Did you see the check engine light on your Jeep, and you are wondering what the jeep check engine light signifies? If so, Then worry no more because you are at the right place.
The jeep check engine light is an indicator that is commonly misinterpreted. The check engine light is an important aspect of the jeep onboard diagnostics system, shown as “check engine” or an engine symbol.
Sometimes, it can be seen as a union of both. It illuminates in colors such as red, and sometimes it could be amber in color.
As you read further in this article, you will learn everything you need to know about the jeep check engine light, including what it means, what causes it and how to reset the jeep check engine light.
What Does the Jeep Check Engine Light Mean?
The jeep check engine light signifies an issue related to either the Jeep’s emission system, engine, or transmission. Old spark plugs, loose gas cap, and damaged O2 sensors are the frequent issues that cause the jeep check engine light to come on.
In a situation whereby the Jeep electronic control module (ECM), known as the vehicle’s computer, detects an issue it can not solve, a system is programmed to automatically switch the check engine light on.
This could be a symbol or diagram of an engine; it could also be a diagram with a “check” displayed in a yellowish color on the screen.
The ECM stores a trouble code or engine code when the jeep check engine light comes on. This code represents the issue with the engine, be it a failing engine part or a sensor.
An electronic scanner can then be used to read this code to get a clear interpretation. You can get inexpensive code readers if you want to read the code yourself.
However, you will need a professional who understands these codes for a proper diagnosis and possible lasting solution.
Also Read: Oil Smells Like Gas (Causes & Solutions)
What Causes the Check Engine Light to Come On in a Jeep
Whenever the jeep check engine light is on, it can just be that the gas cap needs to be tightened or changed.
Similarly, the light can also be turned on because of a significant complication which can lead to the considerable detriment of the engine and will require a high cost to fix.
The jeep check engine light could come on solid or blink. This is based on the type of structure of the engine.
When the jeep check engine light comes on and is constant, it shows that the issue is not that serious; however, when the light comes up as a glaring light or blinks, this indicates that the vehicle’s engine is in a critical condition and should be attended to straight away.
The following are various issues that could trigger the jeep check engine light.
1. Damaged Spark Plugs or Spark Plug Wires
A spark plug ignites fuel or air inside the combustion chamber of a vehicle. This ignition propels the rods, which allows the engine to work. The spark plug wires carry the spark out of the coil ignition and take it to the spark plug.
When these spark plug wires or spark plug goes bad, it causes a power reduction and performance depreciation. The engine finds it difficult to start and stop working when it comes to the worst-case scenario.
Spark Plug wires and old spark plugs could destroy the oxygen sensor and the ignition coil, which are expensive to fix and bring about a congested catalytic converter. This can trigger the jeep check engine light on a jeep.
2. Problem With Aftermarket Replacement Parts.
Some jeep Aftermarket parts can cause significant problems when not positioned correctly. They can cause damage to batteries and cause the jeep check engine light to come on or prevent the vehicle from starting.
3. A Vacuum Leak
All Jeep possess a vacuum system that carries out a lot of purposes. The vacuum system helps reduce harmful emissions by sucking up excess gasoline fumes as they evaporate through the engine.
A vacuum leak can lead to random RPM rise when driving or idling. Hoses from the vacuum, with time, might get crispy and get broken, especially when it comes in contact with intense high temperatures, and this can cause the jeep check engine light to come on.
4. Loose Gas Cap
The jeep check engine light will often illuminate because of a loose, misplaced, or damaged gas cap. The gas cap performs numerous duties. It averts smoking if the vehicle is not running; it closes the fuel system and also assists in keeping up the force in the tank where the fuel is.
However, When the gas cap is loose or damaged, the gas in the tank evaporates, requiring you to visit a fueling station frequently.
Fortunately, changing the gas cap to solve this problem is cheap, and you can get a new gas cap for your vehicle from various auto parts stores. In a situation where the jeep check engine light comes on before filling your gas tank, examine the gas cap to ensure it is not loose.
5. Low or Dead Battery
Another reason why the jeep check engine light comes on is the vehicle’s low or dead battery. Batteries in vehicles are essential because, in their absence, the car will not respond or start running; you cant even listen to music or even charge your mobile devices.
Compared to years back, the durability of a vehicle’s batteries is higher. It takes a long time before the battery runs down and does not need preserving. Depending on your vehicle’s make and model, the cost of the battery will vary.
6. Faulty O2 Sensor
A faulty o2 sensor on a jeep can cause the jeep check engine light to come on. A damaged oxygen sensor does not affect the number of miles in a jeep; instead, the spark plug and the catalytic converter will be affected.
The O2 sensor helps your vehicle’s onboard computer regulate the mixture of air and fuel that enters the cylinders in your engine.
Also Read: How to Remove O2 Sensor without Socket (Step by Step)
7. Damaged Catalytic Converter
A damaged catalytic converter can cause the jeep check engine light to come on.
Catalytic converters are a major component of the Jeep exhaust system. The catalytic converter aims to change CO, produced through the oxidization process, to CO2. The most common cause of a malfunctioning catalytic converter is improper maintenance.
A damaged catalytic converter will fail the emissions test. This portrays a deficiency of how the engine can perform, which will, in turn, increase your car’s financial cost, like the cost of fuel.
8. Defective Maf Sensor (Mass Airflow Sensor)
The MAF sensor regulates the amount of fuel that will effectively start the engine. This is achieved by measuring how much air enters through the engine.
The MAF sensor assists in adapting to alterations such as altitude as it is a segment of the engine management system. If your Jeep’s throttle pedal suddenly changes location or you have trouble starting it, it might indicate that the MAF is not in good condition, which will cause the jeep check engine light to come on.
How to Reset Jeep Check Engine Light
The first step in resetting the jeep check engine light is to read fault codes from the Engine Control Unit. You can do this yourself with an OBD-II scanner. Here are the steps:
- Find the OBD-II porthole beneath the dashboard and connect the scanner.
- Switch on the ignition but don’t switch on the vehicle engine.
- Switch on your scanner and leave it to interact with your vehicle.
- Choose Read Fault Codes or Read Codes. This is based on the scanner.
- When reading the codes, issues will come up; ensure they are solved, and any necessary replacements are carried out.
- Choose clear fault codes on the main menu. The check engine light will reset if the problems that caused it has been resolved.
P.S After you have connected your OBD-II scanner, write down the codes that show on the screen. For example, a fault code may be shown as P0128 or P0300. You can browse this website to Find out what these codes mean to better resolve the issue.
Check out this video for tips on how to reset jeep check engine light
Jeep Check Engine Light Flashing
If you notice the jeep check engine light flashing, it means that a fault that requires immediate attention has been detected. In addition, the jeep check engine light flashing signifies that the problem is very likely to damage the engine; this could cause a huge problem for the car if not attended to immediately.
A Jeep check engine light flashing could indicate a severe misfiring of the engine, which permits the fuel that is not combusted or properly combusted to pass through the exhaust.
This can cause the catalytic converter temperature to rise rapidly, leading to significant damage and a high cost of fixing.
Some car owners may ask if a bad spark plug could cause the flashing check engine light on a jeep?
Yes, This could happen because an engine could misfire when the spark plug is old, worn out, or faulty.
Frequently Asked Questions – Jeep Check Engine Light
What Does the Engine Light Mean on a Jeep?
The jeep check engine light means that an issue related to either the Jeep’s emission system, engine, or transmission has been detected on the Jeep. Old spark plugs, loose gas cap, and damaged O2 sensors are the frequent issues that cause the jeep check engine light to come on.
Can I Drive My Jeep With a Check Engine Light On?
When the check engine light is on, it signifies a problem that should be attended to instantly. You can drive your Jeep, based on the situation. If it is a slight problem like a loose gas cap, this can permit you to drive, but you will also need to fix it as soon as possible. However, if there’s a change in how the vehicle is performing and you observe it, this can be a significant issue; avoid driving the car until a professional mechanic examines it and possibly fix it.
What Is the Most Common Reason for Check Engine Light?
The most common reason for the check engine light is a faulty o2 sensor. The O2 sensor helps your vehicle’s onboard computer regulate the mixture of air and fuel that enters the cylinders in your engine.
How Serious Is the Check Engine Light?
There’s a significant issue when the check engine light flashes, which indicates you have to stop driving immediately. A continuous flash of the check engine light signifies an issue that could, for instance, cause harm to a catalytic converter or damage the engine.
What Does a Solid Yellow Check Engine Light Mean?
A solid yellow check engine light indicates that you need to immediately check and repair a minor problem. However, When this light flashes, it shows that your vehicle’s engine is not working correctly and needs to be examined as soon as possible.
Why Is My Engine Light On, but Nothing Seems Wrong?
Examine both the steering and the break. If you can not find anything unusual, you can continue driving till you get to where it can be adequately checked. In some cases, it could result from a loose gas cap which might trigger the light to come on after filling your tank. Also, the catalytic converter could be the problem, and it has to be examined.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Your Check Engine Light Checked?
The charge to examine the Check engine’s light and try it out is around $88 to $144. The service is approximately $88 to $144. This excludes the fees and taxes and does not depend on your type of vehicle or location. Other repairs might be required.
Can the Engine Light Come On for No Reason?
The check engine light can come on for different causes. For instance, it could be because of a loose gas cap, while sometimes it could be a severe issue like when the engine’s internal parts fail.
How Far Do You Have to Drive to Reset the Check Engine Light?
This can occur automatically after completing about 10-20 cycles. These cycles are the process where you put on and put off your car. For some vehicles, you will need to run the car for about 50-100 miles, after which it will reset. This means even if the light of the check engine is on, you can still run your vehicle for some time.
Conclusion – Jeep Check Engine Light
The jeep check engine light signifies an issue related to either the Jeep’s emission system, engine, or transmission. Old spark plugs, loose gas cap, and damaged O2 sensors are the frequent issues that cause the jeep check engine light to come on.
If you notice the jeep check engine light and you have no clear idea of what might be causing it, take your car to a nearby mechanic for proper diagnosis and repair.
We hope this post was of help to you. Please feel free to check out our other blog articles if you want to get more tips for preventing car troubles!