2013 Hyundai Tucson Check Engine Light On

Resolve Check Engine Light Issues in Your 2013 Hyundai Tucson

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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 2013 Hyundai Tucson 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 2013 Hyundai Tucson 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 diagnostic steps to take for a check engine light on a 2013 Hyundai Tucson?

When faced with a check engine light on your 2013 Hyundai Tucson, the first step is to assess the nature of the light. A steady light typically indicates a minor issue, while a flashing light suggests a more serious problem that requires immediate attention. Next, utilizing an OBD-II scanner is crucial for pinpointing the specific error code that triggered the light. This device can be easily connected to the OBD-II port located under the dashboard. Once you retrieve the error code, you can interpret its meaning by researching common causes, which may range from a loose gas cap to more complex issues like a faulty oxygen sensor. After identifying the problem, it’s essential to address it before resetting the check engine light. Simple fixes, such as tightening a gas cap, can often resolve the issue, while more serious problems may require part replacements. Finally, you can reset the light either by disconnecting the battery or using the OBD-II scanner to clear the error code. If the light remains on or you feel uncertain about the diagnosis, seeking professional assistance is advisable to ensure your vehicle is in optimal condition.

What are the common problems that could cause the check engine light to illuminate in a 2013 Hyundai Tucson?

When the check engine light illuminates in a 2013 Hyundai Tucson, it can be a source of concern for any driver. Understanding the common problems that may trigger this warning can empower you to take action. One frequent culprit is a loose or faulty gas cap, which can lead to fuel vapor leaks and reduced fuel efficiency. Spark plug issues are another common cause; worn or dirty spark plugs can result in engine misfires, affecting performance and fuel economy. Additionally, problems with the oxygen sensor can disrupt the air-fuel mixture, leading to poor engine performance and increased emissions. The mass airflow sensor is also critical; if it malfunctions, it can negatively impact both performance and fuel efficiency. Other potential issues include a failing catalytic converter, which is essential for reducing emissions, and faults in the ignition system that can cause misfires. Emissions control problems, computer output circuit faults, and even transmission issues can also trigger the check engine light. If you notice the light flashing, it indicates a more serious problem that requires immediate attention. By being aware of these common issues, you can take the first steps toward diagnosing and potentially resolving the problem yourself.

How urgent is it to address the check engine light on a 2013 Hyundai Tucson?

When it comes to the check engine light on your 2013 Hyundai Tucson, understanding the urgency of the situation is crucial for both safety and vehicle longevity. A blinking or flashing light is a clear signal of a severe issue, such as an engine misfire, which can lead to catastrophic damage like a ruined catalytic converter if not addressed immediately. In such cases, pulling over safely and having your vehicle towed to a service center is essential to prevent further complications. Conversely, a steady check engine light indicates that the onboard diagnostic system has detected a problem that, while it may not seem urgent, still requires prompt attention to avoid escalating issues down the line. If you experience performance problems, such as reduced fuel efficiency or the vehicle entering limp mode, these symptoms further underscore the need for immediate inspection and repair. Even if the light is intermittent or no codes are displayed, it’s wise to minimize driving until a professional can diagnose the issue. Ignoring these warning signs can lead to significant repair costs and safety risks, making it imperative to address the check engine light as soon as possible.

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