Unexplained warning light

[AudiMan9000]

Family member has a 2021 MX-30. It has an unexplained amber warning light with the words “Engine Malfunction.Have the Vehicle Inspected”. Under warranty but can’t get an appointment with Mazda for a good few weeks.

Any idea what it might be?

Is it safe to drive in the mean time?

I tried making sure the petrol cap was screwed shut properly and that the washer fluid was topped up.

[Hammer67]

If it were mine, I`d plug in a cheap code reader.

[AudiMan9000]

Hammer67 said:

If it were mine, I`d plug in a cheap code reader.

We don’t have one

[E-bmw]

AudiMan9000 said:

I tried making sure the petrol cap was screwed shut properly and that the washer fluid was topped up.

I am totally amazed that they didn't fix it, they always work for me.

[E-bmw]

Basically if it is an ENGINE malfunction I am going to guess the issue will be with the engine rather than the washer bottle/fuel cap.

It could be any one of around 2000 things, so until it is plugged into a code reader we have 100% no way of even guessing.

[AudiMan9000]

E-bmw said:

Basically if it is an ENGINE malfunction I am going to guess the issue will be with the engine rather than the washer bottle/fuel cap.

It could be any one of around 2000 things, so until it is plugged into a code reader we have 100% no way of even guessing.

Thanks. So should he avoid driving it? Or is that overkill given it’s only amber and not red.

[LunarOne]

E-bmw said:

Basically if it is an ENGINE malfunction I am going to guess the issue will be with the engine rather than the washer bottle/fuel cap.

It could be any one of around 2000 things, so until it is plugged into a code reader we have 100% no way of even guessing.

It could actually be the fuel cap not being fitted tightly, or even an old cap leaking air in. This is a very common cause of the MIL/check engine/engine fault light coming on, as the car's evaporative emissions control system won't work properly with a leak in the system.

But yes, it could be a multitude of other things, some being serious, some not so serious. The OP's response of "we don't have one" to the suggestion of getting a cheap code reader is particularly pathetic. They are cheap and very easily obtained, and you can use any phone or tablet to look at the data and it will tell you exactly why the engine light is on. Other common scenarios - long term fuel trims out of whack could indicate a failed O2 sensor in the exhaust. Or perhaps a fouled spark plug or bad coil pack is causing occasional misfires on one or more cylinders. If the count exceeds a certain value, the light will come on. But it could be thousands of things. I'd want to find out ASAP. Any garage will scan your car either for free or for a small fee. Doesn't have to a Mazda dealer. I'd continue to do short journeys but I'd want to find the cause before going on a longer journey.

Code scanner module at just over £10:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Scanner-Adapter-Android-W...

The use an app on your phone like Torque or OBD Fusion for or pay a few pounds for more functions.

Or get an all-in-one solution for not much more:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/MOTOPOWER-MP69038-Scanner...

[Nickp82]

Mazdas have three years roadside I think? Worth a call to see if they can get it looked at

[Pica-Pica]

If you were being advised to not drive it at all, I would expect the warning to be red, not amber.

[AudiMan9000]

Pica-Pica said:

If you were being advised to not drive it at all, I would expect the warning to be red, not amber.

They didn’t advise that.

[TVRees]

AudiMan9000 said:

So should he avoid driving it? ..........

He should buy a code reader, as already mentioned here a few times.

[anonymous-user]

Buy a coder reader. They're cheap and very handy.

[littleredrooster]

[quote=AudiMan9000]Family member has a 2021 MX-30... /[quote]
It's still under warranty surely? Back to the dealer pronto.

[Krikkit]

littleredrooster said:

AudiMan9000 said:

Family member has a 2021 MX-30...

It's still under warranty surely? Back to the dealer pronto.

AudiMan9000 said:

Family member has a 2021 MX-30. It has an unexplained amber warning light with the words “Engine Malfunction.Have the Vehicle Inspected”. Under warranty but can’t get an appointment with Mazda for a good few weeks.