check engine light displayed on dashboard 

As a Hyundai driver or vehicle owner, learning the ins and outs of OBD-II codes is a must. Of course, you won't see these Hyundai check engine light codes often, as they symbolize something wrong with your vehicle, but knowledge is power when you do. There are many Hyundai OBD-II codes to be aware of, whether you need them now or later, which we aim to cover in-depth during this article. Stick around to find out what your dashboard's check engine light code means and how to fix it!

What are Hyundai Check Engine Light Codes?

Hyundai check engine light codes, or Hyundai OBD-II codes, are the numbers/symbols you see on the dashboard when a system inside or surrounding your engine is malfunctioning. These codes can pop up for various reasons and usually require a trip to a certified Hyundai repair shop or dealership. Consider them a warning sign that something is happening under your hood, and schedule a service appointment shortly after noticing one.

The most common Hyundai check engine light code triggers are: 

  • Loose or faulty spark plugs. 
  • Cooling fan trouble. 
  • Sensor damage. 
  • Bad or low oil. 
  • Catalytic converter-related failures. 
  • Dirty filters.

Hyundai OBD-II Trouble Codes List

Getting into the key part of this post, there are several Hyundai check engine light codes to be aware of. You might need an  oil change, have a loose or faulty component, have an overheated engine, or have timing failure, all of which we recommend getting inspected and fixed ASAP. Below, you can find a list of the most common codes and their corresponding triggers.

OBD-II CodeDescription

Getting into the Hyundai check engine light codes you want to watch out for on the dash, here is a detailed list and explanation of why your vehicle's engine may be triggering the error codes and symbols:  

OBD-II Code       Description
B1346Driver-side airbag resistance is too high.
C1201Issue with the Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS).
C160449There is an internal control chip concern inside the camera.
C170225Your Hyundai's coding system is not working.
P0100There is a problem with the Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor or circuit.
P0011A generic powertrain code related to the engine's variable valve timing (VVT) control system
P0012Your car's computer has detected a difference in the desired camshaft position angle and the actual camshaft position angle.
P0013There is a faulty variable valve timing solenoid on the exhaust camshaft located on Bank 1 of your engine.
P0014There could be a timing issue with the camshaft: exceeded a threshold, also known as being over-advanced.
P0101The MAF sensor displays irrational or out-of-range readings.
P0102There is insufficient air traveling through your air filter.
P0113You have an issue with your vehicle's intake air temperature sensor.
P0128Your engine coolant temperature is below the thermostat regulating temperature.
P0135There is a problem with the O2 sensor heater circuit in bank 1 sensor 1.
P0171The air-to-fuel ratio of your vehicle is too lean or low.
P0174There is an issue with the air/fuel ratio provided to your engine.
P0200You have an issue with the fuel injector circuit.
P0201There could be a broken wire, loose terminal, or burned-out injector council with the #1 Fuel Injector Circuit.
P0320There is an issue with the signal that indicates the speed of the engine.
P0300This indicates your engine has had multiple misfires.
P0301This code is pointing to a misfire on cylinder #1 specifically.
P0301-304Misfire code: A worn spark plug, a faulty fuel injector, and a leaking valve are some possible causes.
P0420This code signals a low catalyst system efficiency.
P0442Your engine has a loose or faulty gas cap.
P0449Indicates a malfunction within the vehicle's evaporative emissions control (EVAP) system.
P0456A failure to maintain the correct fuel tank pressure.
P0463A high voltage signal is detected from the fuel level sensor.
P1100Your vehicle could have a dirty or damaged sensor/dirty filter.
P1101The Power Control Module (PCM) detects a fault within the Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor system.
P1102Manifold Absolute Pressure Sensor malfunction - Low voltage (could be dirty filter)
P1103The Mass Airflow Sensor is in range but is higher than expected.
P1104Indicates the MAF sensor is sending an erratic voltage to the PCM.
P1105Your differential pressure sensor intake manifold pressure is too high.
P1106Dual Alternator Lower Fault/ Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP) Sensor Circuit Intermittent High Voltage.
P1107MAP Sensor Circuit Intermittent Low MAPS (Manifold Absolute Pressure)
P1108The Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP) or BARO sensor sends the ECM a higher-than-normal voltage signal.
P1326There are vibrations indicating excessive connecting rod bearing wear.
P1327This signifies a problem in the knock sensor circuit, which detects abnormal engine knocking (Knock Sensor Issue).
P2181Your engine is not running at the proper temperature.



check engine light displayed on dashboard

How to Read Hyundai Check Engine Light Codes

You want to rely on a few methods when reading the Hyundai check engine light codes inside your vehicle on the dash. First, invest in an OBD-II scanner, which can help get you those codes and a brief description of the problem with your engine. These are your best bet to avoid paying for diagnostics at the repair shop, although depending on your Hyundai coverage, you may have this free of charge at the dealership. It's a good idea to ask!

Regardless, the typical OBD-II scanner shouldn't cost more than $25. You can also schedule a check-up or mention any error codes to a technician during your 6-12-month inspection, so an in-person consultation can also better explain this.

Common Causes of a Check Engine Light

For drivers who have a check engine light flashing on the dashboard of their Hyundai model, this can happen for many reasons. First, the check enginelight signifies a damaged, loose, low, or faulty component inside or near your engine. Many people don't know their car's engine relies on hundreds of moving parts to function, all of which must work correctly for your vehicle to drive. Common causes for a check engine light include loose gas caps, bad oxygen sensors, low or bad oil, cooling fan trouble, MAF sensor issues, ignition coil failure, and even catalytic converter theft or failure. We'll discuss these further in detail below. 

  • Loose or Damaged Gas Cap:One of the more common reasons for a check engine light code is a loose or damaged gas cap. You'd fix this by securing the cap or replacing it. 
  • Oxygen Sensor Malfunction:Another cause of the Hyundai check engine light turning on is bad oxygen sensors. To repair these, you want to have them replaced by a certified professional. 
  • Catalytic Converter Issues:If your catalytic converter is stolen or fails, the engine will stop working as intended. Your catalytic converter filters toxic fumes from the engine/exhaust and is critical to safe, eco-friendly driving. 
  • Mass Airflow Sensor Failure:Your Hyundai's MAF sensor might trigger a check engine light for many reasons. To fix this, you will want to locate and remove the filter, replace it, connect the wiring and battery, and clear the codes. 
  • Spark Plug or Ignition Coil Problems:If you have failing spark plugs or ignition coils, you will likely need to schedule a professional replacement. These are easy to swap out and shouldn't be much hassle.

Fixing Hyundai Check Engine Light Codes

If you're seeing Hyundai check engine light codes and want to get them off your dash, it is best to read the error, call your local dealer, and schedule a repair and further diagnostics as soon as possible. Even those with car knowledge can have trouble pinpointing the exact cause of a  check engine light, so it is a good idea to do some research and call the pros. Central Hyundai is more than glad to help with this.

Check Engine Light Preventative Maintenance

The best check engine light preventative maintenance we can suggest to you is to schedule routine inspections with a certified auto shop or dealer, keep your Hyundai's oil changes consistent, replace filters when necessary, and invest in diagnostic scanners for the next set of  error codes you get on the dash. You don't know until you know!

Hyundai Interior of car 

Service Your Hyundai at Central Hyundai

Anytime you need service, emergency or preventative, call us here at Central Hyundai in Plainfield, CT. We offer cutting-edge engine diagnostics and care from our state-of-the-art facility and will be here to help you today!