2010 Dodge Challenger Has A Check Engine Light

Resolve Check Engine Light Issues in Your 2010 Dodge Challenger

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Reviewed by
Bo Fader
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 2010 Dodge Challenger 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 2010 Dodge Challenger 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 2010 Dodge Challenger?

When faced with a check engine light on your 2010 Dodge Challenger, the first step in your DIY diagnostic approach is to retrieve the diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) using an OBD-II scanner. This tool will help you pinpoint the specific issue that has triggered the warning light. Once you have the codes, research common problems associated with them to narrow down potential causes. This step is crucial as it allows you to focus your efforts on the most likely issues. After identifying the root cause, you can proceed to fix the problem, which may range from simple tasks like replacing a gas cap to more complex repairs such as addressing engine misfires. Keep in mind that diagnostic procedures can differ between model years, so ensure you are familiar with the specifics of the 2010 Challenger to enhance your troubleshooting accuracy. By following this structured approach, you can effectively diagnose and resolve the check engine light issue, saving time and potentially costly repairs.

What are the common problems that could cause the check engine light to illuminate in a 2010 Dodge Challenger?

When the check engine light comes on in a 2010 Dodge Challenger, it can be a source of concern for any driver. Common issues that may trigger this warning include problems with the ignition cylinder, which can lead to irregular engine performance, and malfunctions with the exhaust gas oxygen sensor, also known as the Lambda sensor. Additionally, a simple yet often overlooked cause could be an improperly secured fuel cap, which can lead to pressure issues in the fuel system. More serious concerns might involve a faulty oxygen sensor that monitors emissions or even engine problems stemming from a failing catalytic converter. It's crucial to note that the nature of the check engine light can vary; a steady glow typically indicates a less severe issue, while a blinking light suggests a more urgent problem that requires immediate attention. For those looking to tackle this issue themselves, the first step is to pull the trouble codes using an OBD-II scanner, which can help pinpoint the exact problem. Once identified, addressing the underlying issue and monitoring the vehicle's performance will be key to resolving the check engine light concern effectively.

How urgent is it to address the check engine light in a 2010 Dodge Challenger?

When the check engine light illuminates in your 2010 Dodge Challenger, it signals an urgent need for attention. This warning is not merely a nuisance; it indicates that there may be a significant issue with your vehicle's engine or emissions system. Ignoring this light can lead to a cascade of problems, including reduced fuel efficiency and compromised engine performance, which can escalate into more severe damage over time. The longer you delay addressing the check engine light, the more likely you are to face costly repairs that could have been avoided with timely intervention. Therefore, it is crucial to prioritize a diagnostic check by a qualified mechanic to identify the root cause of the warning. By taking swift action, you not only safeguard your vehicle's performance but also ensure your safety on the road, making it imperative to address the check engine light without delay.

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