2015 INFINITI QX80 Has A Check Engine Light

Common Causes for the Check Engine Light in Your 2015 INFINITI QX80 and How to Resolve Them

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Reviewed by
Aisha
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 QX80 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 QX80 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 QX80?

When faced with a check engine light on your 2015 INFINITI QX80, 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, examine your dashboard for any additional warning indicators that might provide further insight into the problem. Pay attention to any unusual noises or odors from the vehicle, as these can signal specific mechanical issues. Utilizing an OBD-II scanner is a crucial step; it allows you to retrieve the error codes associated with the check engine light, giving you a clearer direction for troubleshooting. Finally, consult your owner's manual for guidance on what the check engine light may indicate and any manufacturer-recommended troubleshooting steps. By systematically following these steps, you can effectively diagnose the issue and determine whether it requires a simple fix or professional intervention.

What are the common problems that could cause the check engine light to illuminate in a 2015 INFINITI QX80?

When the check engine light illuminates in a 2015 INFINITI QX80, it serves as an important alert that something may be amiss under the hood. One of the most straightforward issues to investigate is a loose gas cap, which can often be easily tightened to resolve the warning. However, if the light persists, it may indicate more complex problems such as a faulty oxygen sensor, which is essential for monitoring exhaust emissions and optimizing fuel efficiency. Additionally, the catalytic converter, responsible for reducing harmful emissions, can also trigger the check engine light if it is malfunctioning. Another potential culprit is the mass airflow sensor, which measures the air entering the engine; issues here can lead to performance problems. Furthermore, faulty spark plugs or ignition coils can cause engine misfires, another common reason for the light to activate. Lastly, an engine misfire, often linked to bad spark plugs or fuel injectors, can also be a significant concern. It is crucial to address these issues promptly to maintain your vehicle's performance and prevent further damage, so if the check engine light is on, diagnosing the problem should be a priority to keep your INFINITI QX80 running smoothly.

How urgent is it to address the check engine light in a 2015 INFINITI QX80?

When the check engine light illuminates in your 2015 INFINITI QX80, it is essential to recognize the urgency of the situation. This warning light is not merely a nuisance; it signals potential issues within the engine or emissions system that could escalate if left unaddressed. While some triggers, like a loose gas cap, may seem minor, they can mask more serious problems that could lead to significant engine damage or costly repairs. Ignoring the light can result in decreased vehicle performance, increased emissions, and even safety risks on the road. For those inclined to take a DIY approach, the first step is to use an OBD-II scanner to retrieve diagnostic trouble codes, which can provide insight into the specific issue at hand. However, it is crucial to remember that while some problems may be easily fixable, others may require professional expertise to ensure the vehicle's health and safety. Therefore, addressing the check engine light promptly not only protects your investment but also ensures a safer driving experience.

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