Seeing the check engine light turn on in your Acura RDX, MDX, ILX, or TLX can be alarming—especially if it’s your first time dealing with it. While this dashboard warning could signal something minor, it can also indicate a more serious issue that requires immediate attention. If you're a driver in Phenix City, Auburn, or Columbus, our team is here to help you understand the most common causes of a check engine light and what you should do next.
Common Reasons Your Acura Check Engine Light May Be On
Here are the most frequent issues that trigger the check engine light in Acura vehicles:
1. Loose or Damaged Gas Cap
Believe it or not, one of the most common and easily fixable causes of a check engine light is a loose or missing gas cap. If the cap isn’t sealed tightly, fuel vapors can escape, which reduces fuel efficiency and increases emissions. Always make sure your gas cap is tightened until you hear a click.
2. Failing Catalytic Converter
Your catalytic converter is essential for reducing harmful emissions. Over time, especially in higher-mileage vehicles, it can clog or wear out. A failing catalytic converter can cause:
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Reduced fuel economy
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Decreased engine performance
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Difficulty passing emissions tests
3. Faulty Oxygen Sensor
The oxygen sensor monitors the air-fuel ratio in your engine. When this sensor goes bad—often from prolonged exposure to exhaust—it can confuse your engine’s computer system. Symptoms include:
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Poor fuel economy
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Rough idling or engine hesitation
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Unusual exhaust odors
4. Worn Spark Plugs or Wires
Spark plugs ignite the fuel-air mixture inside the engine. If they’re dirty, old, or damaged, your Acura may misfire, run rough, or even fail to start. This is a common cause of check engine lights in Acura models over 60,000 miles.
5. Mass Air Flow (MAF) Sensor Issues
The MAF sensor measures how much air is entering your engine to ensure proper fuel balance. A dirty or failing MAF sensor can trigger:
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Hard starts
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Engine stalling
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Poor acceleration and mileage
What to Do When the Acura Check Engine Light Appears
If you're driving around Columbus, Phenix City, or Auburn and your check engine light comes on, here’s what you should know based on how the light is behaving:
✅ Acura Check Engine Light Comes on Occasionally
This usually points to a minor or intermittent issue. Still, it’s best to bring your vehicle in for diagnostics. The problem could worsen if ignored.
✅ Acura Check Engine Light Stays on Constantly
This means your Acura's onboard computer has detected a fault that requires attention. Even if the vehicle seems to be driving fine, it's best to have it checked as soon as possible to prevent further damage.
✅ Acura Check Engine Light is on with Noticeable Performance Problems
If your Acura feels sluggish, misfires, or has reduced power, your vehicle may have gone into “limp mode” to protect the engine. You should drive straight to a service center—or have the car towed if needed.
✅ Acura Check Engine Light is Blinking
A blinking check engine light is serious and typically indicates a severe misfire or engine issue that could lead to costly damage. Pull over safely and contact our service team immediately. We’d recommend having your car towed to the Acura Service Center.
Acura Service Center: Accurate Diagnostics, Trusted Repairs
When your check engine light comes on, guessing isn’t an option. At our Acura dealership, our factory-trained technicians use the latest diagnostic tools to read your vehicle’s OBD-II trouble codes and pinpoint the issue quickly. Whether you're in Auburn, Phenix City, or Columbus, we’re here to provide fast, professional service to get you back on the road with confidence.
Schedule Your Acura Check Engine Light Diagnosis Today
Don’t wait for a minor issue to turn into a major repair. If your Acura check engine light is on, schedule a diagnostic appointment today with our online service scheduler. Our Acura-certified technicians will get to the root of the problem and provide honest, expert repairs.
Serving Acura drivers in Columbus, Auburn, and Phenix City with trusted diagnostics and repairs. Let us help you keep your Acura running at its best.
