Etios Preheating Lamp Issue

Sounds like a classic preheating unit problem. The symptoms you're describing – persistent preheating lamp, check engine light, and smoke – all point in that direction. You mention checking the connections; did you inspect them for corrosion or damage? Sometimes, even a tiny bit of corrosion can disrupt the signal. Like a loose wire in a Christmas tree light string, one bad connection can cause the whole system to fail.

Thanks for the quick reply. I did look for obvious corrosion, but I'll take a closer look. Is there a reliable way to test the preheating unit itself, or the wiring, to pinpoint the fault before I start replacing parts? I have a multimeter, but I'm unsure of the correct procedure and expected values.

Testing the unit itself can be tricky without the proper diagnostic tools. Since you've already noticed the symptoms and suspect a connection issue, and given the mileage, it might be worth having a mechanic take a look. It's like trying to diagnose a network problem by only looking at the cable – sometimes you need to check the router, too. It's probably a defective preheating unit. If the repair cost is around 95€, it's likely just a defective part or a faulty connection.

Thanks for the advice. I took it to a local mechanic, and you were spot on. It turned out to be a corroded connector on the preheating control unit. They cleaned and re-seated the connector, and everything is back to normal now. The bill came to 95€, just as you predicted. I appreciate the help!