Jeep Cherokee Check Engine Light: Cause And Solution

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Jeep Cherokee Check Engine Light

When a check engine light appears on the engine it may trigger fear or worries for you. So, your Jeep Cherokee check engine light is on. You might be looking for solutions to fix it. If that’s the case, you are in the right place. 

So, why is your Jeep Cherokee’s check engine light on? The reasons are faulty spark plug, bad catalytic converter, bad oxygen sensor, damaged gas cap, bad mass airflow sensor, etc. You may need to replace some parts to remove this check engine light from your Jeep Cherokee.

However, further, I will discuss what are the causes of the check engine light, how to diagnose it, how to fix this problem, and many more. So, please read till the end to find out more!

How To Fix Jeep Cherokee Check Engine Light Problem?

A Jeep Cherokee’s check engine light can cause your engine to go through severe problems. If left untreated, it can cause costly repairs. Here is a table with an overview of the causes and solutions of Jeep Cherokee check engine lights: 

Cause Fix 
Faulty spark plugs Replace the spark plugs
Bad catalytic converter Replace the catalytic converter 
Bad oxygen sensor Change the oxygen sensor 
Damaged gas cap Change the gas cap 
Bad mass airflow sensor Change the mass airflow sensor 

What Are The Causes Of Check Engine Light?

A check engine light may appear on your engine for multiple reasons. You have to know the reason first to fix these problems. So, what are the causes of the check engine light on your Jeep Cherokee? Please check it out below- 

Faulty Spark Plugs

When the spark plugs go faulty or bad, it cannot continue the air-fuel mixture process. It can cause the check engine light to appear on the Jeep Cherokee engine. A spark plug can go bad over time. Also, if the spark plug is exposed to repeated heating, it will cause the spark plug to go bad. 

Faulty Spark Plugs Jeep Cherokee

Solution: Replace the spark plug.

Bad catalytic converter

Your Jeep Cherokee’s check engine light may appear due to a bad catalytic converter. If the catalytic converter gets damaged it will turn on the check engine light. Additionally, an exhaust leak also causes the check engine light to come on. 

A catalytic converter can go bad due to improper fuel mixture. It can also go wrong when the converter is overheated. 

Solution: Replace the catalytic converter

Bad oxygen sensor

Another common reason for a check engine light to appear on your Jeep Cherokee is a bad oxygen sensor. The oxygen sensor monitors the oxygen level of your engine. When the oxygen sensor goes bad, the check engine light may turn on. 

Excessively air-fuel mixture can make your Jeep Cherokee’s oxygen sensor go damaged. Also, buildup contaminants can make your O2 sensor go bad. 

Solution: Change the bad oxygen sensor 

Damaged gas cap

A damaged gas cap can also turn on the check engine light on the Jeep Cherokee. When a gas cap gets damaged or loosed, vapors can escape the fuel tank. It will cause the check engine light to turn on. A gas cap can get damaged due to the rubber seals that brittle over time. 

Solution: Replace the damaged gas cap. 

Damaged gas cap Jeep Cherokee

Bad mass airflow sensor 

A bad mass airflow sensor causes the check engine light to appear on the Jeep Cherokee. A mass airflow sensor monitors the air in the internal combustion engine. When this sensor goes bad, it can’t measure the airflow anymore. As a result, the check engine light will appear to alert you about the problem. 

A mass airflow sensor can go bad due to dirt particles. Also, it can go bad because of bad electrical wires in the engine. 

Solution: Replace the bad mass airflow sensor

How To Reset The Check Engine Light In Jeep Cherokee? 

If you want to get rid of the check engine light, you can reset the light. Also, if you want to clear the trouble codes, you need to reset the check engine light. By following the below way, you can turn it off- 

  • Turn off the engine
  • Find out the location of the negative battery terminal
  • Disconnect the negative battery terminal
  • Disconnect the connectors
  • Keep them disconnected for a while 
  • Reconnect the battery and connectors again

Final Words

A check engine light on your Jeep Cherokee can mean many underlying issues with your engine. Your engine may have a bad spark plug, a bad catalytic converter, a damaged gas cap, or a bad mass airflow sensor. You have to replace these parts to fix the issue. If you delay fixing the issue, it will increase the potential damage to your engine. So, when you face such issues, you have to take your Jeep to a professional mechanic. Here I have discussed the causes and solution of the Jeep Cherokee check engine light. I hope it helps to fix the issue.

FAQs

Here I have answered the frequently asked questions regarding the Jeep Cherokee’s check engine light. Please check out the below if you have similar queries- 

Q. Is It Okay To Drive With A Check Engine Light? 

You can drive with the engine light on if the light is steady. But you should not drive more than 50 to 100 with a check engine light. Further, you have to get it inspected by a mechanic as soon as you can. 

Q. Can Electrical Issues Create a Check Engine Light Problem? 

Yes. Electrical issues can also turn the check engine on in your Jeep Cherokee. If the battery goes bad in the Jeep Cherokee, it will cause issues with the electrical wires. This will lead the check engine light to come in. 

Q. What Happens If the Check Engine Light Comes on? 

A check engine light can reduce the fuel efficiency of your Jeep Cherokee if it is not fixed at the earliest. Moreover, the more delay you do, the more it can take to fix the problem. 

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