Honda CR-V Has A Check Engine Light

Common Causes of the Check Engine Light in Your Honda CR-V and How to Resolve Them

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Reviewed by
Bo Fader
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 Honda CR-V 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 Honda CR-V 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.

Troubleshooting Check Engine Light in a Honda CR-V

When faced with a check engine light in your Honda CR-V, the first step in your diagnostic approach should be to check for simple issues before delving into more complex problems. Begin by inspecting the gas cap, as a loose or damaged cap can often trigger the light. If the cap is secure, consider examining the condition of your spark plugs and oxygen sensors, as these components are common culprits for check engine alerts. If these initial checks do not resolve the issue, using an OBD-II scanner to pull the trouble codes can provide valuable insights into the specific problem. This tool will help you identify whether the issue lies within the emissions system or another area of the engine. Once you have the trouble codes, research their meanings and prioritize repairs based on severity and potential impact on vehicle performance. Remember, addressing the check engine light promptly is crucial to avoid more serious and costly repairs down the line. If you find yourself overwhelmed or unable to resolve the issue, seeking assistance from a certified mechanic is always a wise choice to ensure your vehicle remains in optimal condition.

What to Check When the Check Engine Light is On in a Honda CR-V?

When the check engine light illuminates in your Honda CR-V, it serves as a crucial alert that something may be amiss under the hood. One of the simplest yet often overlooked issues is the gas cap; a loose or damaged cap can easily trigger the light, so ensure it is securely tightened. More complex problems may stem from the emissions system, which is frequently the culprit behind this warning. Symptoms such as engine misfiring, poor acceleration, or unusual jerking can indicate deeper issues that require immediate attention to prevent further damage. If the light is flashing, it signals a serious malfunction, such as a catastrophic misfire that could harm the catalytic converter. The on-board diagnostic system is designed to detect these problems, and ignoring the check engine light can lead to costly repairs down the line. By understanding these common problems, you can take proactive steps to diagnose and address the issues, ensuring your Honda CR-V remains in optimal condition.

Why is it Critical to Address the Check Engine Light in a Honda CR-V?

Addressing the check engine light in your Honda CR-V is not just a matter of convenience; it is crucial for maintaining the vehicle's health and safety. When this light illuminates, it signals that the on-board diagnostic system has detected an issue that could range from minor to severe. Ignoring this warning can lead to escalating problems, including significant engine damage and costly repairs. Common culprits such as a faulty oxygen sensor or worn spark plugs can not only trigger the light but also negatively impact your vehicle's fuel efficiency and emissions. Moreover, the check engine light serves as an essential alert for potential safety risks, as it often relates to the engine's emissions control systems. Therefore, it is vital to prioritize a diagnostic check by a certified mechanic to identify and resolve the underlying issue promptly, ensuring your Honda CR-V remains reliable and safe on the road.

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