Chrysler Cirrus Has A Check Engine Light

Common Causes for the Check Engine Light in Your Chrysler Cirrus and How to Resolve Them

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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 Chrysler Cirrus 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 Chrysler Cirrus 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.

Troubleshooting Check Engine Light in a Chrysler Cirrus

When faced with a check engine light in your Chrysler Cirrus, the first step is to remain calm and methodical in your approach. Begin by using an onboard diagnostics (OBD) scanner to read the trouble codes stored in your vehicle's computer. This tool is essential for pinpointing the specific issue that triggered the light. Common culprits include problems with the ignition cylinder or the exhaust gas oxygen sensor, both of which can lead to performance issues. After retrieving the codes, take the time to research their meanings and implications. If the codes indicate a minor issue, such as a loose gas cap, address it immediately to see if the light resets. However, if the problem appears more complex, such as a misfire or sensor failure, it’s crucial to investigate further rather than simply resetting the light. Ignoring the check engine light can lead to more significant problems down the line, particularly with the emission system. Always prioritize resolving the underlying issue to ensure your vehicle runs smoothly and efficiently. By following this diagnostic approach, you can effectively troubleshoot the check engine light and maintain the health of your Chrysler Cirrus.

What Could Cause the Check Engine Light to Illuminate in a Chrysler Cirrus?

When the check engine light illuminates in your Chrysler Cirrus, it serves as a crucial alert that something may be amiss within the vehicle's systems. Understanding the common problems that can trigger this warning is essential for any DIY enthusiast looking to troubleshoot effectively. One of the primary issues could stem from the ignition cylinder, which, if malfunctioning, can lead to irregular engine performance. It's important to pay attention to any unusual engine behavior, as this could indicate a need for inspection. Another frequent cause is the exhaust gas oxygen sensor; if this component is faulty, it may result in misfires, especially noticeable during acceleration or when driving at low speeds. Additionally, a simple yet often neglected factor is the gas cap; a loose, broken, or missing cap can easily trigger the check engine light. Lastly, don’t overlook the condition of your spark plugs and plug wires, as failures in these areas can also lead to the light illuminating. By addressing these common issues promptly, you can prevent further complications and ensure your Chrysler Cirrus remains in optimal condition.

Why is the Check Engine Light Important in a Chrysler Cirrus?

The Check Engine Light in a Chrysler Cirrus is not just a simple warning; it serves as a critical alert system that can prevent serious engine damage and ensure your safety on the road. When this light illuminates, it indicates that the vehicle's electronic control unit has detected a malfunction in one of the engine components. Ignoring this warning can lead to escalating problems, potentially resulting in costly repairs or even complete engine failure. For instance, a flashing check engine light often signifies a severe issue that requires immediate attention, such as a misfire that could damage the catalytic converter. By promptly diagnosing and addressing the underlying problems, you not only safeguard your vehicle's performance but also enhance your driving safety. Therefore, it is essential to use a compatible scanner to accurately identify the issue and take action before minor concerns evolve into major repairs.

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