2021 Fiat 500X Has A Check Engine Light

Troubleshooting the Check Engine Light in Your 2021 Fiat 500X: 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 2021 Fiat 500X 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 2021 Fiat 500X 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 2021 Fiat 500X?

When faced with a check engine light on your 2021 Fiat 500X, it's essential to adopt a systematic diagnostic approach. Begin 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 indicators that might provide further insight into the problem. Pay attention to any unusual symptoms such as strange noises or performance issues, as these can help narrow down the potential causes. Utilizing an OBD-II scanner is a crucial step, as it allows you to retrieve specific error codes that can guide your troubleshooting efforts. Finally, consult your owner's manual for tailored advice regarding the check engine light, as it may offer specific recommendations for your vehicle model. By following these steps, you can effectively diagnose the issue and determine the best course of action for your Fiat 500X.

What are the common problems that could cause the check engine light to illuminate in a 2021 Fiat 500X?

When the check engine light comes on in a 2021 Fiat 500X, it can signal a range of common issues that DIY enthusiasts can address. One of the simplest problems to check is a loose gas cap, which can often be resolved by ensuring it is securely tightened. If the light persists, the oxygen sensor may be malfunctioning, potentially leading to reduced fuel efficiency and increased emissions; this component is crucial for the vehicle's performance and should be inspected. Another common culprit is the catalytic converter, which, if failing, can cause significant engine problems and should be addressed immediately to avoid further damage. Additionally, worn or faulty spark plugs can affect engine performance and trigger the check engine light, making regular maintenance essential. A malfunctioning mass airflow sensor can also disrupt the air-fuel mixture, leading to performance issues, while problems with the ignition coil can result in misfiring cylinders. By understanding these common issues and performing regular checks, you can maintain the health of your Fiat 500X and potentially save on costly repairs.

How urgent is it to address the check engine light on a 2021 Fiat 500X?

When the check engine light illuminates on your 2021 Fiat 500X, it’s crucial to take immediate action rather than dismissing it as a minor inconvenience. This warning light is your vehicle's way of communicating potential issues with the engine or emissions system, which, if ignored, could escalate into more severe problems and costly repairs. By addressing the check engine light promptly, you not only safeguard your engine's health but also enhance your vehicle's performance and fuel efficiency. Modern vehicles are equipped with advanced diagnostic systems that can help you identify the specific issue triggering the light, making it easier for you to troubleshoot and potentially resolve the problem yourself. Neglecting this warning could lead to reduced fuel efficiency, compromised performance, and even safety hazards, underscoring the importance of timely intervention. Therefore, if you see that check engine light, consider it a call to action to investigate further and ensure your Fiat 500X remains in optimal condition.

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