Isuzu Impulse Has A Check Engine Light

Common Causes of the Check Engine Light in Your Isuzu Impulse 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 Isuzu Impulse 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 Isuzu Impulse 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 Isuzu Impulse

When faced with a check engine light in your Isuzu Impulse, it's essential to adopt a systematic diagnostic approach. Start by checking the simplest potential issues first, such as ensuring that the gas cap is securely tightened, as a loose cap can trigger the light. Next, utilize a 12Vdc circuit test light to read any diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) stored in the vehicle's Control Module (ECM). Pay close attention to the flashing patterns of the Check Engine light, as these will indicate specific service codes that can guide your troubleshooting efforts. If you identify codes related to the ignition cylinder, exhaust gas oxygen sensor, or MAP sensor, consider inspecting these components for faults. Remember, addressing these common issues early on can save you time and prevent more complex repairs down the line. By following this methodical approach, you can effectively diagnose and resolve the check engine light concerns in your Isuzu Impulse, ensuring your vehicle runs smoothly.

What Common Issues Cause the Check Engine Light to Illuminate in an Isuzu Impulse?

When the Check Engine Light comes on in an Isuzu Impulse, it often signals a range of common issues that can be addressed with some basic automotive knowledge. One of the first areas to investigate is the emissions system, as problems here can trigger the light due to failing components like the catalytic converter or O2 sensors. Additionally, sensor malfunctions, particularly with the mass airflow sensor or ignition system, can lead to performance issues and illuminate the light. It's also essential to check for simple fixes, such as a loose gas cap, which is a frequent culprit that can easily be overlooked. Other potential causes include low oil levels, spark plug issues, and even transmission problems, all of which can affect engine performance and trigger the warning light. By understanding these common issues, DIYers can take the first steps toward diagnosing and potentially resolving the problem, ensuring their Isuzu Impulse runs smoothly and efficiently.

Why is the Check Engine Light Important in an Isuzu Impulse?

Ignoring the Check Engine Light in your Isuzu Impulse can lead to serious consequences, making it essential to address any issues promptly. When this warning indicator illuminates, it signifies that the onboard diagnostics system has detected a problem that could affect your vehicle's performance and safety. Neglecting these warnings may result in more severe engine damage, costly repairs, or even a complete breakdown, which can leave you stranded. Additionally, some issues may pose safety risks, such as compromised braking or steering systems, which could endanger you and other road users. By taking immediate action when the Check Engine Light comes on, you not only protect your investment but also ensure a safer driving experience. Regularly checking the diagnostic codes associated with the light can help you identify the specific problem, allowing for timely repairs and maintenance that keep your Isuzu Impulse running smoothly.

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