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
P0135
Powertrain
The heater inside the upstream oxygen sensor on bank 1 isn't working or its circuit is faulty.
Low
P0174
Powertrain
The cylinder bank without cylinder 1 is running lean even with the maximum fuel correction…
Moderate
P0300
Powertrain
The engine computer sees misfires that jump between cylinders or hit several cylinders at once.
High
P0420
Powertrain
The bank 1 catalytic converter no longer stores enough oxygen to clean the exhaust properly.
Low
P0430
Powertrain
The bank 2 converter on a V6, V8 or split-exhaust engine isn't cleaning the exhaust well enough.
Low
P0101
Powertrain
The MAF sensor's airflow reading doesn't match what the engine computer expects…
Low
All codes (68)
P0001
Powertrain
The PCM can't drive the solenoid that meters fuel into the high-pressure pump. Often a no-start…
High
P0016
Powertrain
The bank 1 intake cam and the crankshaft are out of step, most often from a stretched or jumped…
High
P0018
Powertrain
The bank 2 intake cam is out of step with the crankshaft on a V or boxer engine; chain wear…
High
P0087
Powertrain
Measured fuel pressure has dropped well below what the engine computer is asking for.
High
P0093
Powertrain
Rail pressure is dropping faster than injection explains: fuel may be escaping. Stop and check…
Critical
P0200
Powertrain
The ECU found a fault in the injector control circuits that it can't pin on one cylinder, often…
High
P0216
Powertrain
The ECU can't control or confirm injection timing, usually on a diesel with an electronic…
High
P0217
Powertrain
The engine overheated. Stop driving: continuing can warp the head, blow the head gasket…
Critical
P0218
Powertrain
The transmission fluid got hotter than the computer allows, from heavy load, low fluid…
High
P0231
Powertrain
Voltage on the wire feeding the fuel pump is too low while the pump is supposed to be running.
High
P0234
Powertrain
Boost rose above the safe limit the engine computer allows, so it may cut power to protect…
High
P0300
Powertrain
The engine computer sees misfires that jump between cylinders or hit several cylinders at once.
High
P0320
Powertrain
The computer lost the engine speed (rpm) signal. The engine can stall suddenly or refuse…
High
P0335
Powertrain
The engine computer lost the crankshaft position signal. Expect stalling or a crank-no-start.
High
P0337
Powertrain
The crank sensor signal line is stuck near 0 volts, usually a wire shorted to ground. Often…
High
P0338
Powertrain
The crank signal line sits at 5 or 12 volts and stops switching: open ground, open wire…
High
P0339
Powertrain
The crank signal drops out for moments at a time. Classic sign: stalls when hot, restarts once…
High
P0521
Powertrain
The oil pressure reading doesn't fit engine speed and temperature – a drifting sensor or truly…
High
P0524
Powertrain
Measured oil pressure fell below the safe minimum. Stop the engine now and check the oil before…
Critical
P0641
Powertrain
The PCM's shared 5-volt supply 'A' is missing or out of range – often one shorted sensor…
High
P0642
Powertrain
The PCM's 5-volt supply 'A' is being pulled below spec, usually by a short to ground in one…
High
P0685
Powertrain
The engine computer can't switch its own main power relay – open coil, blown fuse or broken…
High
P06DD
Powertrain
The ECM commanded an oil pressure change and the measured pressure didn't respond – check…
High
P0730
Powertrain
The transmission computer sees input and output shaft speeds that don't fit the gear it…
High
P0742
Powertrain
The converter lockup clutch stays applied when it should be released, which can stall…
High
P0751
Powertrain
Solenoid A is wired fine but its valve isn't doing its job, so gears are missing – often stuck…
High
P0756
Powertrain
Solenoid B isn't moving fluid the way the TCM expects – the car may pull away in 3rd or 4th.
High
P0868
Powertrain
Measured transmission line pressure is below what the TCM commanded – clutches can slip…
High
P0894
Powertrain
The transmission computer measured slip inside the gearbox that shouldn't be there. Clutches…
High
P0A0F
Powertrain
The hybrid system spun the gas engine with its motor-generator to start it, but the engine…
High