2019 Honda Civic Has A Check Engine Light

Resolve Check Engine Light Issues in Your 2019 Honda Civic

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Reviewed by
Devin Cabugcal
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 2019 Honda Civic 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 2019 Honda Civic 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 on a 2019 Honda Civic?

To effectively diagnose the check engine light on your 2019 Honda Civic, start with a thorough visual inspection of the gas cap, ensuring it is securely tightened and free from damage, as a loose or faulty cap is a common trigger for the light. Next, utilize an OBD-II scanner by connecting it to the vehicle's diagnostic port; this tool will allow you to retrieve the specific error code associated with the check engine light. Once you have the error code, research its meaning through the vehicle's manual or reputable online resources to gain insight into the potential issue. Depending on the code, you may need to take further action, which could range from simple fixes like tightening the gas cap to more involved repairs such as replacing a malfunctioning sensor. By following this diagnostic approach, you can systematically address the check engine light and ensure your Honda Civic runs smoothly.

What are the common problems that could cause the check engine light to illuminate in a 2019 Honda Civic?

When the check engine light comes on in a 2019 Honda Civic, it can be a source of concern for any driver. Understanding the common problems that may cause this warning can empower you to take action. One of the simplest issues to check is the gas cap; a loose or damaged cap can easily trigger the light. If the cap is secure, consider the oxygen sensor, as a faulty one can lead to poor fuel efficiency and emissions problems. Another critical component is the catalytic converter; if it’s failing, it can significantly impact your vehicle's performance. Additionally, worn spark plugs or ignition coils can cause misfires, which will also illuminate the check engine light. The mass airflow sensor and the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system are other areas to inspect, as issues here can disrupt the air-fuel mixture and exhaust flow, respectively. Addressing these common problems promptly not only helps in maintaining your vehicle's performance but also prevents further damage, making it essential for any DIY enthusiast to be aware of these potential issues.

How urgent is it to address the check engine light in a 2019 Honda Civic?

Addressing the check engine light in a 2019 Honda Civic is of utmost importance due to the potential risks associated with ignoring it. The check engine light serves as an early warning system, indicating that there may be an issue with the engine or emissions system. If left unaddressed, these issues can escalate, leading to more severe damage and costly repairs. Additionally, neglecting the check engine light can result in decreased fuel efficiency and overall vehicle performance, which can impact your driving experience and increase your fuel expenses. Some problems may be minor and easily fixable, but others could pose significant safety risks or lead to breakdowns. Therefore, it is crucial for DIY enthusiasts to take the check engine light seriously and investigate the underlying issues promptly to ensure the longevity and reliability of their Honda Civic.

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2019 Honda Civic Check Engine Light: Causes & Repairs