Oldsmobile Aurora Has A Check Engine Light

Common Causes of the Check Engine Light in Your Oldsmobile Aurora and How to Resolve Them

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Reviewed by
Andrew Hajjar
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 Oldsmobile Aurora 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 Oldsmobile Aurora 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.

Troubleshooting Check Engine Light in an Oldsmobile Aurora

When troubleshooting the check engine light in your Oldsmobile Aurora, it's essential to adopt a systematic diagnostic approach. Begin with the simplest potential fixes, such as checking the gas cap, which is often overlooked but can easily trigger the light if not secured properly. If the light is flashing, this indicates a more serious problem, such as a misfire that could damage the catalytic converter, necessitating immediate attention. Next, locate the OBD plug to read any trouble codes, as this will provide valuable insights into the specific issues affecting your vehicle. Common culprits include ignition cylinder problems and faulty oxygen sensors, which can lead to performance issues. Once you've identified the trouble codes, address the underlying problems and clear the check engine light by driving the vehicle until the system recognizes the issue has been resolved. If the light persists, consider checking specific cylinders for compression issues or ensuring that spark plug connections are secure. By following this structured approach, you can effectively diagnose and resolve the check engine light concerns in your Oldsmobile Aurora, empowering you to tackle the problem with confidence.

What Could Cause the Check Engine Light to Illuminate in an Oldsmobile Aurora?

When the check engine light comes on in your Oldsmobile Aurora, it serves as a crucial alert that something may be amiss under the hood. One of the most common culprits is a severe engine misfire, which can not only trigger the light but also lead to significant engine damage if ignored. Additionally, problems with the ignition cylinder can cause the engine to run irregularly, prompting the warning light to illuminate. Another frequent issue is related to the exhaust gas oxygen sensor, which can misfire during sudden acceleration or low-speed driving, signaling a need for attention. Lastly, a simple yet often overlooked reason could be a faulty gas cap, which can disrupt the fuel system's pressure and trigger the check engine light. If you find yourself facing this warning, it's essential to investigate the underlying issues promptly, as diagnostic trouble codes can provide valuable insights into the specific problems affecting your vehicle.

Why is the Check Engine Light On in an Oldsmobile Aurora?

When the Check Engine Light illuminates in your Oldsmobile Aurora, it serves as a critical warning that should not be ignored. This light can indicate a range of issues, from minor problems like a loose gas cap to more severe concerns such as engine misfires or emissions system failures. Ignoring these warnings can lead to escalating issues, potentially resulting in costly repairs or even dangerous driving conditions. For instance, a flashing Check Engine Light is particularly alarming, as it often signifies a serious engine misfire that could cause extensive damage if not addressed immediately. Additionally, common culprits like rough idling or vacuum leaks can compromise your vehicle's performance and fuel efficiency. Therefore, it is essential to diagnose and resolve the underlying problems promptly to maintain your vehicle's safety and reliability. If you notice the Check Engine Light on, especially if it is flashing, it is advisable to stop driving and consult a professional mechanic to prevent further damage and ensure your Oldsmobile Aurora remains in optimal condition.

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