What to do if the check engine light comes on possible causes

All modern cars are filled with electronics, and, unfortunately, every part can sometimes fail. Probably, many car owners know firsthand about the problem of a lit check engine light (check engine light sensor). Naturally, any deviation from the norm slightly alarms a person, and therefore this article will discuss the causes and ways to eliminate this problem.

Typically, when the ignition is turned on, the engine warning light comes on. If there are no problems in the operation of the car, the light should go out within a few seconds after the engine is fully started. However, it also happens that the check engine light does not go out or lights up suddenly.

If the engine warning light sensor comes on, then for some cars this is a warning sign, and it is necessary to urgently find out the reasons for the appearance and take measures to eliminate them. This can be done by going to a car repair shop or diagnosing your car yourself and fixing the problem. However, it is better to do this if the driver understands technology and has experience in car repairs.

On the Lada Granta, the check engine light comes on when errors or malfunctions in the engine are detected.

Many modern cars have a complex mechanism, and the engine check can respond to engine speed, the composition of the working fluid, fuel consumption, and ignition. Therefore, it will not be possible to quickly name the cause of the failure, especially if you lack skills and experience.

What to do if the Lada Granta check light comes on: possible reasons

A modern car is crammed with electronics.
Multiple gauges and warning lights on the instrument panel indicate different faults. This progress did not bypass the Lada Granta. 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. In the video, check engine reset:

Possible reasons for the check function to light up

The “CHECK” signal is located in the very center of the instrument cluster, where the driver can quickly pay attention to it

Check engine light came on during hard acceleration

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 Lada Grant 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 (p0523 - error when the oil pressure sensor is faulty).
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 engine and it is worth carrying out diagnostics before taking other actions.

Elimination methods

Let's consider some options for eliminating the causes of the “CHECK” function fire on the Lada Grant:

Bad fuel. The elimination method is quite simple - drain the low-quality fuel and fill in new one. Let the engine run a little and turn it off. If everything is normal, then upon startup, the signal will disappear. AvtoVAZ recommends refueling with 95 gasoline, but it often causes errors and complaints about its quality. What kind of gasoline do you fill up with, 92 or 95?
Spark plugs and high-voltage wires.
Unscrew all spark plugs and check the gaps and the presence of a spark. Replace faulty spark plugs and wires. Engine 21116 (high-voltage wires, oil dipstick)
Coil. We measure resistance and presence of spark. If necessary, we change everything.
Fuel pump.
One of the reasons why the CHECK light may be on. We clean the channels. Or, if necessary, we change the pump itself. 4 bolts securing the plastic fuel pump cover under the rear seat

The faults that you can fix yourself are indicated, but if nothing works, you should contact a car service.

Underwater rocks

If the “CHECK” light comes on on the Lada Grant, then do not 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.

The ECU in Grant is not located very well, and if your check light came on during or after rain, then water could have gotten into it due to design features.

The ECU is located under the glove compartment

This problem can be treated quite simply. 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.

Resetting an error without using an adapter (collective farm method)

If you are sure that the check engine light is “temporary”, that is, the quality of gasoline is poor, or the spark plug was faulty, which has already been replaced with a working one, then the check engine light can be reset manually without using an adapter; there are two ways.

To do this, disconnect the terminal for five minutes, the memory in the electronic engine control unit (ECU) will be reset, and the on-board computer readings will also be reset.
There is a second way, you just need to remove the cigarette lighter fuse; Grant's design engineers installed an immobilizer on it.

The reasons why the “CHECK” function lights up on the Lada Grant 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.

Why did the light come on and how to fix it

The main situations in which the indicator lights up and the recommended courses of action for the car owner:

If the Check engine lights up and goes out immediately when starting the car, there is no damage to the engine. The cause of the fire is most likely harmless - the fuel tank cap is lost or not screwed in properly. Just wrap it tightly and check if the warning disappears.
If the indicator lights up while driving, you should stop and check the wires. You may find a cable hanging loose under the hood or an open battery terminal. This applies to all attachments - wires, hoses, etc.
If the light flashes while driving, you should stop and check the sounds made by the engine, pay attention to the oil level, and inspect the sides of the engine. If no visually obvious violations are detected, it is recommended to drive to the nearest car service center and carry out diagnostics.
If the engine is running normally and the Check light is constantly flashing, there is most likely an ignition failure. You should check the spark plugs and coil, pay attention to the quality of the fuel. To do this, it is better to contact the nearest auto diagnostic center.
If the indicator is constantly on, you need to stop, unscrew the spark plugs and check the gap. Gaps that exceed 1.3 may cause the light bulb to burn out.
In addition, when the “check” is on, the ignition is usually checked. Any car service center has special testers that allow you to determine the wear of wiring insulation.
A faulty fuel pump can also cause the light to come on. You should stop and listen to the sounds the fuel pump makes. A smooth hum without clicks or pauses is considered normal. If extraneous sounds appear, the pump should be dismantled, washed inside and the filter cleaned.
Serious engine malfunctions can be indicated by the coolant temperature. If it is above 85–90 degrees, and the Check engine lights up while driving, the engine is definitely faulty. In this case, it is advisable to call a tow truck or drive at low speed to the nearest car service center.

Broken fuel tank seal, catalytic converter failure

Lada Granta granta Sirius Logbook oil in the box
If the check persists on the dashboard, then the car owner will look for a fault in the engine. But the reason may be different. The check engine light may come on due to problems with the tightness of the fuel system. The fuel filler cap may not be securely closed. Why does this problem occur? The reasons may be the following.

If the seal of the fuel system is broken, air begins to flow into it.
Additional fuel consumption appears.
Air in the fuel system causes engine problems.
The check engine light comes on on the dashboard.

How to fix the problem? If the check engine light is on and there are no signs of loss of power, knocking, humming or squeaking, then you need to check how tightly the gas tank is sealed. Sometimes, in a hurry, the driver simply forgets to close the lid tightly, or cracks begin to appear on it. If you have fixed the problem, but the check continues to light, then this is not the reason.

What to do if the catalyst fails? A car catalyst is needed to neutralize exhaust gases. The oxide contained in exhaust contains many substances that are harmful to the environment. The catalyst reduces the damage that a running vehicle causes to the environment.

If the check light is on due to a faulty catalyst, you will notice that the engine power has dropped significantly. The car loses acceleration dynamics. What is the reason for catalyst failure? Regular technical inspection of the vehicle will ensure that such a malfunction does not occur.

One of the reasons for catalyst failure is a breakdown of the oxygen sensor. Old spark plugs can cause catalytic converter failure. You should not take this problem lightly. If the oxygen sensor or spark plugs malfunction, the process of neutralizing exhaust gases is disrupted.

As a result, carbon monoxide begins to accumulate in the catalyst, it overheats and may burst. You cannot drive a car with a faulty catalyst. This will lead to improper operation of the engine, which is why the check light will light up. The car will consume more fuel and the engine will not produce traction.

The cost of a new catalyst is quite high, but still cheaper than engine repair. There is one more problem. You are unlikely to be able to replace the catalyst on Kalina yourself, so you need to go to a service center. To avoid this, you should regularly change the oxygen sensors and spark plugs.

The mass air flow sensor monitors air consumption. If the engine malfunction light comes on, you need to check the sensor. It monitors the amount of air required to ignite gasoline. Information from the sensor enters the on-board computer.

If the mass air flow sensor fails, the car begins to consume more fuel. There is a greater emission of carbon monoxide, engine power and the smoothness of the vehicle are reduced. If there is weak dynamics during acceleration, then it makes sense to assume that the sensor is faulty. As a rule, in cold weather the car begins to have trouble starting.

Why does the mass air flow sensor fail? One of the reasons for the failure of this device is incorrect installation of the air filter during its scheduled replacement. Like many consumables, the air sensor needs to be replaced regularly

It is important to change the air filter in a timely manner.

A sensor malfunction has little effect on engine performance. You can drive for some time with a faulty sensor. But this will lead to increased fuel consumption. The cost of a new sensor for Kalina is not very high, and you can do the replacement yourself. If necessary, the sensor can be replaced in service, during a routine inspection.

Indicator type

This is what the engine warning light icon looks like

This should not be confused with the “car with key” icon - this is an immobilizer warning light.

If this icon is lit, it means the immobilizer is not activated.

If it lights up when you start the engine, and then goes out after a while, then the immobilizer is disabled on your car. And this is a direct threat of possible theft!!! How to activate the immobilizer, read the material: activating the immobilizer with your own hands, nothing complicated!

Vehicle diagnostics and troubleshooting

BMW 5 series Logbook Idling, unstable engine operation

If you nevertheless decide to buy a used car, then you should definitely make a diagnosis, paying attention to any Lada error codes that appear on the device display. Information about existing errors will be very useful, be sure to pay special attention to this

To diagnose and find out information, you should contact a car service center if there is no special insert on the used car you are buying.

In fact, such a procedure is a huge list of information that can tell about any possible danger. Usually this is not given importance, but in vain. For example, if a car’s BC states that the airbags are faulty, you definitely need to check this. Correction: what needs to be done? Immediately press the left button and the right one, from this press the on-board computer adjusts the selected parameter.

Then pressing the keys left or right changes the parameters. After pressing simultaneously, you exit from the adjustment. Reset. By pressing the left and right keys simultaneously, the options displayed on the screen will be reset. If everything is done in the “System error” mode, after that the error disappears. If faults actually exist, the error will remain in memory until reset occurs.

If the BC does not turn on, the causes of the problem are:

there is no electric current in the BC connectors;
there is no contact in the terminals.

BC cannot diagnose the reasons for this:

BC cannot calculate the speed of the car, the reasons for this problem are:

there is no contact in the connectors.

BC cannot calculate the remainder in the fuel tank, reasons:

devices do not have software compliance.

The BC incorrectly shows how much fuel is left in the tank, the reasons for this are:

there is no wire in the wiring at the 8th contact and the 9th terminal in the on-board computer;
The car panel is showing incorrectly.

There is no BC screen backlight, reasons:

I need to make the screen brighter.

The thermometer shows incorrectly, reasons:

the wire has broken in the temperature detection sensor;
incorrect contact with the on-board computer.

speaker is faulty;
the software has crashed;
The voice accompaniment is not reproduced (you must press the “up” key and hold it for more than three seconds).

BC writes incorrectly, the program has gone wrong, etc., reasons:

The on-board computer is not connected or there is no contact with it;
there is no contact in the connected battery terminal (the contact should be securely fixed).

Initialize the BC:

previous settings will be reset;
reset all parameters for the previous ride;
set the clock to 8 hours 00 minutes;
The alarm clock should be at zero, its notification is disabled.

Hello, Vladimir. The appearance of the CheyEngin icon is a common problem in all domestic vehicles with an on-board computer. Tips for solving the problem are given below.

System glitch

The first thing that comes to mind is that the engine program was simply wrong. This is possible and occurs quite often. When one of the sensors stops giving signals for a moment, the ECU immediately reports a malfunction. The problem is complicated by the fact that the controller tends to save errors and constantly remind you of them in the form of a burning check. But there was no malfunction as such - most likely, the sensor lost information due to poor contact or weather conditions. Simply disconnect the terminal from the battery and the error will be cleared.

Old spark plugs and high voltage wires

Adjusting the valve clearances of the VAZ-11183 engine of the Lada Granta

If the engine light comes on, you need to check the spark plugs. They perform an important function; they participate in the ignition of fuel in the engine. If the spark plugs are faulty, then the spark is not supplied to the gasoline mixture. If there is no spark, the car may not start or the engine may not operate properly. Incorrect operation of the spark plugs leads to small tremors.

Car service specialists recommend replacing spark plugs after 25-30 thousand kilometers, especially if the car is old. However, the service life of spark plugs is directly influenced by the quality of the fuel and driving style. Faulty spark plugs are usually very noticeable.

The car starts with difficulty.
Fuel consumption increases.
The catalyst fails.

This is why spark plugs need to be changed regularly. Their cost for Kalina is low, and you can do the work yourself. Timely replacement of spark plugs will significantly increase the life of the car engine. In order to replace the spark plugs, you will need a spark plug wrench. The condition of high-voltage wires must be monitored.

They often fail, which renders the ignition unusable. Electrical leaks appear, which affects the strength of the spark. Serviceable spark plugs will extend the life of many vehicle systems and improve engine performance.

Why might the light still be on? In most cases, a lit icon on the panel means that there are problems with a particular system that need to be fixed. Sometimes nothing bad happens, which means everything is fine. When the engine starts, the light comes on and then goes off. But if it continues to burn, this means that you need to look for the cause.

If the light flashes while you are driving, you should stop the car and check the engine oil level. Sometimes the oil filter fails. In some cases, it becomes necessary to change the engine oil. It will be useful to inspect the power unit for damage. If the light continues to blink, you need to go to a service center and have it diagnosed.

The quality of operation of many systems is controlled by the on-board computer. If any of them starts to fail, this causes the light to start blinking. In order to know exactly the cause, it is best to conduct a diagnosis. In most cases, a situation in which the check light is on can be avoided through regular technical inspection.

The first portal about VAZ cars

Downstream oxygen sensor

In addition to the previous reason, one can also include the oxygen sensor located at the bottom of the car next to the catalyst. It is designed to capture unused oxygen to determine if the mixture is fed rich or lean. It is thanks to him that most of the work is done to adjust the composition of the fuel-air mixture.

The sensor operates under the most difficult conditions: high temperature, low-quality fuel, impurities, and its contact group comes into contact with dust, dirt and moisture. That is why it can give errors or fail completely, which leads to the “check” signal.

Possible error codes Kalina

What error codes exist for VAZ Kalina?

The highest voltage on-board network of the machine.
Fuel sensor error (for example, within 20 seconds it was detected that the circuit was broken).
Coolant temperature sensor error.
The motor is overheated.
Oil pressure is in poor condition.
The brake system has broken down.
Battery low.

What should I do to troubleshoot? You should hold down the key and turn on the ignition, but do not start the car. The arrows on the dashboard will move and the lights will turn on. After this, you need to press one of the keys on the switch, which is located under the steering wheel. Then the arrows will be at the initial position, and errors will be shown on the display.

Let's give advice to those who buy a used VAZ car - most drivers don't even think about the fact that there is an option for diagnosing and resetting Lada Kalina errors. And therefore, before buying a VAZ, you should run this option to find out everything about the past of the car you are purchasing. The modern automotive industry is a very developed industry; it is almost always an excellent assistant to any car owner.

This does not depend on the make of the car; the presence of BC is an excellent feature of almost any car produced over the last ten years. A similar system is no exception for VAZ. Many people know what an on-board computer is, but not everyone knows how to evaluate errors that have occurred and determine their significance. Let's look at the above errors.

It should be noted that many of the errors characteristic of VAZ are understandable. For example, a temperature sensor error, the BC can issue it when the motor is cooled. But it happens that the computer gives an error falsely. For example, once the motor was overheated, the computer suddenly notifies about the error, even if there is none. That is, errors can occur if the BC remembers information about an overheated motor. And therefore, when this problem has been fixed, it is better to reset all BC readings.

And to fix it, you should press the Reset key - it is located under the control buttons of the on-board computer. But if the faults are not identified, you need to ask a professional for help. You should also pay special attention to the errors of the machine's bookkeeping system if it has already been used and was purchased secondhand.

Lack of electrical energy

This can be reported not only by the battery charge lamp, but also by the Check Engine. When the generator does not produce enough energy to provide the car with all the necessary devices, the devices themselves begin to work intermittently. Various electrical connectors are no exception when power is lost at their terminals.

A temporary lack of voltage leads to a huge number of errors being recorded in the ECU. They cannot be reset by simply disconnecting the terminal. First you need to fix the cause of the poor battery charge, and then connect the car to a diagnostic computer.

Prevention of car engine tripping

Prevention of such a phenomenon as engine “triplication” is that the car owner needs to promptly eliminate the most common malfunctions of the engine, as well as other related systems. To do this, it is necessary to strictly adhere to the periodic maintenance schedules established by the manufacturer for the vehicle. At the same time, if you have little experience in owning a car, it is better not to engage in serious technical work yourself, but to entrust their implementation to experienced specialists.

In addition, it makes sense not to delay carrying out prevention at the first deterioration in engine performance, attributing them, for example, to low-quality gasoline. At the same time, all preventive measures should be carried out only in those auto repair shops where experienced craftsmen work. For example, incorrectly set ignition timing can lead to the appearance of “triple”. Unqualified service station employees very often sin with this, especially if the car owner is a novice behind the wheel and has little understanding of the technical side of the matter.

In the same case, when all systems and components of Kalina work correctly, the “triple” effect should not occur. In this case, the service life of the engine should be significantly reduced, since the power unit, in which one of the cylinders is inoperative, may experience increased loads, leading to its accelerated failure.

It is worth mentioning the Traffic Rules, which directly prohibit the operation of a vehicle with a faulty engine. Therefore, it is better not to risk either money or rights, and if a “triple” effect occurs, immediately send the car for repairs.

The light glows in different modes

The normal functioning of the system depends on a variety of reasons. If even one element fails, the motor will immediately begin to function poorly. If there is any suspicion of a problem, the motor will respond falsely to certain actions. What should be done:

Determine the temperature outside.
Find out how warm the engine is.
Under what circumstances does the engine become unstable?
What lights are lit when this happens?
What repair work was last carried out?

The full functioning of the motor can be checked using a paper strip, which is presented to the pipe. She should lean back and remain in this position with slight fluctuations. If there is little fuel, this may be indicated by the check light coming on.

There are a huge number of reasons why an indicator located on a car panel might ignite. Each of these problems requires the implementation of its own actions and a specific strategy for resolving the issue. You can solve some problems yourself.

Unquestioningly following all the rules of professionals will help extend the life of your unit and help you get real satisfaction while driving.

What does error 4 mean?

Fault code 4 indicates that the refrigerant temperature control regulator is not functioning correctly. In most cases, this code lights up on the dashboard if, within 20-30 seconds, the electronic control unit detects a break in the regulator wiring.

After analyzing your problem, we turned to many sources on the Internet and consulted with the owners of Lad Kalin. As it turns out, the number 4 often appears on the instrument panel, this can be considered one of the most common errors in these vehicles. Replacing the antifreeze temperature regulator in the cooling system in some cases will help cause the error to disappear. However, according to most potassium growers, in fact, in most cases it does not give a good result.
If you believe the reviews of car enthusiasts, then such an error, as a rule, appears mainly during cold weather. If there are no signs of breakdowns, then perhaps you have no reason to worry.
It is likely that over time the vehicle has been used, the sensor itself has oxidized. As a result, a poor contact is formed, which does not allow signal transmission in normal mode. Sometimes this happens after you have washed your car. We recommend that you carry out a visual diagnosis of the regulator - if you notice that the contact has really oxidized, then it needs to be cleaned.
If there is a continuity, if cleaning the contacts did not help, you need to ring. It is quite possible that the reason for the appearance of the code on the device is a broken wiring or short circuit. In the case of a break, it will be enough to replace the wires or eliminate the cause of the short circuit.

If you have changed the sensor, replaced the wire and cleaned the contact, but the problem still remains, we recommend that you perform more detailed computer diagnostics. In domestic cars, it often happens that if the control unit does not work correctly, errors may appear on the screen that in fact do not exist. To understand this, you need to completely read all the codes from the on-board computer and then draw conclusions.

Problem after gas station

If the tightness is not observed, a similar phenomenon may occur. When the tank cap has flaws or does not close well, the light may come on. It is recommended to replace the plug here. Another significant reason is refueling with poor quality fuel. It is recommended to drain the fuel and change the gas station.

When raindrops and other things get inside the system, problems will not make themselves felt immediately, but only after a while. In this case, it is necessary to remove the moisture using a dry rag and thoroughly dry all parts.

Battery disconnect method

Disconnecting the battery is an old way to reset the check engine light. Here are three steps to clear the check using this method: Step 1: Disconnect the cables from the battery. At this point, you should use a wrench to unscrew the positive and negative cables.

Step 2: Discharge the remaining electricity. The next thing you should do is press and hold the car horn for about 30 seconds. This action will help drain the car battery.

Step 3: Wait and reconnect the battery. After disconnecting the battery cables and draining the remaining electricity, all you have to do is wait about 15 minutes and then plug the battery back in. Error codes will be cleared. (Note: This method may not work on some vehicles.) If after this procedure the “check” lights up again, this may mean that the problem is still much more serious.

Battery disconnect method

Step 2: Discharge the remaining electricity. The next thing you should do is press and hold the car horn for about 30 seconds. This action will help drain the car battery.

Using the Scanner

Using a scan tool is the easiest way to reset your check engine light. Here are 5 simple steps:

Connect the scan tool to the OBD connector under the steering column. A laptop or tablet with the appropriate software is installed in the holder;
Then turn on the car’s ignition and turn on all the gadgets accordingly;
On your mobile device, in the appropriate section, press the “READ” button to view engine error codes. We write down the codes with a pen in the order in which they were received. This will be necessary for subsequent repairs.

We delete the error code. Press the “ERASE” button on the scanner. The Check Engine light will turn off when all error codes are cleared. Some scanning tools have many options, such as freeze frame, which captures the sensor readings. When deleting codes, these readings will also be deleted. Note: in some scanners, the option to clear codes may be automatic and the “CLEAR” or “YES” button instead of the “ERASE” button.
Be sure to turn the ignition on before clearing codes.