Kia Soul EV Has A Check Engine Light

Common Causes for the Check Engine Light in Your Kia Soul EV 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 Kia Soul EV 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 Kia Soul EV 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.

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 a Kia Soul EV

When faced with a check engine light in your Kia Soul EV, the first step is to assess the situation with a methodical approach. Begin by checking the gas cap, as a loose or damaged cap is a common and easily fixable issue that can trigger the light. If the gas cap is secure, consider inspecting the ignition system, including spark plugs and ignition coils, as these components can also lead to engine performance issues. Next, utilize an OBD-II code scanner to retrieve diagnostic trouble codes, which will provide specific insights into the underlying problems. Pay attention to codes related to the emissions system, such as those indicating a faulty oxygen sensor or catalytic converter, as these can be more complex and may require professional assistance. By following this diagnostic approach, you can effectively narrow down the potential causes of the check engine light and address them in a logical order, ensuring your Kia Soul EV remains in optimal condition.

What Common Problems Cause the Check Engine Light to Illuminate in a Kia Soul EV?

When the check engine light illuminates in your Kia Soul EV, it serves as an important warning that something may be amiss under the hood. Common issues that can trigger this alert include a faulty oxygen sensor, which is vital for maintaining optimal fuel efficiency by monitoring the air-fuel mixture. A loose gas cap is another frequent offender; it can allow fuel vapors to escape, leading to the light turning on. More serious concerns, such as a malfunctioning catalytic converter or a failing ignition coil, can also be at play, both of which can severely affect engine performance and efficiency. Additionally, problems within the vehicle's electrical system or the fuel injection system may contribute to the check engine light's activation. Addressing these issues promptly is crucial, as ignoring them can result in more extensive engine damage and expensive repairs. By being aware of these common problems, you can take the necessary steps to diagnose and fix the issues, ensuring your Kia Soul EV runs smoothly and efficiently.

Why is the Check Engine Light On in a Kia Soul EV?

When the Check Engine Light illuminates in your Kia Soul EV, it is crucial to take immediate action rather than dismissing it as a minor inconvenience. Ignoring this warning can lead to serious consequences, including decreased fuel efficiency, increased emissions, and potential damage to critical engine components. For instance, a faulty oxygen sensor can disrupt the air-fuel mixture, leading to poor engine performance and higher emissions. Similarly, a malfunctioning catalytic converter can result in costly repairs if not addressed promptly. Additionally, issues with the ignition coil or fuel injection system can cause misfires, which not only affect your vehicle's performance but can also pose safety risks while driving. By utilizing diagnostic tools to read the fault codes, you can identify the specific issue triggering the Check Engine Light and take the necessary steps to resolve it. Addressing these problems early on not only ensures the optimal performance of your Kia Soul EV but also helps you avoid more significant repairs down the line, making it a wise choice for any DIY enthusiast.

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