2017 Honda Fit Has A Check Engine Light

Resolve Check Engine Light Issues in Your 2017 Honda Fit

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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 2017 Honda Fit 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 2017 Honda Fit 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 steps to diagnose the check engine light on a 2017 Honda Fit?

When faced with a check engine light on your 2017 Honda Fit, the first step is to conduct a visual inspection, particularly of the gas cap, as a loose or damaged cap is a common culprit that can easily trigger the warning. If the gas cap appears secure, the next step involves utilizing an OBD-II scanner, which can be connected to the vehicle's OBD port. This tool will provide you with specific error codes that indicate the underlying issue. Once you have the error code, it's essential to look it up in a code reader manual or online resources to gain insight into what the code signifies. Additionally, pay attention to any other symptoms your vehicle may be exhibiting, such as strange noises or performance changes, as these can provide further clues to the problem. If, after these initial steps, the cause of the check engine light remains unclear, seeking assistance from a professional mechanic is advisable to ensure accurate diagnosis and repair. By following this structured approach, you can effectively troubleshoot the check engine light and potentially save on repair costs.

What are the common problems that could cause the check engine light to illuminate in a 2017 Honda Fit?

When the check engine light illuminates in a 2017 Honda Fit, it signals potential issues that DIY enthusiasts can often troubleshoot. A common reason for this warning is a loose or damaged gas cap, which is simple to check and fix. Another frequent culprit is a faulty oxygen sensor, responsible for monitoring exhaust emissions and fuel efficiency; replacing it can often be done at home with the right tools. Additionally, problems with the catalytic converter, such as blockages or failures, may require more advanced knowledge and tools to address. Worn spark plugs and malfunctioning ignition coils can lead to engine misfires, which are also manageable for those with some mechanical experience. Lastly, a malfunctioning mass airflow sensor can disrupt the engine's air-fuel mixture, affecting performance. While some of these issues can be resolved through DIY methods, others may require professional assistance to ensure your Honda Fit operates optimally.

How urgent is it to address the check engine light in a 2017 Honda Fit?

When the check engine light illuminates in your 2017 Honda Fit, it is crucial to take immediate action rather than dismissing it as a minor inconvenience. This warning light indicates that there may be an underlying issue with your vehicle's engine or emissions system, which, if ignored, could escalate into more severe problems. Continuing to drive with the check engine light on can lead to decreased fuel efficiency, performance issues, and even safety risks, making it imperative to diagnose the problem as soon as possible. By addressing the check engine light promptly, you not only safeguard your vehicle's performance but also potentially save yourself from costly repairs down the line. Therefore, if you notice this warning, consider checking the vehicle's diagnostic codes or consulting a qualified mechanic to identify and resolve the issue swiftly, ensuring your Honda Fit remains reliable and safe on the road.

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