2017 Ram ProMaster City Has A Check Engine Light

Troubleshooting the Check Engine Light in Your 2017 Ram ProMaster City: 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 2017 Ram ProMaster City 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 Ram ProMaster City 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 2017 Ram ProMaster City?

When diagnosing the check engine light on your 2017 Ram ProMaster City, it's essential to adopt a systematic diagnostic approach that prioritizes simpler solutions before delving into more complex issues. Start by visually inspecting the gas cap, as a loose or damaged cap is a common and easily fixable cause of the check engine light. If the gas cap appears secure, the next step is to utilize an OBD-II scanner to retrieve any error codes from the vehicle's computer. These codes are crucial for identifying the specific problem, so take the time to research them thoroughly using your vehicle's manual or reliable online resources. Additionally, check the levels of essential fluids like engine oil and coolant, as discrepancies in these can also trigger the warning light. If, after these steps, the cause remains unclear or if the issue seems intricate, it’s wise to seek assistance from a professional mechanic who can provide a more in-depth diagnosis and repair. By following this structured approach, you can effectively troubleshoot the check engine light and ensure your vehicle remains in optimal condition.

What are the common problems that could cause the check engine light to illuminate in a 2017 Ram ProMaster City?

When the check engine light comes on in a 2017 Ram ProMaster City, it can be concerning for any vehicle owner. 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, consider the oxygen sensor, which plays a crucial role in fuel efficiency and emissions. A faulty sensor can lead to poor performance and should be inspected. 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 common trouble spots; worn or malfunctioning components can lead to engine misfires and reduced performance. Lastly, the mass airflow sensor and thermostat are vital for maintaining the correct air-fuel mixture and engine temperature, respectively. If these components are not functioning properly, they can also trigger the check engine light. Addressing these issues promptly is essential to avoid further damage and maintain the vehicle's performance, making it advisable to consult a mechanic for a thorough diagnosis if the light remains on after checking these common problems.

How urgent is it to address the check engine light in a 2017 Ram ProMaster City, and what potential risks could arise from neglecting this warning?

Addressing the check engine light in your 2017 Ram ProMaster City is crucial for maintaining the vehicle's overall health and safety. This warning indicator is designed to alert you to various underlying issues that could escalate if left unattended. Ignoring the check engine light can lead to a cascade of problems, including decreased fuel efficiency, which not only affects your wallet but also increases your vehicle's emissions. Furthermore, neglecting this warning can result in significant damage to essential components, such as the catalytic converter, leading to costly repairs that could have been avoided with timely intervention. In some instances, the issues indicated by the check engine light may even pose safety risks, compromising the vehicle's performance on the road. Therefore, it is imperative to address the check engine light promptly to ensure the longevity and reliability of your Ram ProMaster City, ultimately saving you from more extensive repairs and enhancing your driving experience.

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2017 Ram ProMaster City Check Engine Light Guide | RepairPal