2023 Dodge Durango Has A Check Engine Light

Troubleshooting the Check Engine Light in Your 2023 Dodge Durango: 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 2023 Dodge Durango 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 2023 Dodge Durango 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 2023 Dodge Durango?

When faced with a check engine light on your 2023 Dodge Durango, it's essential to adopt a systematic diagnostic approach to identify the underlying issue. Start by checking for any additional warning lights on the dashboard, as these can provide crucial insights into the problem. Next, inspect the gas cap; a loose or damaged cap is a common culprit that can easily trigger the check engine light. Pay attention to any unusual noises or odors emanating from the vehicle, as these may point to specific mechanical issues. Utilizing an OBD-II diagnostic scanner is a vital step, as it allows you to retrieve the specific error code associated with the check engine light. Once you have the code, research its meaning in the vehicle's manual or online resources to understand potential causes. By following these initial steps, you can gather important information that will aid in diagnosing the issue effectively, potentially saving time and money on repairs.

What are the common problems that could cause the check engine light to activate in a 2023 Dodge Durango?

When the check engine light illuminates in a 2023 Dodge Durango, it serves as a crucial alert that something may be amiss under the hood. One of the most common culprits is a loose gas cap, which can disrupt the fuel system's pressure and trigger the warning light. Another frequent issue is a faulty oxygen sensor, which not only affects fuel efficiency but can also lead to increased emissions if left unchecked. Additionally, problems with the catalytic converter, such as inefficiency or failure, can cause the check engine light to activate, indicating a need for immediate attention. Worn-out spark plugs can also contribute to engine performance issues, resulting in the light turning on. Furthermore, if the mass airflow sensor is malfunctioning, it can disrupt the air-fuel mixture, leading to potential engine problems. A failing ignition coil may cause misfires and rough idling, while an engine misfire itself can stem from various factors, including bad spark plugs or ignition coils. Addressing these common problems promptly is essential to maintain the performance and longevity of your Dodge Durango, ensuring that you avoid more significant issues down the road.

How urgent is it to address the check engine light in a 2023 Dodge Durango?

When the check engine light illuminates in your 2023 Dodge Durango, it is essential to act swiftly to prevent potential complications. This warning light is your vehicle's way of signaling that something may be amiss, often related to the engine or emissions system. Ignoring this alert can lead to more severe issues, including safety risks that could compromise the vehicle's performance and the safety of its occupants. For DIY enthusiasts, understanding the urgency of this situation is crucial; not only can early detection save you from costly repairs, but it can also help maintain compliance with emissions regulations, which is particularly important in certain regions. The onboard diagnostic system stores valuable error codes that can guide your troubleshooting efforts, making it imperative to read these codes as soon as possible. By addressing the check engine light promptly, you can ensure your Dodge Durango remains in optimal condition, safeguarding both your investment and your safety on the road.

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