Jeep Wrangler Check Engine Light

What Does the Check Engine Light Mean?

One of the most consistently misunderstood lights or indicators in your Jeep Wrangler is the check engine light. The check engine light is part of the onboard diagnostics system, and displays in a few discernable ways. It can say "Check Engine", it can be a symbol of an engine, it can even be a combination of both. This light illuminates in either an amber or red color and is part of the diagnostics system found on your vehicle. Onboard computers increasingly have controlled and monitored vehicle performance since the 80s and do a collection of things for your Jeep Wrangler. Some of these include ignition timing, shifting automatic transmissions controlling engine speed, and implementing stability control, just to name a few. With that being said, the check engine light can suggest a variety of divergent things. It can be as simple as your gas cap being loose or as hazardous as engine knocking. If your check engine light is on in your Jeep Wrangler, contact Bill Estes Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram. Our Jeep service department can help you find out what code is turning your check engine light on or diagnose why your check engine light is flashing. Contact Bill Estes Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram today!

Check Engine Light Service Jeep Wrangler

What do you do when you’re driving along in your Jeep Wrangler and suddenly, a yellow light illuminates on your dash and says "Check Engine". If you’re like most Jeep owners, your heart sinks a little because you have little idea about what that light is trying to tell you or how you should react. The fear of the unknown (or the price of the unknown) can be just as stressful. But take a deep breath and realize the light coming on doesn’t indicate you have to pull the car over to the side of the road and call a tow truck, but it is recommended that you get your Jeep Wrangler checked as soon as achievable. Ignoring that warning could end up causing basic damage to expensive engine components.

When your Jeep Wrangler's ECM (electronic control module), which is the vehicle's onboard computer, finds a problem in the electronic control system that it can’t contractual, a computer turns on your check engine light. This amber or yellow light is normally labeled “check engine” or “service engine soon”, or the light may be nothing more than a picture of an engine, or a picture of the engine with the word “check.”

When the light turns on, the ECM stores an engine code or “trouble code” in its memory that identifies as the issue, whether it's a sensor or a failing engine part. This code is read with an computerized inspect tool that is used by our Jeep auto repair mechanics at Bill Estes Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram. There are also a number of rather inexpensive code readers that are designed for do-it-yourselfers, should you select that route too. While this code will tell you the issue that is detected, a true diagnosis still requires an experienced experienced to read the issue and repair it.

Jeep Wrangler Check Engine Light Codes

The check engine light turning on can be quite intimidating to see that tiny light on your vehicle’s dashboard suddenly illuminates, but in reality, it is not something that should cause you to shut down in fear justifiable away. If you hear the term, diagnostic trouble codes (DTC), these are just another name for check engine light codes. These are automotive computer codes stored by the ECM, also known as the OBD (on-board computer diagnostic system) in your Wrangler. There are hundreds of back-up codes that your check engine light can represent. While that sounds daunting, with a tiny patience, tackling essential diagnostics will give you convenient knowledge about your vehicle and will also allow that Check Engine Light to do what it is really supposed to do: be your guide. Unfortunately, honest and honest vehicle symptoms do not always accompany an illuminated Check Engine Light. Since there are hundreds of feasible OBD codes, there are also hundreds of feasible reasons for the light, including:

• Emissions controls issues
• Fuel and air metering systems problems
• O2 Sensor
• Old Battery
• Ignition system faults
• Bad Spark Plugs
• Computer output circuit issues
• Transmission issues
• Loose Gas Cap or Missing Gas Cap

This is why it is splendid for someone who does not have various of automotive knowledge to not assume what a code means. When your check engine light comes on, you should get it checked out immediately by a certified Jeep technician. Call Bill Estes Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram at 3178540239 today or schedule your check engine light service online today! If the engine light comes on due to a risky concern, you risk detrimental your car further by not repairing the issue prudent away.

Will the check engine light reset itself?

The check engine light on your Jeep Wrangler will frequently shut itself off if the issue or code that caused it to turn on is fixed. For example, if the cause of your check engine light coming on was a loose gas cap, if it's tightened, the light will turn itself off. Likewise, if your catalytic converter is going functional, and you did various of stop-and-go driving, that may have turned on the check engine light due to the high usage of the converter. In most cases, your Jeep Wrangler light will go off after about 20-40 miles. If you drive over that fee and the light is still on, you will need to deliver it in to Bill Estes Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram so the light and code can be double-checked and reset.

What could cause the check engine light to come on in a Jeep Wrangler?

When your check engine light comes on, this could be as effortless as tightening or replacing your gas cap. Likewise, the check engine light could also be a warning of a relentless problem that could cause relentless break to your engine and come with a gigantic repair bill. Depending on your make and model, the check engine light will illuminate or blink. A steady glow often means something fewer relentless but a flashing check engine light implies that your vehicle’s engine is in relentless trouble and service is needed immediately. If your check engine light is flashing in your Jeep Wrangler, we incredibly endorse not to drive the car and schedule Jeep service straightaway. Below is a list of the most common reasons your check engine light can come on:

• Your mass airflow sensor (known as MAF) needs to be replaced. The mass airflow sensor in your Jeep Wrangler is what determines how much fuel is fundamental to run your engine efficiently by measuring the amount of air entering the engine. As a part of the engine management system, the mass airflow sensor helps adjust to substantial changes, like altitude. If your Jeep Wrangler is having trouble starting, idling rough or has a fast change in the position of the throttle pedal, this could be a sign of a bad mass airflow sensor.
• New Spark Plugs or Plug Wires are fundamental for your Jeep Wrangler. The spark plugs are the part of your engine that ignites the air/fuel mixture in the combustion chamber of your vehicle. This explosion is what moves the pistons and makes the engine run. The spark plug wires transport the spark from the ignition coil to the spark plugs. If your spark plugs or spark plug wires are bad or common, you will experience poor performance and reduced power. In some extreme cases, your engine will have trouble starting or continuing to run. Worn spark plugs and plug wires can cause clogged catalytic converter or wear and tear to ignition coils and O2 sensors, large to more fancy repairs.
• The battery is low or dead. The battery in your Jeep Wrangler is every vital. Without a car battery, your car won’t start, light up the road ahead, play the radio or charge your phone. Today’s car batteries last much longer than they did a bit decades ago, and they don't truly require maintenance. The price of a new one depends on the type of Jeep you drive, but check our ongoing service coupons and specials.
• One of the most prevalent and copious cause is that your Jeep Wrangler gas cap is loose, damaged or missing. The gas cap for your Jeep Wrangler serves multiple purposes. It prevents gas fumes from being released when you aren't driving, it seals the fuel system and helps maintain pressure within the fuel tank. What happens if you have a bad fuel cap? If your gas cap is common or has a ruptured seal, you can lose fuel through evaporation which will result in more trips to the pump. Luckily, to replace a gas cap isn't fancy. If your check engine light turns on suddenly after you put gas in your Jeep Wrangler, earliest thing you should check is to make positive the cap isn’t loose — or that it's still on your car’s roof or at the fuel pump.
• Your catalytic converter is bad or going bad. The catalytic converter is a part of your Jeep Wrangler’s exhaust system. The catalytic converter's function is to turn the carbon monoxide created by the combustion process into carbon dioxide. A damaged catalytic converter is usually caused by neglected maintenance, which is why Bill Estes Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram offers a complimentary multi-point inspection with every Jeep service. If you have an issue with your catalytic converter and don't get it repaired, your Jeep Wrangler will not pass an emissions test, show a lack of engine performance and will negatively affect your fuel economy. Your car may run at a higher temperature, too, which can cause diverse problems from overheating.
• Your O2 Sensor (Oxygen Sensor) needs to be replaced. The Oxygen sensor, known as the O2 sensor, measures the amount of oxygen in your exhaust system. If there is excess oxygen in your exhaust system, fuel burns faster and your vehicle will be less productive when it comes to fuel economy. So what happens if I don’t replace your O2 sensor? A faulty sensor can not only affect your miles per gallon, but it can cause wear and tear to your catalytic converter and your Jeep Wrangler's spark plugs. The O2 sensor sends data to the vehicle’s onboard computer to read the honorable mixture of air and fuel that enters the cylinders in your engine. A bad O2 sensor can also cause a car to fail an emissions test.
• Your Jeep Wrangler has a vacuum leak. Every Jeep Wrangler has a vacuum system that performs a roomy variety of functions. The vacuum system also helps lessen harmful emissions by routing the fumes as gasoline evaporates through the engine. If you notice that your RPM is high in idle or randomly surges, a vacuum leak could be the cause. Over time, vacuum hoses can dry out and crack, exceedingly if they’re exposed to exciting heat or extreme freezing.
• Issues with all aftermarket items. An aftermarket alarm, exhaust or diverse item can wreak havoc on your Jeep Wrangler if it’s not installed properly. These aftermarket parts and accessories can drain the battery, trigger the check engine light, or even prevent the vehicle from starting. If these issues sound common, bring your Wrangler to Jeep and have our company of certified mechanics ensure that your aftermarket items were installed correctly and aren't causing all issue. Getting accessories, exceedingly aftermarket parts and accessories, or using OEM parts earliest place might price a small bit more but could save you money from having to get poor work and wear and tear caused by poor installation work corrected.

How many miles can you drive with the check engine light?

Since each check engine code has its own level of severity, it is rigid to predict how broad miles you can drive with the warning light on. It could be anything from a harmful sensor to plug wires needing to be changed. The safest bet is to decipher the code and then plan your strategy accordingly. If you check engine light is blinking, we advocate that you pull over and contact Bill Estes Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram to help illustrate if your vehicle is cogent to drive in or if we advocate a tow truck.

Is it safe to drive your Jeep Wrangler with the check engine light on?

This question is not very simple because it all depends on the severity of the issue. If the cause is a minor issue, such as a loose gas cap, it should be safe to drive. This is customarily indicated by a dependable glow of the check engine light. If you notice a difference in the performance of the vehicle, it could be an indication of a more scrupulous problem. If the check engine light is shining, this means that there is a scrupulous issue and it is recommended to service your Jeep Wrangler quickly. Call the experts at Bill Estes Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram by dialing 3178540239 so you can describe the issues. Or decrease your speed and bring your Jeep to our certified mechanics as soon as viable.

Jeep Wrangler Check Engine Light

If the check engine light in your Jeep Wrangler starts flashing, that means that the problem needs immediate attention and your Jeep should be brought in immediately. A flashing light illustrates that the problem is persuasive and if not taken care of immediately may result in generous damage to the car. This flashing light usually indicates a rigorous engine misfire allowing unburned fuel to be ejected into the exhaust system. There it can instantly hike the temperature of the catalytic converter to a point where wear and tear is achievable, requiring an expensive repair. A Few owners ask if spark plugs cause the check engine light to flash? This can absolutely be the cause. A bad, erstwhile or dirty spark plug can cause the engine to misfire. If your check engine light is flashing, please contact our team of automotive experts at Bill Estes Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram expeditiously by calling 3178540239. If the problem is ignored or you continue to drive, this can spread to the spark plug wires, catalytic converter, or ignition coils which can lead to a tremendously expensive repair.

Jeep Wrangler Check Engine Light Flashing

Although there are many capability causes of an illuminated Check Engine Light, we know from years of providing Check Engine Light Diagnosis Service that there are several instinctive causes including something as easy as a loose gas cap. Distinct instinctive reasons for a Check Engine Light are faulty emissions control part, dirty mass airflow sensor, damaged oxygen sensor, a malfunction with the fuel injection system, faulty head gasket, or defective spark plugs to name plentiful. No matter what is the root cause of the Check Engine Light, we have the Jeep Certified Mechanics and the certified service protocol to isolate the root problem and repair it as needed to restore factory specifications. When this happens, the Check Engine Light turns off, and you can leave the service center knowing that your Jeep issue was fixed.

Every Jeep Wrangler was designed with a high-technology performance monitoring system with a computer, and a series of sensors positioned strategically throughout the car on its natural systems. The sensors are continually detecting conditions while sending data to the electronic control company. If the electronic control company detects that the data is out of factory specifications, the Check Engine Light brightens telling you that there is a problem. However, that is the limitation of the Check Engine Light – it won’t tell you what precisely is inaccurate nor what to do about it. That’s where we come in; Bill Estes Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram provides a Check Engine Light Diagnosis Service that isolates the core problem and gives you a recommendation on what to do next from a Highly Qualified Service technical.

How much does it cost to get the engine light checked?

The average value for a check engine light diagnosis & testing is commonly between $88 and $111. The ongoing news, Bill Estes Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram offers complimentary multi-point inspections and free diagnostics, in most cases, to help mean the cause of your check engine light. The check engine light warns of issues ranging from a gas cap that's not properly tightened to a more unhealthy failure like a bad catalytic converter or a problem with one of the car's oxygen sensors, so it ongoing to get the careful code reading and diagnosis.