That "engine warning" shows that exhaust gas is environmentally "unfriendly", nothing more.

 

Thanks for that, I'll talk to the garage week after next when she goes for the MOT. The light has been on for about 10 years (I've been driving it for the past couple of years since my Mother in Law stopped driving (Phew!)). Year after year it passes the emissions test so it will be interesting to see what they say if I ask them to look into it a bit more.
Cheers

 

To get that light out just disconnect the battery for 5 minutes. Appears again, repeat that "operation", nothing more to do.

 

Is that not the "Malfunction Indicator Light" and the code needs to be read to identify the fault ?

 

Yes, thanks Darrell, I think you are probably right, sounds like a good name for it. Alway told that if this light comes on you should stop driving immediately and call for recovery. As you will have read, it's been on for years!

 

Mil light will illuminate when a component is faulty or puts out an out of range signal to the ECU due to some other fault occurring in the engine electrical system or fueling system. Common causes are exhaust sensors going bad or picking up out of range readings from a fueling fault. Bad camshaft or crankshaft sensors will also set the MIL. You need to put a code reader on the OBD2 socket in the footwell drivers side under the steering wheel and read what codes have been set. Once you have codes then you may have to look at what they mean using the internet to look for a site that lists OBD2 codes for the Suzuki.

If the car passes its emission tests at MOT's then probably not the exhaust sensor. The code reader should be capable of clearing the codes and resetting the MIL. If they clear run the car to see if the MIL returns then read the codes again to see what set it.

If the light has been on for years then you might have a whole list of codes in the memory, if there are might be best to clear them so you start from a blank sheet. If there is a fault it will light the MIL and store a code(s).

You may be right about being gummed up due to its easy life, try giving it a high speed thrash down the M5 to give it a good clear out.

 

Thanks Colbry, I don't have the kit to read the codes but that last bit is good. When I did the 160 mile run up to Lincolnshire we didn't stop, steady 55/60mph and the light went off until I started running around short journeys again after we returned to Gloucester.
I'll see if my friendly garage has the OBD2 reader.
Cheers
Dave

 

switched off when reset, comes back 2nd startup. Have done 300 mile runs and short trips, no diff. EGR valve suspected.

 

*loads the parts cannon and takes aim....*

 

Engine warning light

Guessing what's wrong can get expensive with this. The engine warning light illuminating could be due to a faulty EGR valve or throttle position sensor, or air temperature sensor - most likely it'll turn out to be the exhaust Lambda sensor. A code read should tell you what's what.

 

Hi Alto owners,
I'm new to the forum, usually riding my Honda CTX1300 but I also drive my Mother in Law's Alto 1.0L over here in the UK.
It's nearly 14 years old, current mileage is a little over 24,000 miles so you can see it doesn't do much travelling. She has always used it for short journeys, to church, shopping, visiting people around Gloucester.
She stopped driving a couple of years ago which is why I drive her around now (she's 89 years old, Gloucester roads are a lot safer nowadays!).

The engine warning light has been on for the best part of 7 or 8 years that I know of but there is nothing wrong. It is serviced each year, although with the mileage it could be every 2 or 3 years but for safety reasons I like to get it all checked over during a service.

I noticed that when I did a longer journey, 160 miles non-stop, the engine light went off. After getting home a couple of days later, another 160 miles, it was still off.
A few days of 3 or 4 mile trips it came back on again.

Any ideas why the light might be on? Is it possible that the numerous very short journeys is responsible, something getting bunged up maybe?
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Best wishes
Dave Rose, Gloucester, UK.

Engine warning light

Guessing what's wrong can get expensive with this. The engine warning light illuminating could be due to a faulty EGR valve or throttle position sensor, or air temperature sensor - most likely it'll turn out to be the exhaust Lambda sensor. A code read should tell you what's what.

Guys can you tell me is there engine check light when turning ON the ignition of ALTO 2006 model...(CONFUSED)

 

On with ignition on for a lamp test, off when engine starts