2013 Nissan NV1500 Has A Check Engine Light

Troubleshooting the Check Engine Light in Your 2013 Nissan NV1500: 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 NV1500 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 NV1500 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 steps should I take to diagnose the check engine light on my 2013 Nissan NV1500?

When diagnosing the check engine light on your 2013 Nissan NV1500, it's essential to adopt a systematic approach that begins with the simplest solutions before progressing to more complex diagnostics. Start by visually inspecting 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, the next step is to utilize an OBD-II scanner to retrieve any error codes from the vehicle's computer. These codes are invaluable for identifying the specific problems affecting your vehicle. After obtaining the codes, research their meanings through your vehicle's manual or reputable online resources to gain a clearer understanding of the potential issues. Additionally, inspect basic components such as the battery and spark plugs, as malfunctions in these areas can also cause the check engine light to illuminate. If, after these steps, the cause remains unclear, it may be time to consult a professional mechanic for a more detailed diagnosis. By following this structured diagnostic approach, you can effectively address the check engine light issue and ensure your Nissan NV1500 runs smoothly.

What are the common problems that could cause the check engine light to illuminate in a 2013 Nissan NV1500?

When the check engine light illuminates in a 2013 Nissan NV1500, it signals the need for immediate attention to various potential issues that could compromise the vehicle's performance. One of the simplest problems to check is a loose gas cap, which can often be tightened to turn off the light. More complex issues may involve a faulty oxygen sensor, which can lead to decreased fuel efficiency and increased emissions, necessitating replacement. Additionally, problems with the catalytic converter can significantly affect engine performance, while a malfunctioning mass airflow sensor can disrupt the air-fuel mixture, leading to further complications. Engine misfires, often caused by faulty spark plugs or ignition coils, are another common trigger for the check engine light, indicating a need for inspection and possible replacement. Lastly, a malfunctioning EGR valve can also contribute to performance issues, making it crucial to address these concerns promptly. For those looking to tackle these problems themselves, understanding these common causes can aid in effective troubleshooting and potentially resolving the check engine light warning before consulting a professional mechanic.

How urgent is it to address the check engine light in a 2013 Nissan NV1500?

When the check engine light illuminates in your 2013 Nissan NV1500, it is crucial to understand the urgency of the situation. This warning light is not just a minor inconvenience; it signals potential issues with your engine or emissions system that could escalate into more severe problems if left unaddressed. Ignoring the check engine light can lead to costly repairs, decreased fuel efficiency, and even safety hazards while driving. 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 issue at hand. This proactive approach not only helps in identifying the problem but also allows you to take necessary actions before the situation worsens. Remember, timely intervention can save you from extensive damage and ensure your vehicle operates smoothly, making it essential to address the check engine light as soon as it appears.

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2013 Nissan NV1500 Check Engine Light Causes & Solutions