I have a 2007 mdx and the check emission system light came on while I’m driving but not all the time. What can cause that issue?

Well I haven't really notice any noise or anything besides my car battery at times will go dead but doesn't happen all the time and lately my check emission system light is coming on once in a while my check transmission will come on too

My car has 120875 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.

Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
For the transmission, check the fluid to see if it’s low. If the fluid is low, then it will need to be topped off. If the fluid is full and is red in color, then there could be an issue with the transmission to give you a message.

For the emissions system, the message could be coming on for an gross evaporative leak that is leaking on or around the gas tank. Check for any leaks on the gas tank and check the fuel inlet hose to see if the hose is cracked or a clamp is loose.

If you need further assistance with your warning lights being on, then seek out a professional, such as one from Your Mechanic, to help you.

How to Identify and Fix Common car Problems ?

Our sources include academic articles, blog posts, and personal essays from experienced mechanics :

by Greg M. If your Acura MDX says that you Check the Emission System, it typically means the car`s emissions control system is faulty. It could mean a loose fuel cap or a defective emissions control system (also called the Fuel Evaporative System or EVAP).
Turn the key in the ignition to the `ON` position. Reconnect the positive battery cable and turn the key in the ignition, wait a few minutes and the CEL should be gone. If neither of these work, it`s best to take your vehicle into a garage so that a professional can reset your light.
Some common causes for the emission light on car illuminating are: Emission system fault – This is when the engine is burning too much fuel, increasing your carbon footprint. The emission light on car could also be on because the system is not burning enough fuel, or if the sensor is broken.
The light comes on whenever the engine management system recognises a change. This could be in a component or sensor that is working outside its normal operating range. Sometimes this light comes on randomly and then goes off again when the engine is running.
Once you see the check engine light, it is safe to drive with the light on for 50 to 100 miles. This is because if the issue is with the sensors, then this will buy some time for it to reset, turning the check engine light off. However, scan the computer for the appropriate error codes if the light remains.
Driving with a broken emission system can damage your engine and decrease your gas mileage. It can also cause your car to fail an emissions test. So if you think there`s something wrong with your emission system, take your car to a mechanic and have it checked out.
So, is it safe to drive with the Emissions Control Light on? Yes, as long as it is the only light that has come on, you do not have to worry about your safety.
The EVAP emissions control canister is located on the driver side, near the rear tires.
It is not good when there is an emissions problem or exhaust system failure. It can cause performance issues in your engine, potentially leading to costly internal damage. It`s also bad for you and the environment when harmful fumes and carbon monoxide are getting out more than they should.
It keeps the undesirables (dirt and debris) out while letting power-producing air in. A restricted air filter can cause many problems, including an illuminated check engine light. Besides keeping contaminants out, an air filter must allow unrestricted airflow into the engine.
Here`s something you probably don`t know: after clearing the car`s computer you will need to drive for about 50 to 100 miles. As you drive your car the computer will monitor all the sensors and register the results.
Clearing the check engine light can cause your car to fail smog. If you`re trying to pass a smog test, clearing the check engine light isn`t a fix. Yes, a car will automatically fail a smog check if the check engine light is on. However, clearing codes won`t make it pass.
The average cost for an Acura TL Emission System Diagnosis & Testing is between $55 and $69.
Emission control systems limit the release of harmful gases from cars into the atmosphere. This includes hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, and oxides of nitrogen. Engines, crankcases, fuel tanks, and carburetors are all sources of these harmful gases.
It is not good when there is an emissions problem or exhaust system failure. It can cause performance issues in your engine, potentially leading to costly internal damage. It`s also bad for you and the environment when harmful fumes and carbon monoxide are getting out more than they should.
Emission control systems limit the release of harmful gases from cars into the atmosphere. This includes hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, and oxides of nitrogen. Engines, crankcases, fuel tanks, and carburetors are all sources of these harmful gases.

Relevant Questions and Answers :

the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue

I have a 2007 mdx and the check emission system light came on while I’m driving but not all the time. What can cause that issue?
ANSWER : For the transmission, check the fluid to see if it’s low. If the fluid is low, then it will need to be topped off. If the fluid is full and is red in color, then there could be an issue with the transmission to give you a message.

For the emissions system, the message could be coming on for an gross evaporative leak that is leaking on or around the gas tank. Check for any leaks on the gas tank and check the fuel inlet hose to see if the hose is cracked or a clamp is loose.

If you need further assistance with your warning lights being on, then seek out a professional, such as one from Your Mechanic, to help you.

Car started to slow down and then the check engine light, battery, and engine oil light came on. What could cause this?
ANSWER : Hi there. It is possible that the battery cable came loose or the wires to the oil pressure sensor has came loose or failed. Check the battery cables and make sure that the terminals are tight and clean. Check the wires to the oil pressure sensor and make sure that they are connected and not broken. If everything looks good, then the oil pressure sensor may have failed. Plus, check the computer for codes and see what is stored. This will lead you to the part that could have failed. I recommend replacing the oil pressure sensor then checking to see if the lights will go out. If you need further assistance troubleshooting your vehicle, then seek out a technician, such as one from Your Mechanic, that can assist you with the warning lights that came on.

While driving on freeway truck goes into a limp mode, and the check engine light, abs light, parking break light, service brake
ANSWER : It is possible that you could be having an issue with your powertrain control module. This is somewhat of a common problem on many GM vehicles. I would recommend having your vehicle inspected by the dealership to determine if the powertrain control module is functioning properly. If not, a reflash of the powertrain control module may resolve the issue but often times it must be replaced.

2010 Toyota Prius. When I made a sharp turn, all check engine and warning lights to check ‘Hybrid System’ came on.
ANSWER : In order to reset the Maintenance Schedule light:

1) Without touching Brake pedal, press "Start" button twice,

2) Press and hold the "STRIP" button until you see "TRIP A" on display,

3) Turn Ignition to "OFF",

4) Press and hold "ODO Reset" button, AND,

5) Continue to hold ODO Reset Press "START" button twice (w/o touching the Brake pedal),

6) Continue to hold ODO Reset until "000000 Miles" appears on display, and Maintenance Light turns off.

A certified YourMechanic technician can also come to your location to help perform an inspection of your vehicle to diagnose your issues with uphill acceleration and recommend any necessary repairs.

my check engine light came on a few weeks ago and said it was coolant issue light went out and a few days ago it came back on
ANSWER : Your vehicle has less than 60,000 miles and inasmuch as you mention a possible fault in the engine cooling system, you should check for warranty coverage under Chrysler’s 5 year/60,000 miles powertrain warranty. If you are not covered under the manufacturer warranty, I recommend you request an overheating diagnostic from YourMechanic simply because a car that is overheating is essentially inoperable. You will ruin the engine if it gets hot enough, by warping essential engine components, so overheating has to be resolved before the issue with the electronic throttle is addressed. In your case, inasmuch as the Check Engine Light (CEL) has come on as well, the Mechanic will download the diagnostic trouble codes that always set when the CEL illumuninates and use those trouble codes as clues to resolving the issue you are having.

Was driving down the road felt like i hit something car started amoking no lights after driving lights came on now wont start
ANSWER : I have never heard of someone running over a water bottle and it spray all over engine. You were obviously misdirected by someone at the parts store and now you have seized motor from overheating the engine. You most likely have blown head gaskets and coolant has filled a cylinder causing the engine to be locked up. You may have damaged the engine beyond repair and need to replace the engine. Have a mechanic remove all the spark plugs and see if one or more cylinders were filled with coolant? If so you may be able to have the head gaskets replaced if engine turns over with plugs out.

Kia Sporate Engine check light issue and car stalled this morning!
ANSWER : The infamous "loose gas cap code" is P0442. P0434 is an issue with a heated catalytic converter not coming up to temperature quickly enough. It can be caused by the fuel injection being too rich. If you starter is not turning your engine over, the issue could be a dead battery.

If you can get it jumped off, most auto parts stores will check the battery for free. They will also, time permitting, check your engine codes for free. This will help guide diagnosis for whatever else is still wrong with your vehicle.

If you need assistance with the repairs from here, I would recommend having your Check Engine Light inspected by a certified technician, like one from YourMechanic, to diagnose the problem, get an accurate assessment of damage and cost estimate for repairs. YourMechanic can dispatch a mobile, professional mechanic to your location for this repair.

What could cause my ESP light and ETC light to come on while driving?
ANSWER : Hi there. I wouldn’t get too worried. It is normal for the ESP and ETC lights to come on when the Check Engine Light (CEL) does. They are Electronic Stability Program and Electronic Traction Control. Both are tied into the ABS system.

If the engine or transmission is not working properly, these systems will be disabled. The lights come on to inform you of this. If the engine is rough at idle, it is misfiring. The engine computer can detect even the slightest misfire. When it does it will set a code and turn on the CEL. The code will remain stored even if the light goes out.

Misfires can damage the catalytic converter. This is why the computer will only allow you to go 40mph. It reduces the power output of the engine to prevent more damage. Have the codes read out for you if you wish. Misfire codes are P0300-P0304.

For the rough idle, you will still need someone to diagnose why it is misfiring. If I were to guess, I would think you have a bad ignition coil. There is one for each cylinder. If you would like to have all of this checked, a certified technician from YourMechanic can come to your car’s location to diagnose the rough idle (as well as any other problems) and can advise you on any suggested or urgent repairs.