2011 Nissan GT-R Has A Check Engine Light

Common Causes of the Check Engine Light in Your 2011 Nissan GT-R 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 2011 Nissan GT-R 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 2011 Nissan GT-R 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 2011 Nissan GT-R?

When faced with a check engine light on your 2011 Nissan GT-R, it's essential to adopt a methodical diagnostic approach to efficiently identify the underlying issue. Start by examining your dashboard for any additional warning lights, as these can offer crucial insights into the problem. Next, inspect the gas cap; a loose or damaged cap is a common culprit that can easily trigger the check engine light. If these initial checks do not resolve the issue, utilize an OBD-II scanner to retrieve diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) from the vehicle's computer, which will provide specific information about the malfunction. Following this, assess the condition of the spark plugs, as worn or fouled plugs can lead to engine misfires. Additionally, inspect the mass airflow sensor and oxygen sensor, both of which play vital roles in engine performance and efficiency. Lastly, ensure that your battery is in good condition, as a weak battery can also cause the check engine light to illuminate. By systematically addressing these areas, 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 2011 Nissan GT-R?

When the check engine light illuminates in a 2011 Nissan GT-R, it often signals underlying issues that can be addressed with some basic automotive knowledge. One of the most frequent culprits is a faulty oxygen sensor, which plays a crucial role in monitoring exhaust gases and optimizing the air-fuel mixture. A simple inspection can determine if this sensor needs replacement. Another common issue is a loose gas cap; ensuring it is securely fastened can sometimes resolve the warning light without further intervention. Additionally, problems with the catalytic converter, such as clogs or failures, can also trigger the light, indicating a need for more in-depth diagnostics. Worn or faulty spark plugs can affect engine performance and should be checked regularly, as they are relatively easy to replace. The mass airflow sensor is another component that can malfunction, disrupting the air-fuel balance and causing the check engine light to activate. Lastly, ignition coil issues can lead to engine misfires, which are often noticeable during driving. For DIY enthusiasts, understanding these common problems can empower you to troubleshoot effectively, but remember that a professional diagnosis may be necessary for more complex issues.

How urgent is it to address the check engine light in a 2011 Nissan GT-R?

When the check engine light illuminates in your 2011 Nissan GT-R, it is crucial to recognize the urgency of the situation. This warning indicator is not merely a nuisance; it signifies potential issues within the engine or emissions system that could escalate if left unaddressed. Ignoring the light can lead to severe consequences, including costly repairs and diminished vehicle performance. For DIY enthusiasts, the first step is to use an OBD-II scanner to retrieve diagnostic trouble codes, which can provide valuable insights into the underlying problem. While some issues may be minor and easily fixable, others could pose safety risks or lead to significant engine damage. Therefore, it is advisable to act swiftly, as timely intervention not only preserves the integrity of your GT-R but also enhances its overall efficiency and safety on the road.

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