2013 Nissan Cube Has A Check Engine Light

Troubleshooting the Check Engine Light in Your 2013 Nissan Cube: Common Causes and Solutions

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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 2013 Nissan Cube 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 2013 Nissan Cube 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 2013 Nissan Cube with a check engine light?

When faced with a check engine light on your 2013 Nissan Cube, the first step is to check for a loose gas cap, as this is a common and easily fixable issue that can trigger the warning. If the gas cap is secure, the next step is to utilize an OBD-II scanner, which connects to the vehicle's diagnostic port and retrieves error codes that can indicate specific problems. Pay attention to any additional warning lights on the dashboard, as they may provide further clues about the underlying issue. It's also essential to inspect fluid levels, ensuring that oil, coolant, and transmission fluid are all at appropriate levels, as low fluids can affect engine performance. Additionally, examining the spark plugs for wear or damage is crucial, as faulty spark plugs can lead to engine misfires and trigger the check engine light. Finally, take a moment to visually inspect the engine bay for any obvious signs of damage, such as disconnected hoses or frayed wires, which could also be contributing to the warning light. By systematically following these steps, you can effectively narrow down the potential causes of the check engine light and take appropriate action to resolve the issue.

What are the common problems that could cause the check engine light to illuminate in a 2013 Nissan Cube?

When the check engine light comes on in a 2013 Nissan Cube, it can indicate several common issues that DIY enthusiasts can investigate. One of the first things to check is the gas cap; a loose or damaged cap can easily trigger the light due to its impact on the vehicle's evaporative emissions system. Another frequent culprit is a faulty oxygen sensor, which not only affects fuel efficiency but can also lead to increased emissions, making it essential to address promptly. Additionally, problems with the catalytic converter can cause the check engine light to illuminate, as this component plays a vital role in reducing harmful emissions. Other potential issues include a malfunctioning mass airflow sensor, which can disrupt the engine's air-fuel mixture, and problems with spark plugs or ignition coils that may lead to engine misfires. A faulty thermostat can also impact engine temperature regulation, while issues with the EGR valve and vacuum leaks can affect overall engine performance. Lastly, a failing ignition system can trigger the light as well. For those looking to DIY, it's crucial to start with a thorough inspection to pinpoint the exact cause of the check engine light, as addressing these common problems can help maintain the vehicle's performance and efficiency.

How urgent is it to address the check engine light in a 2013 Nissan Cube?

When the check engine light illuminates in your 2013 Nissan Cube, it is essential to recognize the urgency of the situation. This warning light is not merely a nuisance; it signals potential issues within your engine or emissions system that could escalate if left unaddressed. Ignoring this alert can lead to decreased fuel efficiency, increased emissions, and even severe engine damage, which could result in costly repairs. For DIY enthusiasts, the first step should be to use an OBD-II scanner to retrieve diagnostic trouble codes, which can provide insight into the specific issues at hand. However, it’s crucial to understand that some problems may require professional expertise to resolve effectively. By addressing the check engine light promptly, you not only safeguard your vehicle's performance and longevity but also enhance your safety on the road. Taking action now can prevent minor issues from developing into major repairs, making it a wise choice for any car owner.

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