2020 Nissan GT-R Has A Check Engine Light

Troubleshooting the Check Engine Light in Your 2020 Nissan GT-R: 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 2020 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 2020 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 steps to diagnose the check engine light on a 2020 Nissan GT-R?

To effectively diagnose the check engine light on your 2020 Nissan GT-R, start with the simplest solutions. First, check the gas cap; a loose or damaged cap can easily trigger the light, so ensure it is securely tightened. Next, inspect your dashboard gauges for any additional warning lights or unusual readings that may provide clues about the underlying issue. If everything appears normal, connect an OBD-II scanner to the vehicle's diagnostic port. This tool will help you retrieve error codes that indicate specific problems within the engine or related systems. Once you have the codes, research them using your vehicle's manual or reputable online resources to gain a better understanding of what they signify. If you notice any immediate concerns, such as low oil or coolant levels, address these issues right away, as they could be contributing factors. However, if the cause of the check engine light remains unclear after these steps, it may be wise to consult a professional mechanic for a more thorough diagnosis and repair. By following this structured approach, you can efficiently troubleshoot the check engine light and potentially save on repair costs.

What are the common problems that could cause the check engine light to illuminate in a 2020 Nissan GT-R?

When the check engine light illuminates in a 2020 Nissan GT-R, it serves as a crucial warning that something may be amiss with the vehicle's performance. One of the most common culprits is a loose gas cap, which can disrupt the fuel system's pressure and trigger the light. Another frequent issue is a faulty oxygen sensor, which not only affects fuel efficiency but can also lead to increased emissions. Additionally, problems with the catalytic converter, such as inefficiency or failure, can cause the check engine light to activate, indicating a need for immediate attention. Worn-out spark plugs can also impact engine performance, leading to misfires and further complications. Furthermore, a malfunctioning mass airflow sensor can disrupt the air-fuel mixture, while ignition coil failures can result in engine misfires, both of which will illuminate the check engine light. Lastly, an engine misfire, often stemming from fuel system or ignition component issues, is a significant reason for the warning light. If you encounter this light, it is advisable to have your GT-R diagnosed by a qualified mechanic to pinpoint the exact issue and prevent potential damage.

How urgent is it to address the check engine light in a 2020 Nissan GT-R?

When the check engine light illuminates in your 2020 Nissan GT-R, it is crucial to act swiftly to prevent further complications. This warning signal indicates that there may be an issue with your engine or emissions system, which could range from a minor sensor malfunction to a more serious engine problem. Ignoring this light can lead to escalating issues, potentially resulting in costly repairs or even engine failure. For DIY enthusiasts, the first step is to use an OBD-II scanner to retrieve diagnostic trouble codes, which can provide insight into the specific problem. This proactive approach not only helps in identifying the issue but also allows you to address it before it leads to significant damage. Remember, the longer you wait, the more likely you are to encounter severe consequences, including safety risks while driving. Therefore, diagnosing and resolving the issue as soon as the check engine light appears is essential for maintaining the performance and reliability of your GT-R.

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