2021 Ford Bronco Has A Check Engine Light

Troubleshooting the Check Engine Light in Your 2021 Ford Bronco: 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 2021 Ford Bronco 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 Ford Bronco 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 Ford Bronco?

When faced with a check engine light on your 2021 Ford Bronco, it's essential to adopt a systematic diagnostic approach. Begin by visually inspecting the gas cap, as a loose or damaged cap is a common culprit that can easily trigger the warning light. Next, take a moment to check your dashboard for any additional warning indicators or messages that might provide further insight into the problem. If these initial checks do not reveal the issue, using an OBD-II scanner is a crucial next step; this tool connects to your vehicle's onboard diagnostic system and retrieves error codes that can help identify the specific malfunction. Additionally, pay attention to any unusual symptoms your vehicle may be exhibiting, such as rough idling or poor acceleration, as these can offer valuable clues. Finally, consulting your owner's manual can provide specific information related to the check engine light and recommended troubleshooting steps. By following this structured approach, you can effectively diagnose and address the issue, ensuring your Bronco remains in optimal condition.

What are the common problems that could cause the check engine light to illuminate in a 2021 Ford Bronco?

When the check engine light illuminates in a 2021 Ford Bronco, it signals that something may be amiss under the hood, prompting DIY enthusiasts to investigate. One of the most straightforward issues to check is the gas cap; a loose or damaged cap can easily trigger the light and is a quick fix. If the light persists, the oxygen sensor is another common culprit, as a malfunction here can lead to decreased fuel efficiency and requires testing for proper operation. Additionally, the catalytic converter should be inspected for any signs of failure, as issues with this component can significantly impact vehicle performance. Spark plugs and ignition coils are also critical; worn spark plugs can cause engine misfires, while a failing ignition coil can worsen this problem. Other potential issues include the mass airflow sensor, which affects the air-fuel mixture, and the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system, which plays a key role in emissions control. By starting with these common problems, DIYers can often diagnose and address the issue themselves, saving time and money before considering professional assistance.

How urgent is it to address the check engine light in a 2021 Ford Bronco?

When the check engine light illuminates in your 2021 Ford Bronco, it signals a need for immediate attention, as neglecting this warning can lead to serious consequences. The light may indicate anything from a minor issue, such as a loose gas cap, to more severe problems that could compromise your vehicle's performance and safety. Ignoring the light not only risks escalating the issue, potentially resulting in costly repairs, but it can also affect your Bronco's drivability, making it unsafe to operate. Fortunately, modern vehicles are equipped with advanced onboard diagnostics that can help you identify the specific problem, allowing for a more straightforward DIY diagnosis and repair process. By addressing the check engine light promptly, you can maintain your vehicle's optimal performance and ensure a safer driving experience.

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