A check engine light is a warning sign indicating an engine or exhaust system issue. Most people face this issue due to the lack of maintenance and don’t even know what to do if this warning appears in their Jeep.
Don’t worry; I got you. I will help you by telling you all the causes of this issue and how to resolve them. Read the full article to find out more about the Jeep check engine light and its costs.
What is the Meaning of Jeep Check Engine Light?
When a Jeep’s onboard diagnostic system (OBD-II) notices an engine or emissions system issue, a warning signal called the “check engine light” will flash on the dashboard. The light typically has an engine-like form and is yellow or orange. When the check engine light illuminates, a problem code that may be read by a diagnostic tool is present in the vehicle’s computer. The fault code might assist in locating the precise issue that is turning on the light. With a Jeep, problems with the oxygen sensor, fuel system, ignition system, or emissions control system are frequently to blame for a check engine light. It’s crucial to get the problem identified and fixed straight away.
What causes the engine light to come on in a Jeep?
When you see your engine light come on, it is a very simple process to resolve if you decode the encryption. Still, you have to take it seriously as it can become a big serious issue if not resolved. There are two types of engine light glow; one is a constant glow which means a less serious or small issue, but if you see an engine light flashing, it means your engine has some serious issue, so you must resolve it immediately. The experts recommend it if you see flashing engine lights, then don’t drive your Jeep and arrange a Jeep service right away.
Here are the most common reasons for the Jeep engine light to come on given below.
- Broken or loose Gas Cap
- O2 Sensor
- Dead or Low Battery
- Aftermarket Parts
- Leak Vacuum
- Bad Catalytic Converter
- New Spark Plug
- Mass Airflow Sensor
Broken or loose Gas Cap
Jeep gas caps that are loose, broken, or missing are one of the more frequent and widespread causes of this problem. The gas cap prevents toxic gas emissions when the vehicle is not operated. Still, when you have a faulty Gas cap, then it results in fuel evaporation that affects the fuel average. You can discover this issue in your Jeep if your engine light expeditiously turns on after filling the gas in your vehicle’s tank. You can replace the old or broken gas cap to resolve this issue. This can also cause your vehicle not to start after getting gas.
O2 Sensor
Another reason behind the engine light coming on is a faulty Oxygen sensor, also known as the O2 sensor. The purpose of this device is to determine the level of oxygen present in your exhaust system.
Your vehicle’s onboard computer uses the O2 sensor to determine the amount of air and fuel entering your engine’s cylinders. Suppose there is excessive oxygen in your Jeep’s exhaust system; then, the fuel will burn more quickly. It will affect your Jeep’s fuel economy. A faulty O2 sensor will also damage your Jeep’s catalytic converter and spark plugs.
Dead or Low Battery
A dead or low battery can also be a reason for your Jeep’s check engine light to come on. A good battery is essential for a properly working vehicle; without it, a car won’t even start. It can also be the cause of faulty interior lights or alarm keep going off. Now we have advanced technology batteries that don’t need any maintenance to work well, so this issue is no longer a problem in vehicles.
Aftermarket Parts
Your Jeep’s engine light may come on when there’s any issue with the aftermarket parts of your vehicle. Suppose you don’t install these aftermarket parts correctly; In that case, it may result in battery draining, lead to the vehicle not starting the issue, or trigger the check engine light. If you want to install aftermarket parts and accessories, then it’s good to go with the original equipment manufacturer’s parts. These OEM parts are costly but save your vehicle from significant damage.
Leak Vacuum
All Jeeps are equipped with a vacuum system that works a variety of functions, including lowering harmful emissions, so you might have a vacuum leak if you notice high RPMs in idle or random surges. Intense heat or extreme cold can cause vacuum hoses to dry out and crack over time. To resolve this system, you have to repair or replace it.
Bad Catalytic Converter
A bad catalytic converter also causes this issue, and the main reason behind its malfunctioning is the negligence of maintenance. It is a component of the Jeep’s exhaust system that works to convert carbon monoxide produced during the combustion into carbon dioxide. This may lead to a lack of engine performance, overheating issues, low fuel economy, and you won’t be able to pass your Jeep’s emissions test.
New Spark Plug
In a vehicle’s combustion chamber, the spark plugs ignite the mixture of air and fuel. The spark plug wires deliver the spark as a result of this explosion, the pistons move, and the engine runs smoothly.
Bad spark plugs or old wires will result in poor performance, engine starting issues, and decreased power. A bad spark plug can also damage the O2 sensor or ignition coil, so this issue must be resolved immediately.
Mass Airflow Sensor
A faulty Mass Airflow sensor can also be a reason behind the Jeep check engine light staying on. Mass airflow sensors in Jeeps measure the amount of air entering the engine to determine how much fuel is needed to run it efficiently.
Additionally, it assists the engine management system to adjust to certain changes, such as altitude changes. The main symptoms of a bad Mass Airflow sensor include idling rough, trouble starting, or sudden change in throttle pedal position. You can replace the faulty sensor with the new one to resolve this.
How to Reset Jeep Check Engine Light?
When the issue that causes the check engine light to turn off is fixed, the light will automatically reset. You can expect your Jeep light to go off after about twenty – forty miles. If you drive beyond that distance and the light is still on, you must contact the professionals so they can double-check the code and light.
Is it Safe to Drive Your Jeep with the Check Engine Light On?
There are many reasons behind a check engine light indicator, from a loose or faulty gas cap to a malfunctioning Mass airflow sensor. It is usually difficult to determine how many miles you can drive with the caution light on since each check engine code has its own intensity level.
Decoding the code and planning your strategy is the best action. If you cannot decode or, after decoding, you find that you can’t resolve the issue, it’s better not to drive the Jeep. It can also affect the other parts. It’s good to contact the professionals.
What does it cost to check the engine light?
It’s important to have the proper code reading and diagnosis done. The check engine light can warn of problems ranging from the loose or bad gas cap to a malfunctioning Mass Air Flow sensor. In most cases, diagnosing and testing a check engine light costs between $80 and $110.
At The End
The check engine light on a jeep is a warning sign of an engine or exhaust system issue. Ignoring this signal can lead to more significant problems. So it is essential to get it checked out as soon as possible. The causes of the check engine light turning on in a jeep may range from a broken or loose gas cap to a faulty mass airflow sensor. Regular maintenance and timely resolution of the issues can keep your Jeep running smoothly and efficiently
Rand Frankey is OffRoadsCare freelance Content Editor. He loves offroad Travelling and bikes, jeeps, and dirk bikes. He will explain all his experience with dirt bikes and offroad vehicles which helps you to make a decision like which vehicle is right for you.
