A car dashboard is not just for decoration. Behind its futuristic appearance, there are a number of indicator lights that serve as a way for the car to communicate with the driver. One of the most worrying is, of course, the engine indicator light. When this light comes on, it means that something needs attention.

The engine indicator light can come on for a variety of reasons, ranging from minor to quite serious. To avoid taking the wrong steps, let's understand the causes and what to do when this happens.

Causes of the Engine Indicator Light Coming On

1. Catalytic Converter Issues

This component is located in the exhaust system and filters harmful exhaust gases before they are released into the air. It is positioned near the engine to function optimally at high temperatures.

If the catalytic converter is damaged, the engine indicator light may immediately turn on. Symptoms usually include increased fuel consumption and decreased engine performance even when the gas pedal is fully depressed.

2. Faulty Wires or Spark Plugs

A car's electrical system relies heavily on wires and spark plugs. Wires conduct electricity, while spark plugs create sparks for combustion.

Problems with installation, corroded wires, or spark plugs that are not working optimally can cause the engine indicator light to come on. This results in the engine feeling rough and underperforming.

3. Weak or Damaged Battery

The battery is the main source of electricity in a car. If its condition deteriorates, the electricity supply becomes unstable. The engine may be difficult to start and the electronic system may be disrupted.

In this condition, the engine indicator light usually comes on as an early warning sign.

4. Fuel Tank Cap Not Securely Fastened

Although it sounds trivial, this happens often. A fuel tank cap that is not locked properly can trigger the system to detect a fuel pressure leak.

Usually, you will feel that the cap has not "clicked" when turned. If left unchecked, not only can fuel evaporate, but the risk of fire also increases.

5. Air Filter Needs to be Checked

The air filter is responsible for filtering the air before it enters the combustion chamber. If it is dirty or clogged, the air supply is disrupted and combustion becomes suboptimal.

When the air filter is checked or installed improperly, the engine indicator light may come on. Make sure the filter is clean and installed correctly so that the system returns to normal.

What to Do When the Engine Indicator Light Comes On?

1. Pull Over to a Safe Place

If you are driving, immediately reduce your speed and find a safe place to stop. On the highway, pull over to the shoulder if you cannot find a rest area.

Don't forget to turn on your hazard lights and place a warning triangle about 50 meters behind your car.

2. Turn Off the Engine  

After stopping safely, turn off the engine. Ask all passengers to get out, especially if you smell gasoline or there is other potential danger.  

3. Perform an Initial Check  

Check basic things such as the fuel tank cap, battery condition, or loose cables. If you want to open the hood, make sure the engine is cool to avoid the risk of burns.

After checking, restart the car and see if the indicator light is still on.  

4. Contact a Professional Mechanic  

If the light remains on or you are unsure about checking it yourself, immediately contact a trusted repair shop. In an emergency or on the highway, towing services from your insurance company or other relevant parties can be a solution.  

Make sure your vehicle insurance covers this service to make the process easier.

Conclusion

The engine indicator light is an important signal that should not be ignored. The causes can vary, from simple issues to serious problems. By understanding the signs and knowing the appropriate steps, you can continue driving safely and keep your vehicle in optimal condition.

Indonesia 🇮🇩

Kenali Penyebab Lampu Indikator Mesin Mobil Menyala

Dasbor mobil bukan cuma pajangan. Di balik tampilannya yang futuristik, ada sederet lampu indikator yang berfungsi sebagai bahasa mobil ke pengemudinya. Salah satu yang paling bikin deg-degan tentu saja lampu indikator mesin. Begitu lampu ini menyala, artinya ada sesuatu yang perlu diperhatikan.

Lampu indikator mesin bisa menyala karena banyak hal, mulai dari yang sepele sampai cukup serius. Supaya nggak salah langkah, yuk pahami penyebabnya sekaligus apa yang harus dilakukan saat kondisi ini terjadi.

Penyebab Lampu Indikator Mesin Menyala

1. Catalytic Converter Bermasalah

Komponen ini berada di jalur knalpot dan berfungsi menyaring gas buang berbahaya sebelum dilepas ke udara. Letaknya dekat mesin agar bekerja optimal pada suhu tinggi.

Jika catalytic converter rusak, lampu indikator mesin bisa langsung menyala. Gejalanya biasanya diikuti konsumsi BBM yang lebih boros dan performa mesin menurun meski pedal gas sudah diinjak dalam.

2. Kabel atau Busi Mengalami Gangguan

Sistem kelistrikan mobil sangat bergantung pada kabel dan busi. Kabel berfungsi menyalurkan listrik, sementara busi menciptakan percikan api untuk proses pembakaran.

Masalah pada pemasangan, kabel yang korosi, atau busi yang tidak bekerja optimal bisa memicu lampu indikator mesin menyala. Efeknya, mesin terasa brebet dan performa tidak maksimal.

3. Aki Sudah Lemah atau Rusak

Aki adalah sumber utama listrik di mobil. Jika kondisinya menurun, suplai listrik jadi tidak stabil. Mesin bisa susah dinyalakan dan sistem elektronik terganggu.

Dalam kondisi seperti ini, lampu indikator mesin biasanya ikut menyala sebagai tanda peringatan awal.

4. Tutup Tangki BBM Tidak Rapat

Terdengar sepele, tapi ini sering kejadian. Tutup tangki yang tidak terkunci sempurna bisa memicu sistem mendeteksi kebocoran tekanan bahan bakar.

Biasanya, Anda akan merasa tutupnya belum “klik” saat diputar. Jika dibiarkan, selain BBM bisa menguap, risiko kebakaran juga meningkat.

5. Filter Udara Perlu Dicek

Filter udara bertugas menyaring udara sebelum masuk ke ruang bakar. Jika kotor atau tersumbat, suplai udara terganggu dan pembakaran jadi tidak optimal.

Saat filter udara diperiksa atau dipasang kurang sempurna, lampu indikator mesin bisa menyala. Pastikan filter bersih dan terpasang dengan benar agar sistem kembali normal.

Apa yang Harus Dilakukan Saat Lampu Indikator Mesin Menyala?

1. Menepi ke Tempat Aman

Jika sedang berkendara, segera kurangi kecepatan dan cari tempat aman untuk berhenti. Di jalan tol, menepilah ke bahu jalan jika belum menemukan rest area.

Jangan lupa nyalakan lampu hazard dan pasang segitiga pengaman sekitar 50 meter di belakang mobil.

2. Matikan Mesin

Setelah berhenti dengan aman, matikan mesin. Ajak semua penumpang turun, terutama jika tercium bau bensin atau ada potensi bahaya lain.

3. Lakukan Pemeriksaan Awal

Cek hal-hal dasar seperti tutup tangki BBM, kondisi aki, atau kabel yang terlihat longgar. Jika ingin membuka kap mesin, pastikan mesin sudah dingin agar terhindar dari risiko luka bakar.

Setelah dicek, nyalakan kembali mobil dan perhatikan apakah lampu indikator masih menyala.

4. Hubungi Mekanik Profesional

Jika lampu tetap menyala atau Anda ragu melakukan pengecekan sendiri, segera hubungi bengkel terpercaya. Dalam kondisi darurat atau di tol, layanan derek dari asuransi atau pihak terkait bisa menjadi solusi.

Pastikan asuransi kendaraan Anda mencakup layanan ini agar proses penanganan lebih mudah.

Kesimpulan

Lampu indikator mesin adalah sinyal penting yang tidak boleh diabaikan. Penyebabnya bisa beragam, dari hal sederhana hingga masalah serius. Dengan memahami tanda-tandanya dan tahu langkah yang tepat, Anda bisa tetap berkendara dengan aman dan menjaga kondisi mobil tetap prima.