Mazda CX-5 “Vehicle System Malfunction”: What Does It Mean?

When you notice a warning light on your dashboard, it usually signifies something is wrong with the car. Car operators and drivers should not neglect any signal, whether it's a minor or complex problem.

Vehicle system malfunction message highlights

• Common reasons:vacuum pump issues, oil pump problems, other engine-related things
• How to fix:there are no DIY fixes for this issue
• Possible consequences:engine may fail, you may lose brakes
• Priority level:High
• Can you drive?Not recommended
• DIY repair:Impossible
• Repair price range:$250-$550

Vehicle System Malfunction in your Mazda SUV

Recently, some users of Mazda CX-5 have complained about their dashboards displaying one orange exclamation mark in a triangle, accompanied by a "Vehicle System Malfunction" error message.

Naturally, you can link the error message to various mechanical faults. Since many problems can be attributed to the error message, it is thus imperative to understand what the error message is about and the possible ways to resolve it. You may think it's just a minor issue like a faulty plug, but you can't be so sure until you find out.

This article will examine what this technical issue is all about and how you can fix it without causing delays the next time you're on the road. Also, this article will entail other tips that will help you avoid further damage to your Mazda CX-5.

It will also entail what causes the "Vehicle System Malfunction" and how you can fix it yourself. Consider this self-guide article a manual that will help you understand more about your auto and why you should pay attention to even the slightest thing about it.

What does it mean when the "Vehicle System Malfunction" indicator light is ON?

There are three different ways to this error message; the indicator light can occasionally be flashing, stay steady, or blink at all times on your dashboard.

In the case of the light flashing occasionally, this points to a temporary malfunction in the car's engine. Hence, as a driver, you must not neglect this warning because it might get worse after some time. In some cases, the crank can get damaged; when that happens, you will neither be able to fix the issue nor avoid future errors. You may have to get a new engine for your automobile.

If the warning is steady, there's a high probability that the emission or ignition system is affected. If you do not know how to fix this, it's best to take it to a specialist mechanical engineer (specialized on Mazda vehicles). Other times, the steady indicator light may be a false alarm and not a severe problem. It may be due to poor fuel quality in your car, an indication of a loose gas cap, or a disconnected plug.

The third type of signaling is when the "Vehicle System Malfunction" light flashes at all times. Constant flashing is by far the most complicated of the three. It may be a more complex fault when the indicator light blinks repeatedly. It generally refers to a defect in the engine, especially when other indicator lights (such as oil level indicators or coolant temperature warning lights) are simultaneously ON.

If not attended to immediately, it may cause more severe damage to the engine. It may also lead to the catalytic converter overheating and causing fire to break.

What part of the Mazda CX-5 vehicle can be affected when the "Vehicle System Malfunction" warning comes up on your dashboard?

Different car parts may be affected when the error message pops up on your dashboard. The technical error message is a critical warning, signaling to a driver that there is a problem with the engine control system, the engine, or the vehicle's emission control system.

Bearing this in mind, no driver should take the error message as unimportant or neglect it and continue with the journey. Eventually, the malfunction may get complicated and affect other vehicle parts. Immediately on your Mazda CX-5 dashboard, you must check the possible sources of the problem or call for professional help.

What to do?

Immediately after you notice this error message on your dashboard, stop the car and turn off the engine. First, open the hood and see if the wires are intact, especially the plug wire.

Also, if other indicator lights turn ON simultaneously as the "Vehicle System Malfunction" light, you must turn off the engine immediately. If you notice any strange smell or noises from the engine, the driver must turn the engine off to avoid further damage.

In extreme cases, you may see smoke, leading to a fire outbreak. After the engine has been turned OFF, go to a nearby auto repair shop and call for help. They'll either diagnose the vehicle at that spot or tow it to their repair shop for further assessment before providing a solution.

It may sound funny, but sometimes, all your needs at that time could be a software update under warranty. When you get to the mechanic shop, the mechanic can do this in two hours, and you will have your car cleaned up after the repair.

Otherwise, you can use the On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) II device/scan tool with fleet monitoring software. Using OBD II will let you know the cause of the mechanical fault. With that, you can locate the problem and fix it yourself without going to the mechanic shop.

If, however, you have no idea how to correct the fault, the OBD II device test result will aid your repairer in finding a solution as quickly as possible. The device will read and display diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) that match the "Vehicle System Malfunction" error. After which, the DTC will provide helpful information about the issue that has been detected.

Does the error message disappear automatically?

This error message can get fixed by itself. Some users of Mazda CX-5 have reported that they only pulled over, turned off the engine, and allowed the engine to cool off. After some time, they ignited the car, and the error message was gone.

In a situation like this, the error is likely minimal or just a result of overheating. By the time the engine's temperature goes down, the system resets. The reset will reconfigure the system and allow for automatic correction of whatever is wrong with the car.

In some cases, the error message may not go off immediately but persist for some time before it finally goes. Hence, you may need to give it a little more time to cool down.

Can I continue driving even with the malfunctioning light turned ON?

When you're traveling and still have a long way to go, you might be tempted to continue the journey. Especially if you're in the middle of nowhere and the car hasn't stopped moving yet.

While the issue may be complicated or easy to deal with, you still cannot be sure until you assess the vehicle and see what is wrong with it.

Continuing the journey is unsafe even if you notice no physical issue with the car's mechanics. It is better to pull over, check a few things by yourself, and call for professional help if you cannot fix it.

If you continue the journey, you may cause further damage to the car and get its engine knocked. You may have to pay huge to get your vehicle back to normal again.

How much does it cost to get it fixed?

The price range of getting the Vehicle System Malfunction error fixed may differ from mechanic to mechanic. Also, the cost depends on the severity or complexity of the fault.

However, if your Mazda CX-5 car is insured, you're paying relatively low to fix it. You can get it fixed for $50 or slightly more if it is a minor problem. If the fault is complex, such as affecting the engine, you may have to pay huge to repair the automobile or get a new engine for your ride.

It is advisable to have the OBD scan tool in your car, as this will help you know the source of the problem and what is wrong with your vehicle. With this, you will see the root of the problem. OBD tool will help save your funds and reduce the amount you would have spent to fix your car.

Conclusion

Vehicle System Malfunction error message can display on your dash in the Mazda CX-5 whether it's new or not. However, if you maintain your car well, you can avoid some problems as a driver.

If you check your vehicle well before you leave home in the morning, check the vital parts of the automobile and make sure they are all intact. Even the slightest error in any place may trigger a more complicated fault.

When you see the error message, please do not assume it's a minor issue and neglect. Just pull over, check whatever you can, and if you still cannot fix it, get professional help before your engine or other car parts get irreparably faulty.