INFINITI G20 Has A Check Engine Light

Common Causes of the Check Engine Light in Your INFINITI G20 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 INFINITI G20 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 INFINITI G20 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 an INFINITI G20

When troubleshooting the Check Engine Light in your INFINITI G20, it's crucial to follow a methodical diagnostic approach to effectively identify and resolve the underlying issues. Start by paying attention to the light's behavior; a solid light typically indicates a less urgent problem, while a flashing light signals a more severe issue, such as an engine misfire that demands immediate attention. Begin your investigation by checking for common culprits like faulty spark plugs or ignition coils, as these are frequent triggers for the light. If you have access to an OBD-II scanner, utilize it to retrieve the diagnostic trouble codes from the vehicle's ECU, which will offer valuable insights into the specific problems at hand. After addressing any identified issues, remember to reset the light; however, if it reactivates, further diagnostics may be required. By adhering to this structured approach, you can effectively troubleshoot the Check Engine Light, ensuring your INFINITI G20 operates smoothly and efficiently.

What Could Cause the Check Engine Light to Illuminate in an INFINITI G20?

When the check engine light comes on in your INFINITI G20, it can be a source of frustration, but understanding the common problems can help you diagnose the issue. One of the most frequent culprits is a faulty oxygen sensor, which can lead to decreased fuel efficiency and rough engine performance. If you notice symptoms like engine hesitation or misfiring, it may be time to check this component. Additionally, issues with the emissions system, including the catalytic converter, can also trigger the light, indicating that your vehicle may not be meeting environmental standards. Another area to inspect is the ignition cylinder; problems here can cause irregular engine running, which is often noticeable during acceleration. Lastly, the exhaust gas oxygen sensor, or Lambda probe, can lead to misfires, especially when driving at low speeds or during sudden acceleration. By addressing these common issues, you can take proactive steps to resolve the check engine light and ensure your INFINITI G20 runs smoothly.

Why is the Check Engine Light On in an INFINITI G20?

When the Check Engine Light illuminates in your INFINITI G20, it serves as a critical warning that should not be ignored. This light can signify a range of issues, from a simple faulty oxygen sensor to more complex problems involving the ignition cylinder or exhaust gas sensors. Ignoring this warning can lead to significant engine damage, increased emissions, and costly repairs down the line. If the light is flashing, it indicates a more severe issue that requires immediate attention, as it can lead to engine misfires and further complications. Addressing the underlying problem promptly not only helps maintain your vehicle's performance but also ensures your safety on the road. Therefore, if you see the Check Engine Light, it is crucial to diagnose the issue as soon as possible to avoid potential hazards and expensive repairs.

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