2016 GMC Canyon Has A Check Engine Light

Troubleshooting the Check Engine Light in Your 2016 GMC Canyon: 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 2016 GMC Canyon 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 2016 GMC Canyon 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 steps to diagnose the check engine light issue in a 2016 GMC Canyon?

To effectively diagnose the check engine light issue in a 2016 GMC Canyon, start with a thorough visual inspection of the vehicle. Begin by checking the gas cap, as a loose or damaged cap is a common and easily fixable cause of the warning light. If the gas cap is secure, the next step is to utilize an OBD-II scanner, which connects to the vehicle's diagnostic port. This tool will retrieve specific error codes that indicate the nature of the problem. Once you have the error code, interpret it by consulting the vehicle's manual or reliable online resources to identify the affected system or component. Following this, inspect the related components, such as the oxygen sensor, catalytic converter, or spark plugs, to ensure they are functioning properly. If the issue remains unclear or requires specialized knowledge, it may be prudent to seek assistance from a certified mechanic or dealership. By following this diagnostic approach, you can systematically address the check engine light issue and determine the necessary steps for resolution.

What are the common problems that could cause the check engine light to illuminate in a 2016 GMC Canyon?

When the check engine light comes on in a 2016 GMC Canyon, it often signals a range of potential issues that drivers can troubleshoot. One common culprit is a malfunction in the emission control system, which can affect the vehicle's performance and environmental compliance. Additionally, the vehicle's onboard computer may detect faults and generate diagnostic trouble codes, indicating specific areas that require attention. Another frequent issue is related to the timing mechanism; if it jumps, drivers may experience symptoms such as rough idling, misfiring, reduced power, stalling, and decreased fuel efficiency. To effectively address the check engine light, it is crucial to retrieve the trouble codes using an OBD-II scanner, which will help pinpoint the underlying problem. Once identified, fixing the issue and allowing the vehicle to run will enable the system to reset the check engine light, ensuring that the vehicle operates smoothly and efficiently.

How urgent is it to address the check engine light in a 2016 GMC Canyon?

When the check engine light comes on in your 2016 GMC Canyon, it is crucial to take immediate action rather than dismissing it as a minor inconvenience. This warning light serves as an early indicator of possible issues within your vehicle's emission control system, which, if left unchecked, could escalate into more serious problems. A steady light may suggest something as simple as a loose gas cap, but it can also signal deeper mechanical failures that could compromise your vehicle's performance and safety. Ignoring the check engine light not only risks further damage to your engine but can also lead to costly repairs down the line. Therefore, it is advisable to diagnose the issue promptly by retrieving the trouble codes, addressing the underlying problems, and resetting the system to ensure your GMC Canyon operates efficiently and safely. Taking these steps not only protects your investment but also contributes to a smoother and more reliable driving experience.

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2016 GMC Canyon Check Engine Light Causes & Solutions