Reasons your amber or orange engine management light (EML) is on

The engine management light (EML) is an important dashboard symbol. If illuminated, it may indicate that your car has a problem that could result in a break down or an MOT failure. 

Also known as a 'check engine light' or 'engine warning light', the EML may indicate that your vehicle's engine has a serious fault. In some cases, the EML will be accompanied by other car dashboard warning lights. 

It's important that you do not ignore the engine management light. 

In this guide, we give you the know how to identify common engine management light (EML) causes and solutions. 

What does the amber or orange engine management light (EML) mean?

The EML will usually illuminate when you start the vehicle and then switch off after a few seconds. However, if the EML stays on or starts flashing then it may indicate an issue with either the engine itself or one of the systems that links to it.

Your car's dashboard has a range of lights and notifications but the engine management light or EML is very important.

All drivers who see the EML light should call for a mobile mechanic or take their vehicle to a trusted local garage as soon as possible to carry out the necessary repairs.

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Can I drive with the amber or orange engine management light (EML) on?

While you can typically drive whilst your engine light is on, we'd strongly recommend getting a mechanic to look at your car as soon as possible.

Continuing to drive with this light on will likely lead to further damage to the engine and the surrounding systems.

If the light is flashing then this suggests a more serious issue and you should get have the vehicle inspected by a qualified professional.

What causes the amber or orange engine management light (EML) to come on?

Modern vehicles are complicated, with many electrical components that feed into the engine and drivetrain – and sometimes they can have issues or faults.

Here are a few common problems to watch out for.

1. Catalytic converter

This catalytic converter controls the emissions coming from the vehicle. If it fails or has a connection issue, the catalytic converter will cause the engine management light to appear on your dashboard. This can be caused by carbon deposits, which build up inside the catalytic converter over time. If catalytic converter problems are ignored, it can cause overheating, reduced fuel economy, poor acceleration and a break down.

2. Ignition system

Issues with the ignition system can include problems with spark plugs, ignition coils or any other part of the starter motor of the vehicle. There are also several electrical systems that feed into this part of the vehicle. If not addressed, it may result in a break down or problems with starting the vehicle. 

3. Clutch

If your clutch is slipping, or sensors within the gear system are faulty, then you will see the engine management light. Symptoms of a clutch problem include difficultly shifting gears, vibrations from the gearbox and/or grinding noises when you depress the clutch. If ignored, a slipping clutch could result in gearbox damage and/or generate a large amount of heat that may affect the engine or other parts of the vehicle.  

4. Engine misfire

Some parts of the engine can overheat, leading to an engine misfire – or a sudden juddering engine. This will make the engine management light appear on the dashboard. Engine misfire can be linked to a number of problems, which range from spark plug issues to head gasket leaks. Whatever the cause, get it checked otherwise it may result in serious engine damage. 

5. Faulty sensors

Although the four points above all come with sensors – there are many more installed across the vehicle. If these are linked to major parts of the engine or electrical system, then it will cause the light to come on. Any faulty sensor can result in a serious mechanical failure, so always get it fully investigated before it results in a break down.

6. Other potential causes

Some other faulty parts that can cause the light to illuminate include mass airflow (MAF) sensor faults, EGR valve issues, diesel particulate filter (DPF) problems, fuel injector faults and issues with teh AdBlue system.

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How to reset engine management light (EML)

In most cases, the engine management light (EML) will reset itself after the issue has been resolved.

Most modern vehicles will have an on-board computer that constantly analyse the state of the engine and electrical systems – and will inform the driver of anything that they will need to address.

If there are no issues, then the light should turn off by itself. However, in some cases, the EML may remain on – but this may be due to the original fault still causing issues, or a new one appearing.

The best thing to do is to book a mobile mechanic for a car diagnostic. 

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Will the RAC come out for a amber or orange engine management light (EML) issue?

If you can see the engine management light (EML) appear on your dashboard, then the RAC can help.

For drivers who are unsure on what to do next, call for a mobile mechanic. They will carry out a vehicle diagnostic check on your vehicle to see if the engine management system has any faults.

If any repairs are needed to resolve the issue, they will either provide a report on the problem for you to keep – or they can carry out the work.

Should the problem need to be resolved in a trusted local garage, then they will suggest you to visit them, and what is needed to get your vehicle back out on the road.

Is a amber or orange engine management light (EML) an MOT failure?

Yes, if a car has its engine management light (EML) on it is classed as a major fault and will result in an MOT failure.

If you own an older or classic car, it may not be subject to an EML inspection during its MOT test.

For example, diesels that were registered before 1 July 2008 and petrols that were registered before 1 July 2003 are exempt from the EML part of the MOT.

Learn more about why the MOT and knowing what your EML mean are important.

What is a red engine warning light?

A red engine warning light is a serious dashboard warning that indicates a potentially significant problem with your vehicle’s engine or related systems.

Unlike the amber engine warning light, which may allow you to continue driving cautiously, a red dashboard warning light generally means that you should stop as soon as it is safe and possible to do so.

The exact meaning can range on a variety of factors, so checking the car owner’s manual is essential.

Some possible causes may include:

• Low engine oil
• Low oil pressure
• Overheating
• Major engine fault

Call for a mobile mechanic or visit a trusted local garage as soon as possible.

Can I drive with a red engine warning light on?

No – you should stop driving as soon as safe and possible to do so. This is because it is a major engine fault and could be dangerous and cause further damage to the vehicle.