Engine light, what does it mean ?
The engine light or MIL (Malfunction Indicator Lamp) is a light on the dashboard of cars which indicates that a malfunction has been detected in the engine or the emission control system.
- The check engine light flashing : the engine should be stopped as soon as possible as there is a risk of engine damage. The computer will switch the engine to “degraded” mode, limiting the engine speed to 3000 rpm for a petrol engine and 2000 rpm for a diesel engine.
- The check light appears and disappears : this occurs if the fault is not detected for the next three consecutive cycles (1 cycle = starting + running + engine shutdown).
- Engine light on : the check engine light remains on until the detected fault has been removed from the engine control unit. An electronic diagnosis then makes it possible to consult the fault code and helps to establish a diagnosis with a view to possible repair. Then the fault code can be cleared with the diagnostic tool.