Engine icon light

[93catt]

I hope this isn’t a dumb question, but what does the engine icon light generally mean? I started getting it yesterday. Car drives fine, no issues. Popped the hood, coolant fine, no smells or smoke.

Thank you for any clues!

[nordwulf]

It basically means something is wrong with the engine and error code(s) will be stored in the OBD system. You can get the codes scanned at a repair shop, borrow an OBD reader from an auto parts store or buy one yourself. Basic ones are inexpensive and a valuable tool for any do-it-yourself car repair. Without knowing what the codes are, your guess is as good as ours.

One thing to check is to make sure the gas cap is tightened. Some more information about OBD and the 9-3 here: https://www.carcarekiosk.com/video/2...light/diagnose

[Digger]

I hope this isn’t a dumb question, but what does the engine icon light generally mean? I started getting it yesterday. Car drives fine, no issues. Popped the hood, coolant fine, no smells or smoke.

Thank you for any clues!

Yellow is a heads up informational, red is a problem. A red check engine icon means it's time to have your codes read ASAP. Red light could be a bad sensor reading which is an irritation, or it could mean an accurate sensor reading telling you that there is a problem that needs to be fixed before you do serious damage.

[93catt]

Yellow is a heads up informational, red is a problem. A red check engine icon means it's time to have your codes read ASAP. Red light could be a bad sensor reading which is an irritation, or it could mean an accurate sensor reading telling you that there is a problem that needs to be fixed before you do serious damage.

This one is orange; definitely not red.

What should I look for in an OBD scanner?


Thank you

[nordwulf]

If you just use it to scan codes occasionally, you can find one on Amazon for $20-30. https://www.amazon.com/s?k=odb2+scanner

[Jennitran]

This one is orange; definitely not red. What should I look for in an OBD scanner? Thank you. Visit Autoguysland to review check engine light issue in case you need.

Check engine lights come in orange, yellow or amber, depending on the manufacturer. It indicates a serious problem, such as a misfire that can quickly overheat the catalytic converter. These emissions devices operate at high temperatures to cut emissions but can pose a fire hazard if faulty.