Honda HR-V Has A Check Engine Light

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

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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 Honda HR-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 HR-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 HR-V

When faced with a check engine light in your Honda HR-V, it's essential to adopt a methodical diagnostic approach. Begin by taking the warning seriously; this light serves as a critical alert for potential engine issues that could worsen if ignored. Start with the simplest solution: check your gas cap. A loose or damaged cap can often trigger the light, so ensure it is securely fastened. If the light persists, consider using an OBD scanner to read the trouble codes, which can provide valuable insights into the specific issue at hand. This tool is user-friendly and can help you identify whether the problem is minor or requires professional intervention. If the light is flashing, it indicates a more serious issue, and you should refrain from driving the vehicle until a qualified technician can assess it. Once you've addressed any identified issues, you can clear the check engine light by driving the vehicle, allowing the onboard diagnostics to recognize that the problem has been resolved. By following this structured approach, you can effectively troubleshoot the check engine light and maintain the health of your Honda HR-V.

Common Causes of Check Engine Light in Honda HR-V

When the check engine light illuminates in your Honda HR-V, it serves as a crucial alert that something may be amiss under the hood. One of the most frequent culprits is an issue with the emissions system, which can stem from a faulty sensor or a malfunctioning catalytic converter. Additionally, a low or dead battery can trigger this warning light, as can an engine misfire, which not only affects performance but can also lead to more severe damage if left unchecked. A loose or faulty gas cap is another simple yet often overlooked reason for the check engine light to activate. If you notice the light flashing, it indicates a more serious issue that requires immediate attention, so it's essential to diagnose the problem promptly. By understanding these common causes, you can take the first steps toward troubleshooting and potentially resolving the issue yourself, ensuring your Honda HR-V runs smoothly and efficiently.

Why is the Check Engine Light Important in a Honda HR-V?

The Check Engine Light in your Honda HR-V is not just a simple warning; it is a critical alert that should never be ignored. When this light illuminates, it signifies that your vehicle is experiencing issues that could range from minor to severe, potentially affecting your car's performance and safety. Ignoring the light can lead to more significant problems down the line, such as engine failure or costly repairs, which could have been avoided with prompt attention. Moreover, some issues indicated by the light may relate to the emissions system, which, if left unaddressed, can result in environmental harm and legal repercussions. Therefore, it is essential to take the Check Engine Light seriously and seek professional diagnostics as soon as it appears. By doing so, you not only ensure the longevity and reliability of your Honda HR-V but also safeguard your safety on the road.

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