2011 INFINITI FX50 Has A Check Engine Light

Troubleshooting the Check Engine Light in Your 2011 INFINITI FX50: 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 2011 INFINITI FX50 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 2011 INFINITI FX50 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 steps to diagnose the check engine light on a 2011 INFINITI FX50?

To effectively diagnose the check engine light on your 2011 INFINITI FX50, start with the simplest potential issue: a loose gas cap. This minor oversight can often trigger the light, so ensure it is securely tightened. Next, utilize an OBD-II scanner, which you can connect to the vehicle's diagnostic port. This tool will provide you with specific error codes that indicate the underlying problem. Once you have the codes, take the time to interpret them by consulting your vehicle's manual or reliable online resources, as this will help you understand the potential causes of the issue. After identifying the error codes, inspect relevant components such as the oxygen sensor, catalytic converter, and spark plugs, as these parts are commonly associated with check engine light triggers. If your diagnostics lead to a more complex issue that you cannot resolve, it may be wise to seek professional assistance from a mechanic or dealership. By following this structured approach, you can efficiently diagnose and address the check engine light on your INFINITI FX50, potentially saving time and money on repairs.

What are the common problems that could cause the check engine light to illuminate in a 2011 INFINITI FX50?

When the check engine light comes on in a 2011 INFINITI FX50, it can be a source of concern for any DIY enthusiast. One of the most straightforward issues to check is the gas cap; a loose or damaged cap can easily trigger the light, so ensuring it is secure is a good first step. If the gas cap is fine, the next likely culprit could be the oxygen sensor, which monitors the exhaust and can fail over time, leading to increased emissions and reduced fuel efficiency. Another common issue is the catalytic converter, which can become clogged or inefficient, affecting the vehicle's performance. Additionally, a malfunctioning mass airflow sensor can disrupt the air-fuel mixture, causing the check engine light to illuminate. Problems with spark plugs or ignition coils are also frequent offenders, as they are crucial for proper engine operation. Lastly, a faulty thermostat can lead to engine overheating, triggering the warning light. Addressing these issues promptly not only helps in diagnosing the problem but also ensures the vehicle runs smoothly and efficiently. If DIY troubleshooting does not resolve the issue, consulting a qualified mechanic is advisable to prevent further complications.

How urgent is it to address the check engine light in a 2011 INFINITI FX50?

When the check engine light illuminates in your 2011 INFINITI FX50, it is crucial to recognize the urgency of the situation. This warning light is not just a minor inconvenience; it indicates that there may be underlying issues with your engine or emissions system that could compromise your vehicle's performance and efficiency. Ignoring this signal can lead to escalating problems, including costly repairs or even complete breakdowns, which can leave you stranded and facing significant expenses. For DIY enthusiasts, the first step is to use an OBD-II scanner to retrieve diagnostic trouble codes, which can provide valuable insights into the specific issues at hand. However, it is essential to understand that some problems may require professional expertise to resolve effectively. By addressing the check engine light promptly, you not only safeguard your vehicle's integrity but also enhance your safety on the road, ensuring a reliable driving experience. Taking immediate action can prevent further damage and help maintain the longevity of your INFINITI FX50, making it a wise choice for any responsible vehicle owner.

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2011 INFINITI FX50 Check Engine Light: Causes & Repairs