Q: What does the malfunction indicator Warning Light mean?

asked by on January 20, 2016

What does the malfunction indicator Warning Light mean?

The malfunction indicator Warning Light is on your instrument cluster. It illuminates when the On-Board Diagnostics-Second Generation (OBD II) system detects an issue. The OBD II system monitors your vehicle’s emissions. When the malfunction indicator Warning Light is illuminated, it means that the OBD II has noticed that your vehicle is not running as cleanly as it should. If the light is flashing, then the OBD II system has detected a misfire. If the light is solidly illuminated, then the OBD II system has detected an emission control system malfunction.

Tip

Like all warning lights, the malfunction indicator Warning Light will illuminate when the ignition is turned on but the engine is not yet running. You should only be concerned with the malfunction indicator Warning Light if it stays lit after the engine has been turned on.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

Lights on left side of car not working
If the lights on the left side of your car are not working, then there may be one of several electrical problems. Perhaps a bulb has burned out, or a relay has malfunctioned. As this problem is probably electrical in...
Advice on what type of service to do on a car before a road trip
My advice is to stick to one type of oil. In my old cars, I've been using Castrol GTX forever. It's normal and it's not synthetic. I've never had a problem with it, they don't burn out oil and they...
Car struggling to start
The intermittent non starting leads to to a sensor issue. Either the crankshaft position sensor (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/crankshaft-position-sensor-replacement) or the camshaft sensor (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/camshaft-position-sensor-replacement) would cause the symptoms you have described. A qualified technician like the ones at YourMechanic will be able to...
Bank 1 and Bank 2 running lean
If lean faults occur after the manifold was removed and reinstalled, this indicates a vacuum leak (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/is-it-safe-to-drive-with-a-vacuum-leak) which also means that unmetered air is coming into the intake. Either a vacuum line (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/vacuum-hose-s-replacement) or induction pipe is loose, or the...
Engine vibration
Hello, thanks for writing in about your Volkswagen Passat. You should scan the engine computer to see if you are getting a misfire (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/engine-is-misfiring-inspection) code for one of the cylinders. From what you've described you may have a defective coil...
squeaky noise in dashboard while driving
Hi there. Noises can be very difficult to diagnose; especially since it typically needs to be replicated in order to diagnose. I would recommend that you contact one of our mobile mechanics to complete a car is making a noise...
Hi I have a 2012 Subaru Impreza when I got in the car this morning the check engine light was on every light was on blinking so I
Exhaust leaks are a high priority to fix due to the dangers of carbon monoxide. Also, dependent on leak location, exhaust leaks can throw off the proper operation of otherwise good oxygen sensors. To request identification of where the exhaust...
Thank you. Do I need to replace the caliper
Depending on the condition of the rotor and caliper it may or may not need to be replaced. If you are referring to them catching fire when you mention "burning" this would suggest that they may have heated up due...

Related articles

A Buyer’s Guide to the 2012 Ford F-350
With With Ford’s stiffest chassis to date, the 2012 F-350 is one of the most reliable heavy-duty pickup trucks on the market today. With the quiet cabin and plush ride, though, you’ll feel like you’re driving in the comfort of...
A Buyer’s Guide to the 2012 Chevrolet Cruze
Until Until just the past few years, the Toyota Corolla and the Honda Civic were the kings of the compact car class, and domestic manufacturers had almost nothing in the way of competition for these models. With the 2012 Chevrolet...
What Does the Trailer Tow Hitch Warning Light Mean?
The trailer tow hitch light is designed to warn you when there is an issue with your car's tow hitch, possibly that it is unlocked.