Hyundai Elantra Coupe Has A Check Engine Light

Common Causes of the Check Engine Light in Your Hyundai Elantra Coupe and How to Resolve Them

Find Repair Location
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 Hyundai Elantra Coupe 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 Hyundai Elantra Coupe 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 Hyundai Elantra Coupe

When faced with a check engine light in your Hyundai Elantra Coupe, it's essential to adopt a systematic diagnostic approach. Begin by checking for simple issues, such as ensuring that the gas cap is securely tightened, as a loose cap can often trigger the light. If the light persists, utilize an OBD2 scanner to read the trouble codes stored in the vehicle's electronic control unit (ECU). These codes will guide you in identifying the specific problem, whether it’s a minor sensor issue or something more serious like a faulty catalytic converter. Once you have the codes, research their meanings to understand the potential causes. If the codes indicate a more complex issue, such as a vacuum leak or a malfunctioning oxygen sensor, consider consulting repair manuals or online resources for detailed troubleshooting steps. Remember, while DIY diagnostics can save time and money, if the check engine light continues to illuminate or if you encounter a flashing light, it’s crucial to seek professional assistance to prevent further damage to your vehicle.

What Could Cause the Check Engine Light to Illuminate in a Hyundai Elantra Coupe?

When the check engine light comes on in your Hyundai Elantra Coupe, it can be concerning, but understanding the common problems can help you diagnose the issue. One frequent culprit is a loose or missing gas cap, which is an easy fix that can often be resolved without any tools. Another common issue is a faulty oxygen sensor, which can affect your vehicle's fuel efficiency and emissions. If you notice a decrease in performance, it may be worth checking this component. Additionally, a dirty or malfunctioning mass airflow sensor can disrupt the air-fuel mixture, leading to engine performance issues. Engine misfires, which can be caused by various factors including spark plug problems, can also trigger the check engine light. Furthermore, issues with the fuel injection system or the emissions system, such as a failing catalytic converter, can lead to this warning light illuminating. If you suspect any of these issues, it’s advisable to conduct a thorough inspection. Once the underlying problem is resolved, you can reset the check engine light by disconnecting the battery, allowing you to monitor your vehicle's performance moving forward.

Why is the Check Engine Light Important in a Hyundai Elantra Coupe?

The Check Engine Light in your Hyundai Elantra Coupe is not just a simple warning; it serves as a critical alert system for your vehicle's health. Ignoring this light can lead to severe consequences, including safety risks and costly repairs. A steady light may indicate minor issues, such as a loose gas cap, but a flashing light signals a serious problem that could result in engine damage if not addressed immediately. For DIY enthusiasts, understanding the urgency of these warnings is essential. Delaying repairs can exacerbate existing problems, leading to more extensive damage and higher repair costs down the line. Moreover, some issues linked to the Check Engine Light, like malfunctioning emission systems, can affect your vehicle's performance and fuel efficiency, ultimately impacting your driving experience. Therefore, when the Check Engine Light illuminates, it is crucial to assess the situation promptly, using an OBD-II scanner to retrieve trouble codes and diagnose the issue before it escalates. Taking swift action not only ensures your safety but also preserves the longevity of your Hyundai Elantra Coupe.

You’ve got options with RepairPal

Whether you need a more accurate auto repair estimate or help finding a reputable shop in your area, we’ve got you covered.