2022 Kia Forte Has A Check Engine Light

Troubleshooting the Check Engine Light in Your 2022 Kia Forte: Common Causes and Solutions

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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 2022 Kia Forte 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 2022 Kia Forte 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 2022 Kia Forte?

When faced with a check engine light on your 2022 Kia Forte, the first step is to visually inspect the vehicle for any obvious issues, such as ensuring the gas cap is securely fastened and in good condition, as a loose cap can often trigger the light. Next, utilizing an OBD-II scanner is crucial; this tool connects to your vehicle's onboard diagnostic system and retrieves error codes that indicate specific problems. Once you have the error codes, take the time to research their meanings, either through the vehicle's manual or reputable online resources, as this will provide valuable insights into the underlying issues. Additionally, inspecting basic components like the battery and spark plugs for wear can help identify potential problems. If these initial steps do not resolve the issue or if the error codes point to more complex problems, it may be wise to consult a professional mechanic for further diagnosis. By following this structured approach, you can effectively troubleshoot the check engine light and take informed steps toward resolving any issues with your Kia Forte.

What are the common problems that could cause the check engine light to activate in a 2022 Kia Forte?

When the check engine light illuminates in your 2022 Kia Forte, it’s essential to understand the potential issues that could be causing this warning. One of the most straightforward problems to check is a loose gas cap, which can often be tightened to resolve the issue quickly. However, if the light persists, it may indicate more complex problems such as a faulty oxygen sensor, which can negatively impact fuel efficiency and increase emissions. Additionally, issues with the catalytic converter can trigger the light, signaling a failure or inefficiency that needs to be addressed. Engine misfires caused by worn-out spark plugs are another common reason for the check engine light to activate, as are malfunctions in the mass airflow sensor, which can lead to poor engine performance. Lastly, a faulty ignition coil can also be a culprit, affecting the ignition process and causing the light to illuminate. To maintain optimal performance and prevent further damage, it’s crucial to diagnose and resolve the underlying issue promptly, either through a thorough self-inspection or by consulting a qualified mechanic.

How urgent is it to address the check engine light in a 2022 Kia Forte?

When the check engine light illuminates in your 2022 Kia Forte, it is crucial to act swiftly, as this warning can indicate a range of issues that may escalate if left unaddressed. Ignoring this signal can lead to more severe engine problems, increased repair costs, and even safety hazards on the road. For DIY enthusiasts, understanding the urgency of this warning is essential; it not only helps in maintaining the vehicle's performance but also in preventing potential breakdowns. Common issues that trigger the check engine light, such as engine misfires or overheating, require immediate attention to avoid further damage. By diagnosing and resolving these problems early, you can enhance fuel efficiency and ensure the reliability of your vehicle. Therefore, if you see the check engine light, take the time to investigate the cause and address it promptly to safeguard your Kia Forte's health and your safety on the road.

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