Can you still drive with malfunction indicator light?
The short answer is that it is generally not recommended to continue driving with a malfunction indicator light (MIL), also known as a check engine light, illuminated on your vehicle's dashboard. The MIL is designed to alert you to an issue with your vehicle's emissions control system or other critical components, and ignoring it can lead to further damage and potentially unsafe driving conditions.
What is a Malfunction Indicator Light?
The malfunction indicator light, or check engine light, is a warning light that illuminates on your vehicle's dashboard when the onboard computer detects a problem with the emissions control system or other critical components. This light is part of the vehicle's on-board diagnostics (OBD) system, which continuously monitors the performance of various systems and sensors in the vehicle.
Reasons the Malfunction Indicator Light May Illuminate
The malfunction indicator light can illuminate for a variety of reasons, including:
- Problems with the catalytic converter or other emissions control components
- Issues with the engine, such as misfiring, faulty sensors, or problems with the fuel system
- Loose or damaged gas cap
- Problems with the transmission or other drivetrain components
When the MIL illuminates, it's important to have the issue diagnosed and addressed as soon as possible to prevent further damage to your vehicle and ensure safe driving conditions.
Driving with a Malfunction Indicator Light
While it is generally not recommended to continue driving with the malfunction indicator light illuminated, there may be some instances where it is safe to do so for a short period of time. If the light is flashing, it indicates a more serious problem, and you should pull over and have the vehicle towed to a repair shop immediately. If the light is steady, you may be able to continue driving, but you should have the issue diagnosed and repaired as soon as possible.
Ignoring the malfunction indicator light can lead to further damage to your vehicle, such as a failed catalytic converter or engine damage, which can be costly to repair. Additionally, driving with a malfunctioning emissions control system can result in increased emissions and potential legal issues, depending on your local regulations.
If you must continue driving with the malfunction indicator light illuminated, be sure to drive cautiously, avoid high speeds, and monitor the vehicle's performance closely for any signs of further issues. It's also a good idea to have the vehicle's diagnostic codes read by a professional mechanic to determine the root cause of the problem.
What to do if engine malfunction light comes on?
You should bring your vehicle to a qualified service center as soon as possible for auto repairs or maintenance.
How do I reset my malfunction indicator light?
The on-off method is the equivalent fix for a vehicle's check engine light. It forces the computer to refresh its saved state through a reboot. Simply place your key into the ignition and turn it on for 1-2 seconds, then turn it off for 1-2 seconds. Repeat this step three or four times.
How long can you drive with engine fault light?
You'll normally be able to drive for a while after the engine light comes on (as long as it's not flashing or red), but try to avoid heavy acceleration and high engine speed. It's not advisable to drive more than another couple of miles without getting your car checked by a professional mechanic.
What causes a malfunction indicator light to come on?
Formally known as the malfunction indicator lamp, it is a signal from the vehicle's engine computer that something's wrong. The light could be a minor issue, such as a faulty gas cap, or it could mean something more serious, such as a misfiring engine.
Is malfunction indicator light serious?
What is the MIL? A dashboard light that comes on when the vehicle's computer finds a problem that could cause excess pollution. Often this means you should repair your vehicle to avoid costly damage in the future. If the light is blinking or flashing, have your vehicle serviced at once.
How long can I drive with the malfunction indicator light on?
The most common question we get is how long can you drive with check engine light on? The answer is it is safe to drive from 50-100 miles. To maintain your car's health, it is always better to get it checked immediately when you see the check engine light.
Can I drive my car with the engine malfunction light on?
In the event of an ignorable code, you can drive it as much as you want. It is worth noting, though, that as other people have said here, if the light is blinking/flashing, STOP driving the car.
