2020 Fiat 500L Has A Check Engine Light

Common Causes of the Check Engine Light in Your 2020 Fiat 500L and How to Resolve Them

Find Repair Location
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 2020 Fiat 500L 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 2020 Fiat 500L 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 2020 Fiat 500L?

When faced with a check engine light on your 2020 Fiat 500L, it's essential to adopt a systematic diagnostic approach. Start by checking the gas cap, as a loose or damaged cap is a common and easily fixable issue that can trigger the light. Next, examine your dashboard for any additional warning lights or messages that might offer further insight into the problem. A visual inspection under the hood is also crucial; look for any visible damage to wires, hoses, or connectors that could indicate a more significant issue. If these initial checks do not resolve the light, using an OBD-II scanner can provide specific error codes that help identify the underlying problem. Finally, consulting your owner's manual can offer tailored troubleshooting steps and insights specific to your Fiat 500L, ensuring you have all the necessary information to address the check engine light effectively. By following this structured approach, you can efficiently diagnose and potentially resolve the issue without needing professional assistance.

What are the common problems that could cause the check engine light to illuminate in a 2020 Fiat 500L?

When the check engine light comes on in a 2020 Fiat 500L, it can be a source of concern for any DIY enthusiast. One of the most straightforward issues to check is the gas cap; a loose or damaged cap can easily trigger the light, so ensuring it is secure is a great first step. If the gas cap is fine, the next common culprit is the oxygen sensor, which monitors the exhaust and can fail over time, affecting fuel efficiency and emissions. Another potential issue is the catalytic converter, which can become clogged or fail, leading to performance problems. Additionally, worn spark plugs or faulty ignition coils can cause misfires, resulting in the check engine light illuminating. Lastly, a malfunctioning mass airflow sensor can disrupt the air-fuel mixture, prompting the light to turn on. Addressing these issues promptly not only helps in maintaining the vehicle's performance but also prevents more significant problems down the line.

How urgent is it to address the check engine light in a 2020 Fiat 500L?

When the check engine light illuminates in your 2020 Fiat 500L, it is essential to recognize the urgency of the situation. This warning indicator is not merely a nuisance; it signifies that there may be underlying issues with your vehicle's engine or emissions system that require immediate attention. Neglecting this warning can lead to escalating problems, potentially resulting in costly repairs or even severe engine damage. While some issues may be minor and easily fixable, it is advisable to conduct a thorough diagnostic check as soon as possible. Fortunately, modern vehicles like the Fiat 500L are equipped with advanced onboard diagnostics that can help you identify the specific problem. By addressing the check engine light promptly, you not only safeguard your vehicle's performance and fuel efficiency but also enhance your safety on the road. Therefore, taking action at the first sign of this warning light is crucial for maintaining the reliability and longevity of your Fiat 500L.

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.

2020 Fiat 500L Check Engine Light: Causes & Repairs