Troubleshooting Chrysler Check Engine Light

What does the Check Engine Light mean on my Chrysler? There are many problems that may trigger the check engine light. Learn how to fix it by following the procedures below.

What Does Chrysler Check Engine Light Mean?

The Chrysler check engine light warns the driver that something is wrong with one of your car’s components (in most cases, the emission system).

Even if your Chrysler drives without performance issues, do not ignore the engine light. If there are no engine noises, the engine doesn’t shake, or is not overheating; you can continue to drive with caution. Get the car diagnosed as soon as possible.

Symptoms

If your Chrysler check engine light is on, pay attention to how your car performs. In some cases, you may notice one or more of the following problems:

• Rough idling
• Poor acceleration
• A decrease in MPG/fuel economy.
• Engine shakes or runs rough
• Engine overheating

The symptoms can vary depending on which component or sensor is malfunctioning.

What triggers a check engine light on a Chrysler?

Common problems that trigger Chrysler check engine light:

• Loose gas cap
• Spark plugs
• Ignition coil
• Oxygen sensor
• MAF sensor
• Catalytic converter
• EVAP leak
• Vacuum leak

Without reading the codes, it is impossible to know why your Chrysler check engine light is on.

This is a straightforward procedure to perform yourself or have a mechanic or dealer perform.

How to Reset Chrysler Check Engine Light

Let’s look at the instructions on reading and clearing the Chrysler check engine light(s). For this procedure, you will need an OBD-II scanner.

1. Turn on the ignition. Turn the key to position II. If your Chrysler has START/STOP feature, press the button TWICE without depressing the brake pedal.  All the dashboard lights will turn on. Do not start the engine.

   

2. Plug the scanner into the OBD-II port
3. Read codes.  The next step is to read the codes. Now we will look at using various scan tools to diagnose Chrysler check engine light.
4. Fix all the problems found in step 3. Reconnect the scanner and select Clear Fault Codes from the main menu to clear the codes and reset the check engine light.

These instructions work on 1996 and newer Chrysler vehicles, including Chrysler models such as Town and Country, 300, 300M, 200, Aspen, Pacifica, Sebring, Voyager, PT Cruiser, Crossfire, LHS, Cirrus, 300C. First, we will take a look at the procedure.

Read codes; what’s next?

Once you retrieve the fault code(s) from the ECU, it is time to research the problem. Write down the code and search online to see if other Chrysler owners have had that problem and how they fixed it. The solution for the same code can often vary from make to make. If you don’t find enough information, find a reliable mechanic who can give you a second opinion.

It is highly recommended that you get a second opinion from a mechanic before replacing parts. While the fault code is all you need to determine the defective part in most cases, that’s not always the case.

Can a Loose Gas Cap Turn on Chrysler Check Engine Light?

A loose gas cap is one of the most common reasons a Chrysler check engine light comes on. If that’s the case, you will not notice any performance issues.

Check the gas cap and tighten it until you hear it click. Newer Chryslers do not have a gas cap, but they have a capless design.

You can continue to operate the car unless the check engine light is flashing.

Why Does Chrysler Check Engine Light Flash On and Off

If your check engine light is flashing on and off, you should pull over as soon as possible. It is recommended to have the vehicle towed to avoid further damage to the engine and the catalytic converter.

Ignoring the check engine light can potentially cause problems for other systems. For example, if the check engine light comes on because the engine is running too rich. Your fuel MPG will decrease, but you will shorten the life of the catalytic converter, which can be very expensive to repair.

How Does Chrysler Check Engine Light Work?

The ECU monitors various sensors mounted on the engine block, intake, and exhaust, such as temperature, airflow, and O2.

If an anomaly is determined or a sensor operates out of range, it stores a fault code in the Engine Control Unit (ECU). These codes are called Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC), often called fault codes.

Retrieving the fault code from the ECU is the first procedure to find out why the check engine light is on. This can be performed by a mechanic, Chrysler dealer, or yourself.

Your Chrysler dealer will diagnose the check engine light codes free of charge if the vehicle is under warranty. If your Chrysler is not under warranty, you will have to pay (in most cases) when you take your car to the dealer or auto mechanic.

Conclusion

Hundreds of possible problems can cause the check engine light on your Chrysler to stay on. The most common issues are spark plugs, oxygen sensors, and catalytic converter failure. Instead of guessing what is wrong, use an OBD-II scanner to read the fault codes.

We hope you find this “Troubleshooting Chrysler Check Engine Light” guide helpful. Check these troubleshooting and repair guides for more help on your Chrysler vehicle.