Ram ProMaster City Has A Check Engine Light

Common Causes of the Check Engine Light in Your Ram ProMaster City 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 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 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.

Troubleshooting Check Engine Light in a Ram ProMaster City

When faced with a check engine light in your Ram ProMaster City, the first step is to assess the situation calmly and methodically. Begin by checking for any obvious issues, such as loose gas caps or visible leaks, as these are often simple fixes that can resolve the warning light. If the light persists, utilizing an OBD II code scanner is a crucial next step; this tool will provide specific error codes that can guide your troubleshooting efforts. Pay attention to common culprits like emissions control problems or faulty sensors, which are frequent triggers for the check engine light. If the light is flashing, this indicates a more serious issue, such as an engine misfire, and you should turn off the engine immediately to prevent further damage. After gathering this information, you can either attempt to address the identified issues yourself or seek professional help if the problem is beyond your expertise. By following this structured approach, you can effectively diagnose and potentially resolve the check engine light concern, ensuring your vehicle remains in optimal condition.

What Could Cause the Check Engine Light to Illuminate in a Ram ProMaster City?

When the check engine light comes on in your Ram ProMaster City, it can be a source of concern, but understanding the common problems can help you diagnose the issue. One frequent culprit is a loose gas cap, which is an easy fix—simply tighten it to see if the light turns off. Additionally, aftermarket modifications or a low battery can also trigger the light, indicating that you should check these components first. More serious mechanical issues, such as a malfunctioning ignition cylinder or a faulty oxygen sensor, may require professional assistance to avoid further damage. If you've resolved the underlying issue, you can reset the check engine light by disconnecting the battery for about 30 seconds. This simple DIY approach can save you time and money while ensuring your vehicle runs smoothly.

Why is the Check Engine Light On in a Ram ProMaster City?

When the Check Engine Light illuminates in your Ram ProMaster City, it serves as a critical alert that should not be overlooked. Ignoring this warning can lead to escalating issues, ranging from minor inconveniences to severe engine damage that could result in costly repairs. For DIY enthusiasts, the first step is to assess the situation; a loose or faulty gas cap is a common culprit that can often be resolved easily. However, if the light persists or begins to flash, it indicates a more serious problem that requires immediate attention. Flashing lights suggest potential engine misfires, which can lead to significant damage if not addressed promptly. Therefore, it is essential to utilize an OBD-II scanner to diagnose the specific error codes, allowing you to identify the underlying issue. By taking swift action, you not only safeguard your vehicle's performance but also prevent further complications that could compromise safety and incur higher repair costs down the line.

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Ram ProMaster City Check Engine Light Guide | RepairPal