An internal combustion engine has many different sensors and computers, all working to monitor the various inputs and outputs of the engine. When something out of the ordinary is detected, the computer alerts the driver.

One of the most common indicators of a fault is the Engine Management Light. You’ve probably seen it at some point, it is a universal shape across almost all car brands. But what exactly does the light mean?

Where is the Engine Management Light and What Does it Look Like?

Each car is slightly different, but the engine management light (EML) will probably display somewhere around your speedometer. It’s a good idea to check where it is, and that it’s working before a fault occurs.

To see the light - and all the other warning lights - turn the car's ignition on, but don’t start it yet, the lights will illuminate as part of the usual starting procedure. Look for this shape:

What Do Different Engine Management Lights Mean

Whilst the shape of the EML is standard, it can appear in different colours and states. These are the likely EMLs you may see:

What Does A Steady Orange Engine Management Light Mean?

A steady orange EML is the least severe kind, it indicates an issue with the engine that should be investigated but does not warrant immediately pulling over and stopping.

If your car has an orange engine warning light lit, get it booked in as soon as possible but it will most likely be fine to complete your journey.

What Does A Flashing Orange Engine Management Light Mean?

A flashing light is usually an indicator of something more serious, if you have an orange, flashing engine management light on your dash, pay close attention to how the car is driving and ideally get it looked at that day. 

Especially avoid driving on dual carriageways or motorways whilst this light is lit, just in case the fault causes a breakdown. Don’t make any unnecessary journeys until the car has been looked at.

What Does A Red Engine Management Light Mean?

Red warning lights almost always indicate a serious fault. If your engine management light is red, stop driving as soon as possible and contact your recovery company. 

Continuing to drive could well compromise your safety and the car's engine. 

What Can Cause the Engine Management Light to Come on?

The EML is a generic fault indicator that can be triggered by many different issues. That said, the most likely cause will be one of the following:

• Incorrect emissions levels - this can be caused by a badly running engine, poor fuel, a clogged air filter and a few other things
• The engine has a misfire - modern cars are great at detecting when an engine isn’t running perfectly, a misfire can be caused by multiple things, including worn-out spark plugs or a faulty ignition coil
• Faulty sensor - Sensors fail over time, common ones that can cause EMLs are lambda sensors, mass air flow sensors, crank sensors, cam sensors
• Issue with DPF - although some cars have a dedicated DPF fault light, yours may illuminate the EML if there's a problem
• Turbo Leaks - if your car is turbocharged, it will have pipes that route the high-pressure air into the engine. If one of these develops a leak, that can affect power and cause an EML

Is the Engine Management Light an MOT Failure?

Yes, if the engine management light illuminates at any point during the MOT test, it will be considered a serious fault and will fail your MOT.

That said, this rule only applies to petrol cars registered after 1st July 2003 and diesel vehicles registered after 1st July 2008.

How Can I Turn off an Engine Management Light?

If your car has an engine management light illuminated, the best thing to do is get the fault investigated and repaired, this will remove the light. 

A diagnostic scan tool can turn off the light, by clearing the fault code in the ECU, but unless the problem is also fixed, the light will come back on within seconds of starting the engine.

To make car repair bills easier, use Bumper’s zero-percent interest car repair finance, and have your car fixed by one of our nationwide approved partners.

Can I Drive My Car with an Engine Management Light on?

Depending on the severity of the fault, indicated by the colour of the EML, you may be able to still drive the car. 

A steady orange light is likely to be a minor issue, so only drive if you absolutely have to, if the light is flashing or red, don’t drive it, and consult a mechanic as soon as possible.

Why Do I Lose Power When the Engine Management Light Comes on?

Whilst they often happen together, the EML won't be the cause of the loss of power, both are a symptom of a different problem. This could be that the car is in limp-home mode due to an engine fault, a turbo pipe leak, or something else.

If your car has lost power, don’t drive any further than necessary, as it could be dangerous. Consult a mechanic as soon as possible. 

Author - Joseph Law

Joseph has been writing about cars for over seven years and writing for Bumper for over two, blending his passion for automobiles with a talent for storytelling.

Joseph has written about engineering and cars for Autozilla, Komaspec, and several engineering manufacturers. When he's not writing or tinkering with one of his cars, Joseph dreams of owning an Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale.