2020 GMC Savana 3500 Has A Check Engine Light

Common Causes of the Check Engine Light in Your 2020 GMC Savana 3500 and How to Resolve Them

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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 2020 GMC Savana 3500 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 2020 GMC Savana 3500 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 2020 GMC Savana 3500?

When faced with a check engine light on your 2020 GMC Savana 3500, the first step is to promptly inspect the situation to avoid further complications. Begin by checking if the light is flashing; a flashing light signifies a more serious issue that requires immediate attention. Next, consider the possibility of a loose fuel cap, as this common oversight can trigger the light due to fuel vapor leaks. If the cap is secure, assess the quality of the fuel you are using, as contaminated fuel can adversely affect engine performance. After these initial checks, it’s advisable to identify any Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) using an OBD-II scanner, which can provide specific insights into the underlying problem. Once you have pinpointed the issue, address it accordingly, and remember to reset the check engine light afterward. By following this structured diagnostic approach, you can effectively troubleshoot the check engine light and maintain the optimal performance of your vehicle.

What common issues trigger the check engine light in a 2020 GMC Savana 3500?

When the check engine light illuminates in a 2020 GMC Savana 3500, it can be a source of concern for any DIY enthusiast. One of the most straightforward issues to check is the petrol cap; if it’s not tightened properly, it can lead to a warning light due to a minor leak in the emission control system. Additionally, if you notice a burning oil smell or experience performance issues, it may indicate problems with the Vortec engine, such as low-tension piston rings or a malfunctioning PVC system, both of which can affect emissions and ignition. Another potential culprit is the vehicle's battery; if it’s failing to provide adequate voltage, it can inadvertently trigger the check engine light. Lastly, neglecting regular oil changes can result in low oil pressure, which is another reason the light may come on. By being aware of these common issues, you can take proactive steps to diagnose and address the problem, ensuring your Savana 3500 runs smoothly and efficiently.

How urgent is it to address the check engine light in a 2020 GMC Savana 3500?

Addressing the check engine light in a 2020 GMC Savana 3500 is of utmost urgency, as it serves as a critical alert for underlying issues that could escalate into more severe problems if left unattended. Ignoring this warning can lead to significant consequences, including decreased fuel efficiency, compromised engine performance, and even potential safety hazards. The Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) associated with the check engine light can indicate a range of issues, from minor malfunctions to serious engine failures. By promptly diagnosing and resolving the problem, you not only ensure the optimal operation of your vehicle but also prevent costly repairs down the line. Therefore, it is essential for DIY enthusiasts to take the check engine light seriously and act swiftly to maintain the health and safety of their 2020 GMC Savana 3500.

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