INFINITI QX55 Has A Check Engine Light

Common Causes of the Check Engine Light in Your INFINITI QX55 and How to Resolve Them

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Reviewed by
Devin Cabugcal
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 QX55 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 QX55 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 QX55

When faced with a check engine light in your INFINITI QX55, it's essential to adopt a systematic diagnostic approach that begins with the simplest solutions. Start by checking the gas cap; a loose or damaged cap can easily trigger the light due to fuel vapor leaks. If the gas cap is secure, move on to inspect the ignition system, as faulty spark plugs or ignition coils can also cause the light to illuminate. Next, verify that the engine is receiving the correct air and fuel mixture, as imbalances in these areas can lead to performance issues and trigger the warning. If these initial checks do not resolve the issue, consider using an OBD-II scanner to read the diagnostic trouble codes, which can provide specific insights into the underlying problems. Remember, while the check engine light often points to emission-related issues, it can also indicate faults in the ignition system, engine timing, or transmission. By following this methodical approach, you can effectively identify and address the cause of the check engine light, ensuring your vehicle runs smoothly and efficiently.

What Could Cause the Check Engine Light to Illuminate in an INFINITI QX55?

When the check engine light illuminates in your INFINITI QX55, it serves as a crucial alert that something may be amiss under the hood. Common culprits include issues with the emissions system, such as a malfunctioning catalytic converter or a faulty oxygen sensor, which can lead to decreased fuel efficiency and engine performance. Additionally, problems with the transmission or ignition cylinder can also trigger this warning light, often resulting in symptoms like engine misfires or rough idling. It's important to note that while a loose gas cap might seem trivial, it can also cause the check engine light to activate. If the light is blinking, it indicates a more serious issue, such as an engine misfire, which could lead to significant damage if not addressed promptly. Therefore, understanding these potential problems can empower you to diagnose and resolve the issue effectively, ensuring your vehicle runs smoothly and efficiently.

Why is the Check Engine Light Important in an INFINITI QX55?

Ignoring the Check Engine Light in your INFINITI QX55 can lead to serious consequences that may compromise both your vehicle's performance and your safety. When this light illuminates, it serves as a critical alert that something within the emissions system, sensors, or catalytic converter may be malfunctioning. For instance, a faulty oxygen sensor not only affects fuel efficiency but can also lead to engine misfires, which could escalate into more severe engine damage if left unaddressed. Moreover, neglecting these warning signs can result in costly repairs down the line, as minor issues can quickly evolve into major problems. Therefore, it is essential to take the Check Engine Light seriously and seek diagnostic assistance promptly to ensure your vehicle remains in optimal condition and to avoid potential safety hazards on the road.

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