2021 INFINITI Q50 Has A Check Engine Light

Troubleshooting the Check Engine Light in Your 2021 INFINITI Q50: 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 2021 INFINITI Q50 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 2021 INFINITI Q50 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 2021 INFINITI Q50?

When faced with a check engine light on your 2021 INFINITI Q50, it's essential to adopt a systematic diagnostic approach. Start by visually inspecting the gas cap, as a loose or damaged cap is a common and easily fixable issue that can trigger the light. Next, utilize an OBD-II scanner to connect to your vehicle's diagnostic port; this tool will provide specific error codes that can guide you in identifying the underlying problem. Pay attention to any additional symptoms your vehicle may exhibit, such as unusual noises or performance issues, as these can offer further clues. Additionally, consulting your owner's manual can provide insights into what the check engine light signifies and any recommended troubleshooting steps. If these initial checks do not resolve the issue or if the problem appears more complex, seeking assistance from a qualified mechanic or dealership is advisable to ensure proper diagnosis and repair. By following this structured approach, you can effectively narrow down the cause of the check engine light and take appropriate action.

What are the common problems that could cause the check engine light to illuminate in a 2021 INFINITI Q50?

When the check engine light comes on in your 2021 INFINITI Q50, it can be concerning, but understanding the common problems that may cause this warning can empower you to take action. One of the simplest issues to check is the gas cap; a loose or damaged cap can easily trigger the light. If that’s not the issue, consider the oxygen sensor, which monitors the air-fuel mixture and can fail over time, leading to increased emissions and reduced performance. Another critical component is the catalytic converter; if it’s malfunctioning, it can significantly affect your vehicle's efficiency. Additionally, the mass airflow sensor, which measures the amount of air entering the engine, can also fail, causing the check engine light to illuminate. Worn spark plugs or a faulty ignition coil can lead to engine misfires, another common reason for the light to activate. Lastly, don’t overlook the EGR valve, as issues here can also trigger the warning. Addressing these problems promptly is crucial to maintaining your vehicle's performance and preventing further damage, so if you notice the check engine light, consider these potential causes as a starting point for your DIY diagnosis.

How urgent is it to address the check engine light in a 2021 INFINITI Q50?

When the check engine light illuminates in your 2021 INFINITI Q50, it signals a potential issue that requires immediate attention. Ignoring this warning can lead to serious consequences, including engine damage and decreased vehicle performance. For DIY enthusiasts, the first step is to use an OBD-II scanner to retrieve diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) that can help identify the specific problem. This tool is essential for understanding whether the issue is minor, such as a loose gas cap, or more serious, like a failing sensor or catalytic converter. Addressing these issues promptly not only helps maintain your vehicle's efficiency and safety but also prevents costly repairs down the line. If the codes indicate a more complex problem, it may be wise to consult a professional mechanic for a thorough diagnosis. Remember, timely action can save you from further complications and ensure your INFINITI continues to perform at its best.

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2021 INFINITI Q50 Check Engine Light Causes & Solutions