What Does the Stop Engine Light Mean? (Explained)

Checking engine light is very important as it indicates internal failure inside the vehicle as well as it also gives signs that the vehicle needs immediate assistance.

Therefore, users should never ignore the engine light signals and make sure that they always check on the light before starting their vehicle. Otherwise, the internal malfunction can even create dangerous situations on the road.

However, some people get in a dilemma about what does the stop engine light actually means. Therefore, in this article, we are going to discuss what does the stop engine light means.

What does the stop engine light mean?

The stop engine light means there is an abnormality inside the engine which is going to affect the engine. Normally the internal sensors detect the abnormality inside the engine and then light up the stop engine light. The engine light is constantly turned on and off indicates internal failure.

Well, the engine shutdown light being turned on indicates many problems but most of them are based on internal failures. Stop engine light failures depend on the model of the vehicle.

Because in some models stop engine light is turned on indicates that there is a leak inside the vacuum system inside the vehicle. Sometimes it also indicates that there can be a loose wire inside the engine or any other part around the engine.

Well, in some models like Peterbilt, the red stop engine being turned on is a common problem. In addition, in Peterbilt, there can be different types of problems for which the red stop engine has been turned on.

For example, if the red stop engine light turns on that means there is a problem in the sensors or when the sensors don’t work properly. Also, it indicates that there is a coolant problem inside the engine that means the coolant is lower in the engine and needs to be refilled soon.

These are the common types of internal failures for which the engine shutdown light will go on or off.

For other types of models, the red stop engine light indicates that there is a problem with the temperature sensor for which the engine shutdown light will be turned on.

Also, in the case of the trucks, the red stop engine light will glow due to internal malfunction for which it has another name that is malfunction light. The stop engine light going on in the case of the big trucks can indicate different sorts of problems.

For example, the stop engine light can indicate the engine being overheated or there can be a problem with the injector. Also, wiring problems or a faulty sensor can also be the reason behind the stop engine being turned on.

Therefore, always check the coolant level before you land your big truck on the road.

Below we have discussed what stop engine light actually means on different models of vehicle:

Stop Engine Light on Peterbilt:

Stop engine light on Peterbilt actually means that there is a serious internal malfunction for which the engine shutdown light turns on. Mainly the problem occurs if there is any faulty sensor inside the vehicle.

Also, wiring problems or temperature sensor problems can also be the main reason for which the engine shutdown light turns on.

Freightliner Stop Engine Light:

In most cases, the Freightliner stop engine light turns on or off for no cause. Also, sometimes the coolant being low in level or the sensor problems can cause the Freightliner stop engine light to be turned on.

Actually, the faulty sensors above the emission system are the main reason for which the Freightliner stop engine light will be turned on.

Kenworth Red Stop Engine Light:

Red stop engine light being turned on Kenworth can indicate internal malfunctions like the coolants being turned off or there is a loosened gas cap.

Sometimes the red stop engine light is turned on also indicates that there is a faulty sensor or there is a wiring problem.

Ford Stop Engine Light:

Stop engine light being turned on Ford indicates that there is a loosened gas cap or there is a vacuum leak. Also, the stop engine light is turned on also indicates that there is a faulty sensor that controls airflow.

The main cause behind these problems is the low fuel ratio, moving on one gear and then losing power, etc.

Cummins Stop Engine Light:

Well, in the case of the Cummins, the stop engine light actually indicates that there is a problem with the coolant level. Well, if the oil or coolant level is very much low then it can cause the stop engine light to turn on.

Stop Engine Light on International Truck:

Well, in the case of the international truck there can be different reasons for which the stop engine light is turned on. Sometimes the engine light can be turned on due to problems with the sensors.

Also, there can be a problem with temperature sensors for which most of the time the stop engine light is turned on International Truck. Other reasons can be due to the low level of fuel or coolants, loosened gas cap, or wiring problems.

What causes the stop engine light to come on and how to fix it?

There are many reasons for which the stop engine light turns on mostly due to internal failures. There can be external failures but they are considered minor problems.

Therefore, down below we have discussed all the problems that can cause the stop engine light to turn on and how to fix them:

Faulty sensors:

Faulty sensors can be one of the main reasons for the stop engine light is turned on. It is one of the common problems among all models.

Sometimes the stop engine light can turn on due to a faulty temperature sensor or the sensor above the emission. If you want to fix it then you have to replace the faulty sensor and place a new one.

Coolant levels are low:

This is one of the common problems that occur in every model. Due to this the stop engine light constantly goes on or off.

Therefore, you should keep the level of the coolant of the engine always up so that it doesn’t cause any serious issues when you are on the road.

Regen issue:

One of the main problems for which the stop engine light goes on is because of the dirty filter placed during regen. This can cause serious problems later and it also forces the stop engine light to be turned on.

Therefore, always check if your mechanic has placed any dirty or old filter during regeneration.

Can I keep driving with the stop engine light on?

Well, you shouldn’t keep driving with the stop engine light being turned on. Because the stop engine light actually means that there is an internal malfunction in your vehicle.

The problem can be a minor problem or a major problem, but you shouldn’t avoid these sorts of problems as this problem can cause bigger problems later. Therefore, you should always check if the stop engine light is turned on or off before you head onto the road.

Stop engine light on during regen, what to do?

Stop engine light during regen means that there is an old or dirty filter placed during regen. Therefore, the stop engine light is turned on.

The faulty filter can cause huge problems later, therefore, you should always check on the filter when you take your vehicle to the mechanic for regen. If the mechanic placed a faulty filter then you should make him change that filter or else your stop engine light will be turned on.

Can you disable a stop engine light?

Well, it is not something that anyone would recommend. Disabling a stop engine light means you are ignoring the internal failures that will happen in the future which needs your early assistance.

However, if you want to disable the stop engine light then you can try removing the bulb or disabling the fuse. Otherwise, you can take your vehicle to the service center and they will do the rest of the work for you.

Final Thoughts:

Stop engine light being turned on actually indicates that there is an internal failure inside your vehicle which can be a wiring problem, faulty sensor problem, the coolant level is low problems, etc. But, you should solve this as soon as possible as it can cause big engine problems in your vehicle.

Steve Summers

I am an automotive enthusiast and have been interested in cars since I was a little kid. I have worked in the automotive industry for many years and have extensive knowledge of vehicles and their engines. I am a father of two and I love spending time with my family.