Isuzu Pickup Has A Check Engine Light

Common Causes of the Check Engine Light in Your Isuzu Pickup and How to Resolve Them

Find Repair Location
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 Isuzu Pickup 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 Pickup 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 Pickup

When faced with a Check Engine Light in your Isuzu Pickup, the first step is to ensure that the light itself is functioning correctly. Upon starting the engine, the light should illuminate briefly and then turn off; if it remains lit, this indicates a potential issue that needs attention. Next, utilize the vehicle's diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) to pinpoint the problem. By grounding the "Test" terminal with the ignition on and the engine off, you can observe the blinking pattern of the Check Engine Light, which corresponds to specific trouble codes stored in the Engine Control Module (ECM). Each sequence of blinks represents a number that can help identify the fault. Common issues, such as those related to the MAP Sensor, can often trigger the light, so understanding these codes is crucial for effective diagnosis. By starting with these straightforward steps, you can systematically address the underlying issues indicated by the Check Engine Light, making the troubleshooting process more manageable and efficient for your DIY project.

What Could Cause the Check Engine Light to Illuminate in an Isuzu Pickup?

When the check engine light illuminates in your Isuzu Pickup, it can be a source of concern, but understanding the common problems can help you diagnose the issue effectively. One frequent culprit is a malfunctioning emissions system component, which can include sensors or the catalytic converter. Additionally, a loose fuel cap is a simple yet often overlooked reason for the light to come on. Other potential issues range from excess vibration affecting engine components to a blocked cylinder or a poor fuel mixture. If you own an Isuzu D-Max, be aware that the check engine light should turn off once the engine starts; if it remains illuminated, it may indicate a fault in the engine's electronic control system or the diesel particulate defuser. The color of the check engine light also provides insight into the severity of the problem, with yellow typically indicating minor issues and red signaling more serious concerns. Addressing these problems promptly is crucial for maintaining your vehicle's performance and safety, making it essential for DIY enthusiasts to familiarize themselves with these common triggers.

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

The Check Engine Light in your Isuzu Pickup is not just a simple warning; it is a critical alert system that demands immediate attention. Ignoring this light can lead to severe consequences, including decreased vehicle performance, increased emissions, and even catastrophic engine failure. For instance, a seemingly minor issue, such as a faulty oxygen sensor, can escalate into more significant problems like engine misfiring or reduced fuel efficiency if left unaddressed. Moreover, some issues indicated by the Check Engine Light may pose safety risks, such as compromised braking or steering systems. Therefore, it is essential for DIY enthusiasts to act promptly when the light illuminates, as timely diagnosis and repair can prevent costly repairs down the line and ensure the safety and reliability of your vehicle. By understanding the urgency of these warnings, you can maintain your Isuzu Pickup in optimal condition and avoid the pitfalls of neglecting engine health.

You’ve got options with RepairPal

Whether you need a more accurate auto repair estimate or help finding a reputable shop in your area, we’ve got you covered.