Check engine light on: Codes, Causes & Fixes
A steady check engine light means the engine computer has stored a fault that affects emissions or engine management. In most cases you can keep driving normally for now, but have the code read soon – many auto parts stores and any OBD-II scanner can do this. If the light came on right after refueling, check that the gas cap is tight; loose caps are a classic trigger for EVAP codes.
558Codes
2.7Average severity
12%High or critical
18%DIY-friendly
Severity distribution
Most viewed
P0174
Powertrain
The cylinder bank without cylinder 1 is running lean even with the maximum fuel correction…
Moderate
P0420
Powertrain
The bank 1 catalytic converter no longer stores enough oxygen to clean the exhaust properly.
Low
P0101
Powertrain
The MAF sensor's airflow reading doesn't match what the engine computer expects…
Low
P0113
Powertrain
The intake air temperature signal is stuck at maximum voltage, which usually means an open…
Low
P0135
Powertrain
The heater inside the upstream oxygen sensor on bank 1 isn't working or its circuit is faulty.
Low
P0171
Powertrain
The engine computer is adding the maximum extra fuel it's allowed on bank 1 and still sees…
Moderate
All codes (558)
P0457
Powertrain
The EVAP leak test found the system wide open — almost always a loose, missing or worn gas cap.
Minor
P0458
Powertrain
The purge valve control line reads too low: lost power feed, open coil or a wire shorted…
Low
P0459
Powertrain
The purge valve control line stays high when the ECU grounds it: a short to power or a shorted…
Low
P0460
Powertrain
The engine computer gets no usable fuel level signal – often a tank-top connector or the sender…
Low
P0461
Powertrain
The fuel level reading doesn't change the way fuel use says it should – usually a worn or stuck…
Low
P0462
Powertrain
Fuel level signal voltage stuck near zero – usually a shorted sender or a signal wire rubbing…
Low
P0463
Powertrain
Fuel level signal reads like an open circuit – most often a corroded tank-top connector…
Low
P0471
Powertrain
The exhaust backpressure reading doesn't match what the computer expects; the sensor tube…
Moderate
P0472
Powertrain
Exhaust backpressure sensor signal near zero volts: dead sensor, grounded wire or lost 5 V…
Moderate
P0480
Powertrain
Fault in the circuit that switches the main radiator fan – the engine can overheat in traffic.
Moderate
P0481
Powertrain
The second fan output – a second fan or the high-speed stage – has a circuit fault; A/C suffers…
Low
P0491
Powertrain
Too little cold-start air reached the bank 1 exhaust during the self-test; pump, combi valve…
Low
P0492
Powertrain
The cold-start air check found too little air on the bank 2 side only, so look at that side's…
Low
P0496
Powertrain
Vapor is being drawn into the engine while purge is commanded off: almost always a purge valve…
Low
P0497
Powertrain
Purge is commanded but too little vapor reaches the engine: blockage, closed valve or weak…
Minor
P0500
Powertrain
The engine computer lost its vehicle speed signal – speedometer, shifting and cruise control…
Moderate
P0501
Powertrain
A speed signal exists, but it doesn't match what engine rpm, gear and other sensors say the car…
Low
P0503
Powertrain
The speed signal jumps, spikes or reads impossibly high – usually electrical noise or a loose…
Low
P0504
Powertrain
The two contacts in the brake pedal switch disagree on whether you're braking; check the pedal…
Moderate
P0505
Powertrain
The engine computer can't hold idle speed where it wants it – usually a dirty or sticking idle…
Low
P0506
Powertrain
The engine idles below the computer's target even with idle air opened up – usually a gummed-up…
Low
P0507
Powertrain
The engine idles faster than the computer's target – most often extra air is sneaking…
Low
P0508
Powertrain
The idle air control circuit reads low voltage – a shorted valve coil, lost power feed or wire…
Low
P0509
Powertrain
The ECU sees too much voltage on the idle air valve circuit, so it has lost control of the idle…
Low
P0511
Powertrain
The computer can't drive the idle air control valve properly – typically an open winding…
Low
P0520
Powertrain
The engine computer gets a signal from the oil pressure sensor or switch that makes no…
Moderate
P0521
Powertrain
The oil pressure reading doesn't fit engine speed and temperature – a drifting sensor or truly…
High
P0522
Powertrain
The oil pressure signal is below what a working sensor can produce – usually wiring…
Moderate
P0523
Powertrain
The oil pressure signal is stuck near 5 volts, above any real pressure – almost always sensor…
Low
P0524
Powertrain
Measured oil pressure fell below the safe minimum. Stop the engine now and check the oil before…
Critical