2014 GMC Acadia Has A Check Engine Light

Troubleshooting the Check Engine Light in Your 2014 GMC Acadia: Common Causes and Solutions

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Reviewed by
Aisha
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 2014 GMC Acadia 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 2014 GMC Acadia 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 2014 GMC Acadia?

When faced with a check engine light on your 2014 GMC Acadia, the first step is to check the gas cap, as a loose or missing cap is a common and easily fixable cause of the warning. If the cap is secure, proceed to identify any specific issues that may be triggering the light. Familiarizing yourself with common causes of check engine light codes for your model can provide valuable insights into potential problems. It's also crucial to ensure that the fuel tank is properly secured, as this can affect the vehicle's performance. To delve deeper into the issue, consider using diagnostic tools specifically designed for GMC Acadia vehicles, which can help interpret error codes. Learning how to read these trouble codes through the onboard diagnostics (OBD) system will further aid in understanding the underlying issue. By following these steps, you can effectively diagnose the check engine light problem and take appropriate actions to resolve it, empowering you to manage your vehicle's health with confidence.

What are the common problems that could cause the check engine light to illuminate in a 2014 GMC Acadia?

When the check engine light comes on in a 2014 GMC Acadia, it can be concerning, but understanding the common problems can empower you to take action. One frequent issue is a faulty oxygen sensor, which plays a crucial role in monitoring the air-fuel mixture and can lead to decreased fuel efficiency if not addressed. Another common culprit is a loose or damaged gas cap; this seemingly minor issue can disrupt fuel pressure and trigger the light, making it an easy fix for DIYers. Additionally, a malfunctioning catalytic converter can also cause the check engine light to illuminate, often indicating a more serious problem that may require professional attention. By being aware of these potential issues, you can start troubleshooting your vehicle effectively, ensuring it runs smoothly and efficiently.

How urgent is it to address the check engine light in a 2014 GMC Acadia?

When the check engine light illuminates in your 2014 GMC Acadia, it serves as a critical warning that should not be ignored. The urgency of addressing this issue cannot be overstated, as the light may indicate a range of problems, from minor issues to serious engine malfunctions. Neglecting the check engine light can lead to escalating repairs, increased safety risks, and even a complete breakdown of your vehicle. For instance, a simple sensor malfunction could evolve into a more severe engine failure if left unchecked, resulting in costly repairs and potential safety hazards on the road. Moreover, resolving the underlying issues can enhance your vehicle's fuel efficiency and overall performance, making it not only a matter of safety but also of economic sense. Therefore, it is essential to diagnose and address the cause of the check engine light as soon as possible to maintain the integrity and longevity of your GMC Acadia.

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