2015 Jeep Renegade Has A Check Engine Light

Common Causes of the Check Engine Light in Your 2015 Jeep Renegade 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 2015 Jeep Renegade 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 Jeep Renegade 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 Jeep Renegade?

When faced with a check engine light on your 2015 Jeep Renegade, it's essential to approach the diagnosis methodically. Start by checking the gas cap; a loose or damaged cap is a common culprit that can easily trigger the light. Next, take a moment to inspect your dashboard gauges for any additional warning lights or unusual readings, as these can provide further insights into the problem. Utilizing an OBD-II scanner is a crucial step, as it allows you to retrieve specific error codes that can help pinpoint the issue more accurately. Additionally, visually inspect the wiring and connections under the hood for any signs of damage or looseness, as these can also lead to the check engine light being activated. Finally, consult your owner's manual for guidance on what the check engine light may indicate and any manufacturer-recommended troubleshooting steps. By following these initial diagnostic steps, you can effectively gather information and take the necessary actions to address the issue with your Jeep Renegade.

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

When the check engine light illuminates in a 2015 Jeep Renegade, it serves as a crucial alert that something may be amiss under the hood. Common issues that can trigger this warning include a loose gas cap, which can lead to fuel vapor leaks, and a faulty oxygen sensor that disrupts the air-fuel mixture. Additionally, problems with the catalytic converter, such as inefficiency or failure, can also cause the light to activate. The mass airflow sensor, responsible for gauging the air entering the engine, may malfunction, leading to similar alerts. Other potential culprits include faulty spark plugs or ignition coils that can result in engine misfires, as well as issues with the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system, which may involve a clogged valve. A malfunctioning thermostat can affect engine temperature regulation, while vacuum leaks can disrupt the air-fuel mixture, both of which may trigger the light. Furthermore, problems with the battery or charging system, along with transmission issues, can also be responsible for the check engine light coming on. If you find yourself facing this warning, it’s essential to conduct a thorough diagnosis to identify the specific issue and take appropriate action.

How urgent is it to address the check engine light in a 2015 Jeep Renegade?

When the check engine light illuminates in your 2015 Jeep Renegade, it signals a need for immediate attention, as neglecting this warning can lead to serious mechanical failures and costly repairs. The urgency of addressing this issue cannot be overstated; a flashing check engine light often indicates a critical problem that could compromise your vehicle's safety and performance. For DIYers, this means that while you may be tempted to delay diagnosis, doing so could exacerbate the underlying issue, resulting in more extensive damage. Therefore, it is essential to utilize an OBD-II scanner to retrieve diagnostic trouble codes, which can guide you in identifying the specific problem. By acting swiftly, you not only safeguard your vehicle's integrity but also enhance your DIY repair experience, ensuring that you tackle the issue effectively and efficiently.

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