2017 Jeep Renegade Has A Check Engine Light

Common Causes of the Check Engine Light in Your 2017 Jeep Renegade and How to Resolve Them

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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 2017 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 2017 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 steps to diagnose the check engine light on a 2017 Jeep Renegade?

To effectively diagnose the check engine light on your 2017 Jeep Renegade, start with a thorough visual inspection of the vehicle. Begin by checking the gas cap; ensure it is securely tightened and free from damage, as a faulty gas cap is a common trigger for the check engine light. Next, utilize an OBD-II scanner to connect to the vehicle's OBD port, allowing you to retrieve the specific error code associated with the warning light. This code is crucial as it directs you to the underlying issue. Pay attention to any additional symptoms your vehicle may exhibit, such as unusual noises or performance issues, as these can provide further context for the diagnosis. Additionally, consult your owner's manual to interpret the error code, which may highlight common problems linked to that specific code. If these initial steps do not lead to a resolution, it may be time to seek assistance from a qualified mechanic who can perform a more in-depth analysis. By following this structured approach, you can efficiently narrow down the potential causes of the check engine light and take appropriate action.

What are the common problems that could cause the check engine light to illuminate in a 2017 Jeep Renegade?

When the check engine light comes on in your 2017 Jeep Renegade, it can be a source of concern, but understanding the common issues can empower you to take action. One of the simplest problems to check is the gas cap; if it’s loose or damaged, tightening or replacing it may resolve the issue. Another frequent culprit is the oxygen sensor, which, if faulty, can lead to poor fuel efficiency and should be inspected. Additionally, keep an eye on the catalytic converter, as any inefficiencies or failures here can trigger the light as well. Spark plugs are also critical; worn or malfunctioning plugs can affect engine performance and should be replaced if necessary. Furthermore, issues with the mass airflow sensor can disrupt the air-fuel mixture, leading to the check engine light illuminating. Lastly, don’t overlook the ignition coils, as faulty coils can cause engine misfires, prompting the warning light. Addressing these common problems promptly not only helps in turning off the check engine light but also ensures your Jeep Renegade runs smoothly and efficiently. If you’re unsure about diagnosing these issues yourself, consulting a qualified mechanic is always a wise choice.

How urgent is it to address the check engine light in a 2017 Jeep Renegade?

When the check engine light illuminates in your 2017 Jeep Renegade, it is essential to recognize the urgency of the situation. This warning light is not merely a nuisance; it indicates that your vehicle's engine or emissions system may be experiencing issues that could range from minor to severe. Ignoring this signal can lead to more significant problems, including costly repairs and diminished vehicle performance. For DIY enthusiasts, it is crucial to understand that some issues, such as engine misfires or overheating, may require immediate attention to prevent further damage. Additionally, continuing to drive with the check engine light on can adversely affect fuel efficiency and increase harmful emissions, raising environmental concerns. Therefore, addressing the check engine light promptly not only safeguards your vehicle's health but also ensures a safer driving experience. If you're not equipped to diagnose the problem yourself, seeking assistance from a qualified mechanic is highly recommended to identify and resolve the underlying issues effectively.

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