2020 Porsche 718 Boxster Has A Check Engine Light

Troubleshooting the Check Engine Light in Your 2020 Porsche 718 Boxster: Common Causes and Solutions

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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 2020 Porsche 718 Boxster 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 Porsche 718 Boxster 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 2020 Porsche 718 Boxster?

When faced with a check engine light on your 2020 Porsche 718 Boxster, it's essential to adopt a systematic diagnostic approach. Start by checking the gas cap; a loose or damaged cap is a common culprit that can easily trigger the warning light. Next, inspect your dashboard for any additional alerts or messages that may provide further insight into the issue. Pay attention to any noticeable changes in your vehicle's performance, such as rough idling or stalling, as these symptoms can help narrow down the potential problems. Utilizing an OBD-II scanner is a crucial step; by connecting it to your vehicle's diagnostic port, you can retrieve specific error codes that will guide your troubleshooting efforts. Finally, don't overlook the value of your owner's manual, which contains model-specific information that can assist you in interpreting warning lights and understanding the next steps. By following this structured approach, you can effectively diagnose the cause of the check engine light and take appropriate action.

What are the common problems that could cause the check engine light to illuminate in a 2020 Porsche 718 Boxster?

When the check engine light comes on in a 2020 Porsche 718 Boxster, it can be concerning for any owner. One of the most straightforward issues to check is the gas cap; if it’s loose or damaged, it can easily trigger the light. Another common culprit is the oxygen sensor, which monitors the exhaust and can fail over time, leading to performance issues. Additionally, problems with the catalytic converter, such as blockages or inefficiencies, can also illuminate the check engine light, indicating a need for inspection. The mass airflow sensor, responsible for measuring the air entering the engine, can malfunction and cause similar alerts. Spark plugs and ignition coils are also critical components; worn or faulty spark plugs can lead to misfires, while a defective ignition coil can disrupt the ignition process. Addressing these issues promptly is crucial, as neglecting them can lead to more significant problems down the line. For those who prefer a DIY approach, starting with these common issues can help diagnose the cause of the check engine light and maintain the vehicle's performance.

What are the potential risks of ignoring the check engine light in a 2020 Porsche 718 Boxster?

Ignoring the check engine light in your 2020 Porsche 718 Boxster can lead to serious repercussions that extend beyond mere inconvenience. The initial warning may indicate underlying issues that, if left unaddressed, could escalate into significant engine damage, resulting in costly repairs that could have been avoided. Additionally, problems signaled by the check engine light often correlate with reduced fuel efficiency, meaning you could be spending more at the pump while also contributing to increased emissions that harm the environment. Safety is another critical concern; certain malfunctions can compromise the vehicle's performance, putting both you and other road users at risk. By delaying action, you not only risk further damage to your vehicle but also face the potential for more extensive and expensive repairs in the future. Therefore, it is crucial to take the check engine light seriously and seek professional assistance promptly to maintain the integrity and longevity of your Porsche 718 Boxster.

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