Have you seen a check engine light come up on your bike’s dashboard?
Don’t get confused. It means your bike needs your attention immediately. The light on the dashboard may be due to a temporary fault or a serious issue inside your bike. This blog will help you quickly understand the causes and fixes of a motorcycle check engine light.
It will quickly provide you with a comprehensive understanding of how to resolve the problem.
What Is the Check Engine Light on a Motorcycle?
The Check Engine Light (CEL) is a small warning sign that lights up on your bike’s dashboard to tell you something is wrong with the engine. It can appear for many reasons—such as poor power supply to the engine, faulty sensors, ignition system issues, battery problems, or spark plug faults.
Sometimes, the cause is small, like dirt or debris on a sensor or worn-out sensor wiring. In other cases, a bad fuel filter or fuel pump can also trigger the warning.
Common Causes of Motorcycle Check Engine Light and Fixes
1. Loose or Damaged Fuel Cap
Sometimes, the bike’s gas cap becomes loose, which sends a signal to the ECU that there might be a fuel leak. This can be one of the causes of the dashboard check engine light.
Fix
- Checking to see if the gas cap is loose will help you resolve this problem at home.
- If the cap is old or damaged and causing a leak, replace it with a new one.
2. Low or Bad Engine Oil
Sometimes, oil leakage can lower the engine’s oil level, and the engine will warn you through the check engine light on the dashboard. The warning light may also illuminate due to old or unclean engine oil.
Fix
- Use the oil level window or dipstick to check the engine oil level. Fill up the oil if it’s below the appropriate level.
- Secondly, check the condition of the oil to make sure it’s still clean and of good quality. To safeguard your engine, make sure to change the oil right away if it’s not in good condition.
3. Faulty Oxygen Sensor (O₂ Sensor)
Sometimes, the oxygen sensor, which is located near the exhaust manifold, can get dirty or outdated. This sensor helps the ECU regulate the fuel and air mixture by measuring the amount of oxygen in the exhaust. When it stops working properly, the check engine light may appear on your bike’s dashboard. Over time, the sensor can get clogged or covered in carbon buildup.
Fix
- You can clean the oxygen sensor first. If it works well after cleaning, then you’re good to go.
- If it still doesn’t work, replace it with a new one, and then check if the check engine light has turned off or not.
4. Battery or Charging Issues
Sometimes, the battery terminals become loose. Check if they are tight and properly connected. Also, check if the battery cells are storing current and if the battery is in good condition. Problems may arise from a dead or weak battery.
In certain instances, the dashboard check engine light may also be activated by a malfunctioning alternator. A bad battery or alternator can cause poor electrical supply to the ECU, which is why the check engine light appears on the dashboard.
Fix
- Check if the battery terminals are tight and secure. Also, inspect the battery wiring to see if it’s in good condition. If the wiring is damaged, replace it.
- If everything else seems fine, consider getting the alternator checked or tuned. If the alternator has been used for a long time or is faulty, you may need to replace it.
5. Faulty or Bad Spark Plug
A bad spark plug can cause the check engine light to turn on on the dashboard. It is one of the most common reasons for the light to appear. When dirt or carbon builds up on the spark plug, it can’t produce the small spark of electricity needed to start and run the engine properly. Consequently, the ECU activates the check engine light to alert you to a problem.
Fix
- Clean the spark plugs if they have dirt on them.
- Replace them with new ones if they are worn out or outdated.
6. Throttle sensor blockage
Modern bikes have multiple sensors, and one of the most important is the throttle position sensor.
Over time, it can get clogged or dirty, which may cause the check engine light to turn on.
Fix
- Thoroughly cleaning the throttle sensor can fix the problem.
- If the check engine light is on due to throttle issues, a clean sensor will often turn the light off.
