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.
Common causes of check engine light on Lada Granta
As a rule, a glowing check on the screen can indicate both minor problems and various device errors. The most common reasons for an illuminated check engine light are:
- low quality fuel. This is a fairly common reason why the check engine light comes on. To solve the problem, you need to drain the old gasoline and fill in new one. Then check the indicator panel, and if the check stops lighting, then this was the reason. If the check does not clear, this may indicate that there is another problem;
- malfunction of the fuel pump or fuel filter. In this situation, in addition to the lighted check, there will be problems with starting the engine. Also, a clear symptom will be “floating speed” or “dips” when pressing the accelerator pedal;
- clogged fuel injectors. A very common reason why the check engine light comes on. The problem is solved by cleaning the injectors, but this must be done only in a car repair shop, since a person without experience can only cause harm and completely disable them;
- Air filter contamination. This problem can be solved in the same way as the previous one, by cleaning or replacing the filters;
- ordinary glitches in the operation of electronics. It also happens that there are no significant problems in the car, but the check engine light comes on. In this case, the cause is likely to be short-term and minor malfunctions in the vehicle's electronics. The problem can be solved by removing the terminals from the battery;
- catalyst clogging. The check engine light may also come on if the catalyst is clogged. The problem can be solved by replacing the exhaust system or cutting out the catalyst from it;
- low oil level. If the check engine light comes on while driving, then it is necessary to determine the oil level. In this case, the motor will operate without unnecessary noise or knocking. It is also worth checking the engine housing for leaks;
- faulty spark plugs or high-voltage wires. In the case when the engine is operating properly, the problem lies in the malfunction of the spark plugs. The situation can be corrected by replacing faulty spark plugs and high-voltage wires with new ones;
- problems with the module or coil. If the engine check triples, then the reason for this may be low resistance on the coil. Therefore, it is necessary to measure the resistance on the coil and check for the presence of a spark, then replace it if necessary;
- malfunctions of sensors or their circuits;
- malfunction in the engine control system. It happens that the check light does not indicate the need for diagnostics or repairs. Therefore, sometimes in order to fix a problem it is necessary to simply check the functionality of some components of the car.
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.
What does "Check Engine" mean?
First, a little theory. “Check engine” is translated from English as “check the engine.” From this we can conclude that if a light with this inscription starts to light up, it means that there are some problems with the car’s engine. This is signaled by the ECU (electronic control unit), which determines the quality of the fuel and its consumption, reads the engine speed, controls the ignition, etc. Therefore, for those who do not have at least minimal knowledge in this area, it will be impossible to determine the cause.
Note: if the “Check engine” goes out when you start the engine, then there are no problems with the engine and vice versa. If this is the second case with your car, then you should know that the lamp may be on due to a small problem, or perhaps due to a significant breakdown, which may well lead to a major repair.
conclusions
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.
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.
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.
We use obd2 adapter
Do you have a high-quality diagnostic adapter and the necessary software on hand? Then resetting will not be difficult. What to do if there is no program or diagnostic scanner?
The easiest way out is to buy a scanner from China. Price – 200-300 rubles. The main condition: read reviews about compatibility. Whether he reads your car or not is a lottery.
Once you have the scanner, insert it into the OBD connector to the left of the glove compartment.
The connector is located in an easily accessible location to the left of the glove compartment lid.
Further:
- Download the TorqueLite program to your phone - free version, basic functions work;
- We start the car so that power goes to the adapter and error data appears;
- We turn on Bluetooth on the phone, add a new device in the settings (the adapter will be detected as OBDII);
- Open the Torque program - at the top of the screen there will be messages like Waiting for connection, Checking the CAN protocol, Connected successfully;
- Open the settings – Fault Codes – Show logged faults.
Error code: Malfunction of engines of Lifan walk-behind tractors: we solve it ourselves. Articles
The saved codes will appear on the screen. There, using Clear logged faults, you can reset all errors and the “check” will go out. Not forever - until the problem appears again.
Open settings – Error codes – Show saved ones.
An option close to a scanner is installing an on-board computer. BC:
- Determines the error;
- Will show its code and decryption;
- It will help you reset.
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.
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.
UCH error
The UCH is the central electrical switching unit of the passenger compartment. Designed to connect all connectors and blocks located inside the car. Many installers, for example, of alarms or music, install additional options without disconnecting the power from the battery, which is why when they remove the chip, especially with the ignition on, the computer thinks that there is an open circuit in the system and displays the corresponding error.
The problem can be treated either by deleting the error or resetting it by disconnecting the negative terminal of the 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.
Mass air flow sensor error
The mass air flow sensor is also one of the most common faults in a fuel-injected car. More precisely, not the sensor itself, but the system under its control. The MAF is designed to estimate the amount of air passing to the air filter.
When the filter becomes clogged, the sensor begins to produce too little air, which leads to an error, since the monitored parameter is below the set value. Replacing the air filter will help eliminate the cause of the check.
Diagnostics
To decipher the error codes that appear, it is necessary to diagnose the vehicle. The machine can be checked in several ways. We will talk about them further.
Car Lada Granta sedan
Diagnostics with a scanner
To check using a scanner, you need to connect the on-board computer “State X1” to the tester or laptop using a diagnostic cable. The scanner or laptop must be equipped with software designed specifically for diagnostics. In our article we will look at an example with the KWP_D program.
In addition to this utility, you will also need to find a specialized OBD-II adapter. It is necessary in order to transfer information from the bookmaker to the laptop via USB output. The diagnostic connector is located next to the gearbox selector, under the cover. You need to connect a scanner to it.
The Check lamp indicates possible breakdowns of the battery
When the program is installed, when you connect, you will see that a COM output with a specific number has appeared in the system. This number will need to be reassigned to any of the four - 1-4. When this is done, the laptop needs to be connected to the bk, then start the ignition and turn on the software.
As you know, any car engine has its own characteristics that determine its operation. If these characteristics differ from the standard ones, it means that something is wrong with the engine. The first point to pay attention to is the DTC characteristic. If malfunctions are detected in the BC system, then open the “Error codes” tab and find the number along with the decoding. Please note: everything will be fine with your Lada Granta if the measured characteristics do not differ from the standard ones by more than 20%.
Diagnostics without a scanner
Checking a car without a scanner is not a difficult task at all. The disadvantage of such diagnostics is that it does not always allow you to identify all errors in the operation of the car:
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.
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.
Ignition system malfunction
Misfires. Depending on the car model, this parameter can be controlled in two ways: the first is the most common, a knock sensor, which detects such phenomena and transmits them to the ECU. The second is a less accurate crankshaft position sensor.
The second method determines misfires based on crankshaft distortions that occur when the engine operates unevenly on three cylinders. Sometimes such distortions can occur for mechanical reasons, and the ECU only tells you where to look for the problem.
Another problem is worn or dirty spark plugs that are unable to ignite the mixture. Because of this, gasoline enters the exhaust system, where it is successfully “picked up” by the oxygen sensor, appearing on the instrument panel in the form of a check.
In all cases, increased fuel consumption is observed, and the cause can only be eliminated by cleaning or replacing the spark plugs. In some cases, the ignition module itself will require replacement.
Something else about the crankshaft position sensor. Without this device, the controller will not be able to determine the top dead center of the cylinder. If it is faulty, the check will light up and the engine will not start, since it “does not know” at what point to inject fuel. This is another reason why the check light on the Lada Grant is on.
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!
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.
You can reset the u0100 error on a Lada Granta with an automatic transmission using the built-in control system; for this you need to:
- Start the engine and let it warm up to operating temperature.
- Turn off the engine.
- Disconnect the battery terminals for 20 minutes.
- Reconnect the terminals.
- Turn the ignition key to position No. 2 and wait 2 minutes.
- Turn the key to its original position (position – “0”).
Error on Lada Granta panel
In this case, there is no need to flash the “brains” of the car. Firmware for the Lada Granta automatic will most likely not help in solving this problem, so you should look for another reason.
In addition to this error, owners of domestic cars may encounter code p0504. Error p0504 on the Granta automatic is a consequence of a faulty brake pedal sensor. As a rule, a spring fails, which could break, as a result of which the contact pad of the sensor does not return to its original position.
This breakdown can be eliminated in the following way - adjust the position of the sensor itself using a special nut that secures it.
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.
Floating engine speed
Engine speed problems can easily be identified by looking at the tachometer. Stable operation of the power unit at idle should not exceed 850 rpm. A small spread of 750 to 850 rpm is allowed. If the tachometer needle jumps chaotically—it goes down, then it goes up—there is a malfunction. This is a fairly common problem, and it is easy to identify why the speed of the Lada Granta is floating. It is enough to listen to the engine running - with unstable idle speed, the noise either decreases or increases.
The floating speed is also indicated by a characteristic vibration that will either subside or increase, transmitted through the engine compartment.
Why are the revs jumping?
The cause of the problem is the specifics of regulating the operation of the power unit at idle by the control unit. It continuously reads data about the status of various engine systems from sensors. If the idle speed becomes unstable, the sensors are given a command to correct the functioning of the system.
A malfunction of the mass air flow sensor may be one of the causes of the problem. During operation, it becomes covered with a thin oil film, the formation of which will certainly lead to breakdown. When excess air is sucked through the inlet into the cylinders, idle speed is disrupted. As a result, the air flow sensor transmits incorrect information to the ECU about the excessive consumption of incoming air. The failure is displayed on the dashboard - a “check”, or engine error, lights up on the screen of the Lada Granta’s on-board computer. In this case, the control unit commands the valves to admit more fuel into the cylinders and equalize the ratio of air and gasoline to prepare the optimal mixture. As a result, the speed increases sharply, and the ECU realizes that there is too much fuel and gives the command to limit the supply. As a result, the speed drops sharply.
IAC (idle air control) can also cause jumps in engine speed, in which case a “check” will light up on the dashboard. The regulator is an electric motor with a cone-shaped needle. Its direct purpose is to adjust and maintain stable idle speed. A faulty regulator stops working normally, and the engine, left without it, begins to randomly increase or decrease speed.
Unstable idle may be caused by a problem with the oil pan ventilation valve. Engine operation is accompanied by the release of gases that accumulate in the pan. If there is a large amount of crankcase gases, they are discharged through the ventilation system through the intake manifold to the throttle assembly. With their help, part of the air-fuel mixture is formed in the combustion chambers. If the valve loses its normal throughput, then less gases enter to enrich the mixture, and the speed begins to float.
The throttle valve may not properly regulate the air pressure entering the combustion chambers. The cause of the problem is an oil film on the walls. The damper drive may also be faulty, causing the speed to involuntarily increase and decrease.
Methods for eliminating floating speed
Any cause of idle fluctuations can be neutralized in the following ways:
- Excessive air leak. The intake system needs to be checked for leaks. You can treat the hoses with WD liquid - there is a crack in the place where it instantly evaporates. You cannot seal it with tape or tape; only replacing it with a new part will help.
- IAC breakdown. The serviceability of the idle air control can be checked with a multimeter by measuring the resistance. If the readings are between 40 and 80 ohms, the regulator must be replaced.
- Malfunction of the oil sump ventilation valve. You can get to the part only after removing the pallet. The valve is dismantled, thoroughly washed in gasoline or kerosene and, after drying, installed in its place.
- Problem with DMRV. If the mass air flow sensor fails, it cannot be repaired; it can only be replaced with a new part.
- Problems with the throttle valve. If the problem is incomplete closure, the throttle assembly can be washed, for example, with carburetor cleaning fluid or the like.
It is quite easy to fix problems associated with floating engine speeds on your own, especially when you have minimal skills and experience. If you think that you cannot cope with such work, it is better to contact a service station.