Diagnosing engine management warning light?

Unlike many of a dashboard’s other warning lights, an engine warning light doesn’t alert you to a specific fault. Unlike the coolant temperature light, for example, which alerts you if the car is overheating, the Engine Management Light (EML) can illuminate for a number of reasons.

A flashing or continuous warning light can show If the ECU calculates that the engine isn’t quite running right. An EML – usually presented to depict a stylised engine block, but sometimes taking the form of a ‘check engine’ message – will illuminate as a prompt to seek further assistance. In the majority of cases, the car will need to be connected to diagnostic equipment to determine exactly where the fault lies.

In many cases, the light operates on a colour-coded basis. An amber EML doesn’t necessarily point to an unfolding emergency – you should be able to continue on your way and seek advice on reaching your destination. A red light, though, suggests that you should pull over where it’s safe to do so and arrange for your car to be recovered to a workshop. Driving further could potentially cause expensive damage. Engine warning light MoT issues can stem from faults in the emissions control system, so it’s worth seeking assistance sooner rather than later.