2014 Acura ILX Has A Check Engine Light

Troubleshooting the Check Engine Light in Your 2014 Acura ILX: Common Causes and Solutions

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Reviewed by
Devin Cabugcal
Written by RepairPal Car Genius
Updated January 14, 2025
0%
40% chance it's the
Emissions System
0%
60% chance it's
Something else
The most common reasons a 2014 Acura ILX has a check engine light are an emissions system component, a sensor, or a catalytic converter.
  • Emissions System: A faulty emissions system component, such as an oxygen sensor or EGR valve, can lead to increased emissions and trigger the check engine light.
Proper diagnosis will determine the exact cause of your symptom, saving you money on unnecessary repairs. The diagnostic experts at RepairPal Certified shops have the right tools and experience to solve any symptom.

How much does it cost to fix a 2014 Acura ILX has a check engine light?

Common Repairs

The total repair cost will vary based on the condition of your vehicle and the number of repairs needed to fix your symptom. Proper diagnosis will save you money by finding the exact repairs needed to fix your car right the first time.

A faulty oxygen sensor is one of the most common causes of a check engine light. Symptoms may include a decrease in fuel mileage, hesitation or misfiring from the engine, rough idling or even stalling. A faulty sensor may cause the vehicle to fail an emissions test.

Any time there is an emissions fault the check engine light will be displayed. The purpose of the check engine light is to inform the driver that an emission related fault has been found, and that there are on-board diagnostic (OBD) trouble codes stored in the powertrain or engine control module. Additionally, since the emissions systems are so intertwined into engine control and transmission control systems, symptoms may include nearly any sort of drivability concerns. This may include harsh shifting, failure to shift, hesitation on acceleration, jerking, engine failure to start or run, loss of power, or any number of other drivability issues.

Due to the nature of electrical systems on modern vehicles, the range of problems these can cause are nearly limitless. However, there is a way to categorize them in two ways. Permanent and intermittent problems. Permanent problems appear and remain. This may be the vehicle will not start, the radio does not work, or the door chime will not turn off among many, many others. These problems are more straight-forward to diagnose since they present themselves at all time. This means there will always be a fault to find. Intermittent electrical problems, however, can be difficult or impossible to locate, since they appear then disappear without warning. The best case scenario for an intermittent issue is when replicating the problem is easily accomplished and understood. This allows a technician to make an issue semi-permanent, allowing them to find the fault. Other issues that come and go without warning and cannot be replicated on demand must occur when the technician is servicing the vehicle, otherwise there is no problem to correct. It is most important to understand that electrical system faults always require inspection, and can include the vehicle working in any manner, or not working at all.

Like we noted in the last section, general diagnosis symptoms are the most vague of the bunch. There are several diagnostic spectrums, electrical diagnosis, drivability diagnostics, engine diagnostics, transmission diagnostics, and the list could continue for about 5 or 10 more spectrums of diagnostics. The most important take-away here, is that general diagnostics are diagnostics that have no other spectrum in which they fit, or the problem is unknown. This means that any vehicle left outside of a repair facility with the keys and an authorization to perform diagnosis will be diagnosed under the general diagnosis spectrum.

When the Check Engine Light comes on, you may experience engine performance issues such as poor acceleration, rough idling, or an engine that won't start. In some cases, no abnormal symptoms will be experienced. Other systems like the transmission or ABS can cause the Check Engine Light to illuminate and lights for those systems can come on at the same time. Similar lights may say "Check Engine Soon", "Malfunction Indicator Light" or just "Check". In rare case the engine can overheat.

What are the initial diagnostic steps to take for a check engine light on a 2014 Acura ILX?

When faced with a check engine light on your 2014 Acura ILX, it's crucial to follow a methodical diagnostic approach to uncover the issue. Begin by checking the gas cap, as a loose or damaged cap is a frequent trigger for the warning light. Next, take a moment to observe the dashboard gauges for any unusual readings that could point to specific problems. If these preliminary checks do not yield results, connect an OBD-II scanner to your vehicle's diagnostic port. This device will allow you to retrieve error codes that can shed light on the underlying issue. After obtaining the codes, consult your owner's manual to interpret their meanings and consider possible solutions. If the cause of the check engine light remains elusive or if the issue appears to require more complex diagnostics, it may be wise to seek help from a qualified mechanic. By adhering to this structured approach, you can effectively diagnose the reason behind the check engine light and take the necessary steps to resolve it.

What are the common problems that could cause the check engine light to illuminate in a 2014 Acura ILX?

When the check engine light comes on in a 2014 Acura ILX, it can be a source of concern for any DIY car owner. One of the most frequent culprits is a loose gas cap, which is an easy fix that can save you from unnecessary trips to the mechanic. Another common issue is a faulty oxygen sensor, which plays a crucial role in managing fuel efficiency and emissions; if you suspect this is the problem, a replacement may be necessary. Additionally, problems with the catalytic converter can lead to the check engine light illuminating, often indicating a more serious issue that may require professional attention. Spark plugs and ignition coils are also known to fail, leading to engine misfires that trigger the warning light. Lastly, a malfunctioning mass airflow sensor can disrupt the air-fuel mixture, causing the engine to run inefficiently. Addressing these issues promptly is essential to maintain your vehicle's performance and prevent further damage, so if you're comfortable with DIY repairs, consider checking these components before seeking professional help.

How urgent is it to address the check engine light on a 2014 Acura ILX?

When the check engine light illuminates on your 2014 Acura ILX, it serves as a critical alert that should not be ignored. This warning can signify a range of issues, from minor sensor malfunctions to serious engine problems that could compromise your vehicle's performance and safety. Ignoring the light may lead to escalating issues, resulting in more extensive and costly repairs that could have been avoided with timely intervention. Moreover, neglecting this warning can increase the risk of breakdowns while driving, posing safety hazards for both the driver and passengers. Therefore, it is essential to prioritize addressing the check engine light as soon as it appears, ensuring your Acura ILX remains in optimal condition and safe for the road.

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