2020 Nissan 370Z Has A Check Engine Light

Common Causes of the Check Engine Light in Your 2020 Nissan 370Z and How to Resolve Them

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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 2020 Nissan 370Z 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 2020 Nissan 370Z 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 2020 Nissan 370Z?

When faced with a check engine light on your 2020 Nissan 370Z, it's essential to adopt a systematic diagnostic approach to identify the underlying issue effectively. Start with the simplest solution 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 observe the dashboard gauges for any unusual readings, as these can provide clues about potential problems. Inspecting under the hood for visible damage to wires, hoses, or connectors is also crucial, as physical issues can often lead to warning lights. Utilizing an OBD-II scanner is a key step in this process, as it allows you to retrieve specific error codes that can pinpoint the problem more accurately. Additionally, consulting your owner's manual can offer insights into what the check engine light signifies and any manufacturer-recommended troubleshooting steps. If these initial checks do not resolve the issue or if you encounter complex symptoms, seeking professional help from a qualified mechanic is advisable to ensure a thorough diagnosis and repair. By following this structured approach, you can efficiently address the check engine light and maintain the performance of your Nissan 370Z.

What are the common problems that could cause the check engine light to illuminate in a 2020 Nissan 370Z?

When the check engine light illuminates in a 2020 Nissan 370Z, it signals potential issues that DIY enthusiasts can often troubleshoot. A loose or damaged gas cap is a frequent and easily fixable cause, so checking this first can save time and effort. If the gas cap is secure, the next step is to consider the oxygen sensor, which is vital for monitoring emissions and fuel efficiency; a malfunction here can lead to increased fuel consumption. Additionally, problems with the catalytic converter can trigger the light, indicating inefficiencies that may require professional attention. The mass airflow sensor is another critical component that, if malfunctioning, can disrupt the engine's air-fuel mixture, leading to performance issues. Spark plugs and ignition coils are also common trouble spots; failures in these areas can cause engine misfires, which are often indicated by the check engine light. Lastly, a faulty thermostat can affect engine temperature regulation, contributing to the warning light's activation. Addressing these issues promptly is crucial for maintaining optimal vehicle performance, and while some problems can be resolved at home, others may necessitate a visit to a qualified mechanic for a thorough diagnosis.

How urgent is it to address the check engine light in a 2020 Nissan 370Z?

When the check engine light illuminates in your 2020 Nissan 370Z, it is essential to recognize the urgency of the situation. This warning light is not merely a nuisance; it indicates that there may be underlying issues with your vehicle's engine or emissions system that require immediate attention. Ignoring this signal can lead to a cascade of problems, including decreased fuel efficiency and performance issues, which can ultimately result in more severe engine damage and costly repairs. For DIY enthusiasts, it is crucial to act swiftly by diagnosing the problem, as this proactive approach can save you time and money in the long run. While the check engine light may not always signify an emergency, addressing it promptly is vital for maintaining the health, safety, and reliability of your 370Z. By taking the initiative to investigate and resolve the issue, you can ensure that your vehicle continues to perform at its best and avoid the risk of more significant complications down the road.

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