Ford Bronco Sport Has A Check Engine Light

Troubleshooting the Check Engine Light in Your Ford Bronco Sport: Common Causes and Solutions

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Reviewed by
Andrew Hajjar
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 Ford Bronco Sport 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 Ford Bronco Sport 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 Ford Bronco Sport

When faced with a check engine light in your Ford Bronco Sport, it's essential to adopt a systematic diagnostic approach to identify and resolve the issue efficiently. Start by using a quality scantool to read the trouble codes, as this will provide valuable insights into the specific problems affecting your vehicle. Common culprits often include ignition cylinder issues or problems with the exhaust gas oxygen sensor, which can lead to engine misfires. Once you have the trouble codes, prioritize addressing any simple fixes first, such as checking for loose gas caps or faulty spark plugs, before moving on to more complex diagnostics. If the light persists after attempting these initial fixes, consider consulting a local mechanic who can perform a more thorough analysis. Remember, simply resetting the check engine light without addressing the underlying issue can lead to recurring problems, so it's crucial to tackle the root cause to ensure your Bronco Sport runs smoothly and efficiently. By following this methodical approach, you can effectively troubleshoot the check engine light and maintain your vehicle's performance.

What Could Cause the Check Engine Light to Illuminate in a Ford Bronco Sport?

When the check engine light comes on in a Ford Bronco Sport, it can be a source of concern for any DIY enthusiast. One of the most frequent culprits is a loose or faulty gas cap, which can disrupt the fuel system's pressure balance. However, the reasons for the light's illumination can vary widely, as there are numerous OBD codes that may indicate different issues. Beyond the gas cap, potential problems include sensor failures, which can affect engine performance, or the need for routine maintenance such as an oil change. More serious engine issues may also trigger the light, with the severity indicated by the color of the warning—yellow for minor concerns and red for critical problems. To accurately diagnose the issue, using an OBD-II scanner to read the trouble codes is essential. This tool can help pinpoint the exact problem, allowing you to take the necessary steps to resolve it and keep your Bronco Sport running smoothly.

Why is the Check Engine Light On in a Ford Bronco Sport?

When the Check Engine Light illuminates in your Ford Bronco Sport, it is essential to understand that this warning is not just a minor inconvenience; it can signify underlying issues that may escalate if left unaddressed. Ignoring the light could lead to more severe problems, such as engine damage or compromised safety features, which can result in costly repairs and even dangerous driving conditions. For instance, a loose gas cap might seem trivial, but it can affect your vehicle's emissions system and fuel efficiency. More serious issues, like engine knocking or sensor failures, could lead to significant engine wear or failure if not diagnosed and repaired promptly. Therefore, using an OBD scanner to identify the specific diagnostic trouble codes is crucial for determining the urgency of the situation. By addressing the root cause of the Check Engine Light immediately, you not only ensure the longevity of your vehicle but also maintain your safety on the road.

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