2015 INFINITI Q40 Has A Check Engine Light

Troubleshooting the Check Engine Light in Your 2015 INFINITI Q40: Common Causes and Solutions

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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 2015 INFINITI Q40 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 2015 INFINITI Q40 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 2015 INFINITI Q40?

When faced with a check engine light on your 2015 INFINITI Q40, the first step is to check the gas cap, as a loose or damaged cap is a common and easily fixable issue that can trigger the light. Next, take a moment to inspect your dashboard for any additional warning lights or messages that might indicate other underlying problems. A visual inspection under the hood is also crucial; look for any visible damage to wires, hoses, or connectors that could be affecting your vehicle's performance. If these initial checks do not resolve the issue, using an OBD-II scanner can help you retrieve the specific error code associated with the check engine light, providing valuable insight into the problem. Always refer to your owner's manual for guidance on the meaning of the error code and recommended actions. If you find yourself unable to diagnose the issue or if it appears to require more advanced expertise, seeking help from a qualified mechanic or dealership is advisable to ensure your vehicle is properly assessed and repaired. By following these steps, you can effectively troubleshoot the check engine light and potentially save on costly repairs.

What are the common problems that could cause the check engine light to illuminate in a 2015 INFINITI Q40?

When the check engine light comes on in a 2015 INFINITI Q40, it can be a source of concern for any DIY car owner. 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, affecting engine performance. Another common issue is related to the catalytic converter, which can become clogged or inefficient, leading to increased emissions and triggering the light. Additionally, problems with the mass airflow sensor, which measures the amount of air entering the engine, can also cause the check engine light to illuminate. Spark plugs and ignition coils are critical for engine ignition, and if they are faulty, they can lead to misfires, another reason for the warning light. Lastly, an engine misfire itself, which can stem from various factors including bad spark plugs or fuel injectors, is a significant issue that should be addressed promptly. By understanding these common problems, DIY enthusiasts can take the first steps in diagnosing and potentially resolving the check engine light issue in their INFINITI Q40.

How urgent is it to address the check engine light in a 2015 INFINITI Q40?

When the check engine light illuminates in your 2015 INFINITI Q40, it signals a potential issue that requires immediate attention. Ignoring this warning can lead to a cascade of problems, including reduced fuel efficiency and engine performance, which may escalate into more severe mechanical failures. For DIY enthusiasts, the first step is to use an OBD-II scanner to retrieve diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) that can pinpoint the issue. This initial diagnosis can help you determine whether the problem is something manageable, like a loose gas cap, or more complex, such as a failing sensor or catalytic converter. Addressing these issues promptly not only helps maintain your vehicle's performance but also prevents costly repairs down the line. Remember, while some problems may seem minor, they can pose safety risks and lead to significant damage if left unresolved. Therefore, taking action as soon as the check engine light comes on is crucial for the longevity and safety of your vehicle.

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