-developed self-diagnosis system, which allows you to identify problems with the engine at an early stage.
If any problems occur with the engine or related systems, the Check Engine light comes on.
This allows the driver to detect a malfunction in time. As a result, it is possible to avoid excessive wear of expensive components and delay the timing of major repairs.
Therefore, when the Check Engine lights up, it is necessary to identify the cause of the indication and take measures to correct the problem as soon as possible.
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 the optimum. A malfunction of the oxygen sensor in a car leads not only to, but also to an increased content of harmful CO2 substances in the exhaust.
What to do:
If you do not replace a faulty car oxygen sensor, this can lead to your car's catalyst failing (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!
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 fuel tank filler cap 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 to do:
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!
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 to do:
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!
Contact your dealer
As mentioned above, in front of the mysterious yellow light, everyone is practically on an equal footing - both professionals who are tired of being asked, and amateurs, it’s just that the first ones are armed with diagnostic equipment. Auto mechanics at the dealership immediately and unequivocally state that you filled your Nissan Qashqai with bad gasoline, and therefore you fall out of the category of lucky ones who will have the fault corrected for free under the current warranty.
In this case, we can advise all motorists not only to take receipts at gas stations without fail, but also to keep them in one of the many glove compartments in Qashqai. If you establish real damage from gasoline and eliminate its consequences at your own expense, you can easily file a claim with the gas station and return your lost financial potential to its original state.
Having a receipt will also allow you to try to prove to the service center that you refueled with the recommended 95 and did not follow their advice to switch to 92. Why "try"? Because they will still insist on their own: after all, you need to find the reason why the check engine light is on on your Nissan Qashqai!
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 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!
