2017 Chevrolet Suburban Has A Check Engine Light

Resolve Check Engine Light Issues in Your 2017 Chevrolet Suburban

Find Repair Location
Reviewed by
Andrew Hajjar
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 2017 Chevrolet Suburban 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 2017 Chevrolet Suburban 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 steps to diagnose the check engine light on a 2017 Chevrolet Suburban?

When faced with a check engine light on your 2017 Chevrolet Suburban, the first step is to visually inspect the vehicle for any obvious issues, such as a loose or damaged gas cap, which is a common trigger for this warning. If everything appears normal, the next step involves using a diagnostic scanner to connect to the vehicle's OBD-II port. This tool will help you retrieve the specific error code associated with the check engine light. Once you have the code, it's essential to look it up in your vehicle's manual or online resources to understand its meaning and implications. Assessing the severity of the issue is crucial; some codes may indicate minor problems that can wait for repair, while others may require immediate attention to prevent further damage. If you find yourself uncertain about the error code or the necessary steps to take, seeking advice from a professional mechanic or dealership can provide clarity and ensure that your vehicle is properly diagnosed and repaired. By following this structured approach, you can effectively troubleshoot the check engine light and take appropriate action.

What are the common problems that could cause the check engine light to illuminate in a 2017 Chevrolet Suburban?

When the check engine light comes on in a 2017 Chevrolet Suburban, it can signal a range of common issues that are often manageable for DIY enthusiasts. One of the simplest problems to check is a loose gas cap, which can easily be tightened or replaced if damaged. Another frequent culprit is a faulty oxygen sensor, which can affect fuel efficiency and may require replacement if it’s malfunctioning. Additionally, issues with the catalytic converter can lead to significant performance problems, and while this may require professional assistance, understanding its role can help in diagnosing the issue. Spark plug wear is another common concern; if they are worn out, replacing them can restore engine performance and turn off the check engine light. The mass airflow sensor is also critical, as it measures the amount of air entering the engine and can cause the light to illuminate if it’s not functioning correctly. Lastly, a faulty ignition coil can lead to misfires and rough idling, which are symptoms that can be addressed with some mechanical know-how. By being aware of these potential issues, DIYers can take proactive steps to troubleshoot and resolve the check engine light warning, ensuring their Suburban runs smoothly.

How urgent is it to address the check engine light in a 2017 Chevrolet Suburban?

When the check engine light illuminates in your 2017 Chevrolet Suburban, it is essential to recognize the urgency of the situation. This warning light is not merely a nuisance; it signals potential issues within your vehicle's engine or emissions system that could range from minor to severe. Ignoring this alert can lead to decreased fuel efficiency and may cause further damage to the engine, ultimately resulting in costly repairs. For DIY enthusiasts, the first step is to use an OBD-II scanner to retrieve diagnostic trouble codes, which can provide insight into the specific problem. However, it is crucial to understand that while some issues may seem minor, they can escalate quickly, leading to safety risks or significant mechanical failures. Therefore, addressing the check engine light promptly not only helps maintain your vehicle's performance and safety but also saves you money in the long run by preventing minor issues from developing into major repairs. Always prioritize diagnosing the problem as soon as the light appears to ensure your Suburban remains in optimal condition.

You’ve got options with RepairPal

Whether you need a more accurate auto repair estimate or help finding a reputable shop in your area, we’ve got you covered.