2017 Porsche 718 Cayman Has A Check Engine Light

Common Causes of the Check Engine Light in Your 2017 Porsche 718 Cayman and How to Resolve Them

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Reviewed by
Aisha
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 2017 Porsche 718 Cayman 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 2017 Porsche 718 Cayman 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 2017 Porsche 718 Cayman?

When faced with a check engine light on your 2017 Porsche 718 Cayman, it's essential to approach the diagnosis methodically. Start by checking the gas cap; a loose or damaged cap is a common and easily fixable issue that can trigger the light. Next, take a moment to review your dashboard gauges for any additional warning lights or unusual readings, as these can provide further insights into the problem. If the light persists, using an OBD-II scanner is a crucial next step; this tool will help you retrieve error codes from the vehicle's computer, pinpointing the specific issue at hand. Additionally, inspecting the condition of the spark plugs is vital, as worn or faulty plugs can significantly impact engine performance. Lastly, don't overlook the mass airflow sensor; ensuring it is clean and undamaged can be key to resolving performance-related issues. By following these steps, you can effectively narrow down 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 2017 Porsche 718 Cayman?

When the check engine light comes on in a 2017 Porsche 718 Cayman, it can be a source of concern for any DIY enthusiast. One of the most straightforward issues to check is the gas cap; a loose or damaged cap can easily trigger the light, so ensuring it is secure is a good first step. If the gas cap is not the culprit, the next common issue to consider is the oxygen sensor, which monitors the exhaust and can fail over time, leading to increased emissions and reduced fuel efficiency. Additionally, problems with the catalytic converter can also cause the check engine light to illuminate, often indicating a more serious issue that may require professional attention. Spark plugs and ignition coils are other critical components that can lead to engine misfires, resulting in the light turning on. Lastly, a malfunctioning mass airflow sensor can disrupt the air-fuel mixture, affecting engine performance. Addressing these common problems promptly not only helps in maintaining the vehicle's performance but also prevents further damage, making it essential for any DIY mechanic to be aware of these potential issues.

How urgent is it to address the check engine light in a 2017 Porsche 718 Cayman?

When the check engine light illuminates in your 2017 Porsche 718 Cayman, it signals a need for immediate attention, as ignoring it can lead to serious repercussions. This warning light often indicates underlying issues with the engine or emissions system, which, if left unaddressed, could escalate into more significant problems, resulting in costly repairs. For DIY enthusiasts, it’s crucial to recognize that continuing to drive with the check engine light on can compromise your vehicle's performance and fuel efficiency, and may even pose safety risks. Therefore, it is advisable to conduct a thorough diagnostic check as soon as possible. Utilizing an OBD-II scanner can help you identify the specific trouble codes associated with the light, allowing you to take informed steps toward resolving the issue. By acting promptly, you not only safeguard your vehicle's health but also enhance your DIY repair experience, ensuring that your Porsche remains in optimal condition.

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