2023 Hyundai Kona Has A Check Engine Light

Troubleshooting the Check Engine Light in Your 2023 Hyundai Kona: Common Causes and Solutions

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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 2023 Hyundai Kona 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 2023 Hyundai Kona 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 2023 Hyundai Kona?

To effectively diagnose the check engine light on your 2023 Hyundai Kona, start with a thorough visual inspection of the vehicle. Begin by checking the gas cap; ensure it is securely tightened and free from damage, as a loose or faulty gas cap is a common trigger for the check engine light. If everything appears normal, the next step is to utilize an OBD-II scanner, which can be easily purchased or borrowed. By connecting the scanner to the vehicle's diagnostic port, you can retrieve error codes that provide valuable insights into the underlying issues. Make sure to document these codes, as they will be crucial for further investigation. Once you have the codes, research their meanings using the vehicle's manual or reputable online resources to understand the specific problems indicated. This knowledge will help you determine whether the issue is something you can address yourself or if it requires professional assistance. If the diagnosis seems complex or beyond your skill level, don’t hesitate to consult a qualified mechanic for a more in-depth evaluation. By following these steps, you can take a proactive approach to diagnosing the check engine light and potentially save on repair costs.

What are the common problems that could cause the check engine light to activate in a 2023 Hyundai Kona?

When the check engine light comes on in your 2023 Hyundai Kona, it can be a source of concern, but understanding the common problems can help you troubleshoot effectively. One frequent culprit is a loose gas cap, which can lead to fuel vapors escaping and is an easy fix—just ensure the cap is tightened properly. Another common issue is a faulty oxygen sensor, which can negatively impact fuel efficiency and emissions; if you suspect this, consider checking the sensor's functionality. Additionally, problems with the catalytic converter can trigger the light, often requiring professional assessment due to the complexity of the system. Worn spark plugs can also cause engine performance issues, so inspecting and replacing them if necessary can be a straightforward DIY task. Furthermore, a malfunctioning mass airflow sensor can disrupt the air-fuel mixture, while ignition coil failures may lead to engine misfires, both of which can be diagnosed with basic tools. Lastly, issues with the EGR valve can affect emissions and should be addressed promptly. By being aware of these common problems, you can take proactive steps to diagnose and potentially resolve the issues indicated by the check engine light, ensuring your Hyundai Kona runs smoothly.

How urgent is it to address the check engine light in a 2023 Hyundai Kona?

When the check engine light illuminates in your 2023 Hyundai Kona, it signals a need for immediate attention, as neglecting this warning can lead to serious consequences. Ignoring the light may result in escalating engine problems, which could ultimately lead to costly repairs that could have been avoided with timely intervention. The sophisticated onboard diagnostics in modern vehicles like the Kona can help identify the specific issue, making it easier for DIY enthusiasts to troubleshoot minor problems before they escalate. Additionally, continuing to drive with the check engine light on can compromise your vehicle's fuel efficiency and performance, while also increasing harmful emissions. Therefore, it is crucial to address the check engine light promptly, either by conducting a preliminary diagnostic check yourself or seeking assistance from a qualified mechanic, to ensure your vehicle remains in optimal condition and to protect both your investment and the environment.

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