2020 Dodge Challenger Check Engine Light? It Could Be This...

How to Fix Check Engine Light

Dealing with a check engine light in your 2020 Dodge Challenger can be frustrating. It's crucial to understand what's causing the light to illuminate so you can address the issue properly. While many factors can trigger it, understanding the common causes specific to this vehicle is the first step. Some owners feel very connected to their vehicles, and it can be emotional. As one owner reported: "I’m taking it out for one last spin, maybe fill it up and wash it too. It’s been a good run, it wasn’t that long but this car is one of my best purchases in my life and I truly feel like someone watching a dear friend go." (source)

Symptoms

When the check engine light illuminates in your 2020 Dodge Challenger, you might experience a variety of symptoms. It's important to pay attention to any changes in how your vehicle behaves, as these can provide valuable clues about the underlying problem. Owners have reported a range of issues accompanying the light.

One common symptom reported by owners is a noticeable smell emanating from the engine bay. This smell can vary depending on the specific issue, but it's often described as a burning or acrid odor. If you notice an unusual smell along with the check engine light, it's crucial to investigate further.

Some owners have also described visual symptoms, such as "icicle eyes" or a "green" tinge in certain areas. While these descriptions might seem vague, they could indicate issues with fluid leaks or electrical problems. It's essential to carefully inspect the engine bay and surrounding areas for any signs of leaks or unusual discoloration.

Another symptom reported by owners is unusual vibrations or "vibes" felt while driving. These vibrations can range from subtle tremors to more pronounced shaking, and they may be more noticeable at certain speeds or under specific driving conditions. If you experience any unusual vibrations, it's important to have your vehicle inspected promptly.

In addition to the above, some owners have mentioned experiencing "eyes," which could refer to warning lights or other visual indicators on the dashboard. If you notice any new or unusual warning lights, it's crucial to consult your owner's manual and have your vehicle diagnosed by a qualified mechanic.

Most Likely Cause

Based on the available owner data, a potential issue with the heads (cylinder heads) might be a contributing factor to the check engine light illuminating on your 2020 Dodge Challenger. Cylinder heads are a critical component of your engine, responsible for sealing the combustion chamber and housing the valves that control the flow of air and fuel.

Damage or defects in the cylinder heads can lead to a variety of problems, including poor engine performance, reduced fuel efficiency, and increased emissions. Cracks, warpage, or leaks in the cylinder heads can compromise the sealing of the combustion chamber, resulting in a loss of compression and inefficient combustion.

Furthermore, issues with the valves or valve seats within the cylinder heads can also contribute to check engine light activation. Worn or damaged valves can lead to leaks and reduced engine power, while problems with the valve seats can affect valve sealing and combustion efficiency. It is important to note that without a proper diagnosis, this is speculative.

How to Diagnose

Diagnosing a potential cylinder head issue requires a systematic approach and specialized tools. Here's a step-by-step process you can follow:

1. OBD-II Scanner: Begin by connecting an OBD-II scanner to your vehicle's diagnostic port. This will allow you to retrieve any stored trouble codes, which can provide valuable clues about the underlying problem. Note down all codes present.
2. Visual Inspection: Carefully inspect the cylinder heads for any signs of damage or leaks. Look for cracks, warpage, or discoloration around the head gasket area. Also, check for any signs of coolant or oil leaks.
3. Compression Test: Perform a compression test to assess the sealing of the combustion chambers. This test involves removing the spark plugs and using a compression gauge to measure the pressure in each cylinder. Low compression in one or more cylinders can indicate a problem with the cylinder heads or valves.
4. Leak-Down Test: A leak-down test can help pinpoint the source of compression loss. This test involves injecting compressed air into each cylinder while the piston is at top dead center (TDC) and listening for air leaks. Air escaping from the exhaust pipe can indicate a problem with the exhaust valves, while air escaping from the intake manifold can indicate a problem with the intake valves.
5. Coolant System Pressure Test: If you suspect a coolant leak, perform a coolant system pressure test. This test involves pressurizing the coolant system and checking for leaks. A leaking cylinder head gasket can allow coolant to enter the combustion chamber, leading to overheating and other problems.

Tools Required:

• OBD-II Scanner
• Compression Gauge
• Leak-Down Tester
• Coolant System Pressure Tester
• Basic Hand Tools (sockets, wrenches, screwdrivers)
• Safety Glasses
• Gloves

Step-by-Step Fix

If the diagnosis confirms an issue with the cylinder heads, here's a general step-by-step guide on how to address it. Note that this is a complex repair, and professional assistance is recommended if you're not comfortable working on engines.

1. Gather Necessary Parts and Tools: Before starting the repair, ensure you have all the necessary parts and tools on hand. This includes new cylinder head gaskets, head bolts, coolant, oil, and any specialized tools required for your engine.
2. Disconnect Battery: Disconnect the negative battery cable to prevent electrical shorts during the repair.
3. Drain Coolant and Oil: Drain the coolant and oil from the engine. Dispose of the fluids properly according to local regulations.
4. Remove Intake and Exhaust Manifolds: Remove the intake and exhaust manifolds from the cylinder heads. Disconnect any sensors or wiring harnesses attached to the manifolds.
5. Remove Valve Cover: Remove the valve cover from the cylinder head.
6. Remove Rocker Arms and Pushrods: Carefully remove the rocker arms and pushrods, keeping them organized so you can reinstall them in the same positions.
7. Loosen Head Bolts: Loosen the head bolts in the reverse order of the tightening sequence. This helps prevent warpage of the cylinder head.
8. Remove Cylinder Head: Carefully lift the cylinder head off the engine block. Be careful not to damage the cylinder head or the engine block surface.
9. Clean Mating Surfaces: Thoroughly clean the mating surfaces of the cylinder head and the engine block. Remove any old gasket material or debris.
10. Inspect Cylinder Head: Inspect the cylinder head for cracks, warpage, or other damage. If necessary, have the cylinder head machined or replaced.
11. Install New Head Gasket: Install a new cylinder head gasket onto the engine block. Make sure the gasket is properly aligned.
12. Install Cylinder Head: Carefully lower the cylinder head onto the engine block, aligning it with the head gasket and dowel pins.
13. Install Head Bolts: Install the head bolts and tighten them to the manufacturer's specifications. Follow the correct tightening sequence to ensure even pressure distribution.
14. Reinstall Rocker Arms and Pushrods: Reinstall the rocker arms and pushrods in their original positions.
15. Reinstall Valve Cover: Reinstall the valve cover.
16. Reinstall Intake and Exhaust Manifolds: Reinstall the intake and exhaust manifolds. Reconnect any sensors or wiring harnesses.
17. Refill Coolant and Oil: Refill the coolant and oil to the proper levels.
18. Reconnect Battery: Reconnect the negative battery cable.
19. Start Engine and Check for Leaks: Start the engine and check for any leaks. Monitor the engine temperature and oil pressure.

Keep in mind that this is a general guide, and the specific steps may vary depending on your vehicle's engine. Always refer to the manufacturer's service manual for detailed instructions and torque specifications.

Parts and Tools Needed

• Cylinder Head Gasket (Part number will vary based on engine)
• Head Bolts (New bolts are often recommended)
• Coolant (Specific type recommended by Dodge)
• Engine Oil (Specific type recommended by Dodge)
• OBD-II Scanner
• Compression Gauge
• Leak-Down Tester
• Coolant System Pressure Tester
• Torque Wrench
• Socket Set
• Wrench Set
• Screwdriver Set
• Pliers
• Safety Glasses
• Gloves

Real Owner Costs

The cost of addressing a cylinder head issue can vary widely depending on the severity of the problem and whether you choose to DIY or hire a professional mechanic.

DIY:

• Parts (head gasket, bolts, fluids): $200 - $500+
• Tools (if needed): $100 - $300+
• Total DIY Cost: $300 - $800+

Professional Repair:

• Labor: $800 - $1500+ (depending on shop rate and complexity)
• Parts: $300 - $800+ (depending on part quality and availability)
• Total Professional Repair Cost: $1100 - $2300+

The total cost depends on the extent of damage to the heads. Machining the heads can add to the cost.

Prevention

While some engine problems are unavoidable, there are several steps you can take to help prevent cylinder head issues in your 2020 Dodge Challenger:

• Regular Maintenance: Follow the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule, including regular oil changes, coolant flushes, and spark plug replacements.
• Monitor Engine Temperature: Keep a close eye on your engine temperature gauge. Overheating can cause significant damage to the cylinder heads.
• Use Proper Coolant: Use the correct type of coolant recommended by Dodge. Using the wrong coolant can lead to corrosion and other problems.
• Avoid Over-Revving: Avoid over-revving the engine, as this can put excessive stress on the cylinder heads and valves.
• Address Problems Promptly: If you notice any signs of engine trouble, such as unusual noises, vibrations, or leaks, address them promptly. Ignoring minor problems can lead to more serious and costly repairs down the road.

What Owners Say

Real experiences from DODGE owners:

Owner Experiences

"Where's all the octane red fatties at? Here's mine, '21 scat with just over 10k miles, freshly washed and waxed." — Kash_Register_MWO (source)

"Previous owner put all the SRT stuff on it, not sure exactly why, but I really don’t mind. Just the slowest “Srt8” in the world 😂" — Dependent-Prize8757 (source)

"Just paid her off... she is all mine. First picture is the day she was delivered." — FantasticSite7410 (source)

Real Repair Costs

"So what's another $100K? For a split second I actually spun that around in my pea brain.." — fredout1968 (source)

"I actually have a 2020 Scat Shaker in the same color." I respond He picks my brain about my car and tells me well I'll give you $40K for yours.." — fredout1968 (source)

FAQ

Q: How long does it take to fix a cylinder head issue?

A: The repair time can vary depending on the complexity of the job and the availability of parts. DIY repairs can take anywhere from 10 to 20 hours, while professional repairs typically take 8 to 15 hours.

Q: Can I drive with a check engine light on?

A: It's generally not recommended to drive with a check engine light on, as it could indicate a serious problem. However, if the light is not flashing and the vehicle is running normally, you may be able to drive it a short distance to a repair shop.

Q: Is this a common issue on the 2020 Dodge Challenger?

A: The available data doesn't give information on how common it is on the 2020 Dodge Challenger.

Q: DIY vs mechanic - what's recommended?

A: Cylinder head repairs are complex and require specialized knowledge and tools. Unless you have extensive experience working on engines, it's generally recommended to have the repair performed by a qualified mechanic. As one owner happily mentioned: "Just paid her off... she is all mine. First picture is the day she was delivered." (source) It is essential to ensure your vehicle gets the care it needs.

Q: What does the check engine light actually mean?

A: The check engine light is an indicator that the vehicle's onboard diagnostic system has detected a problem with one or more of its components or systems. It doesn't necessarily mean that the engine is about to fail, but it does indicate that further investigation is needed.

Q: Can a loose gas cap cause the check engine light to come on in my 2020 Dodge Challenger?

A: While a loose gas cap is a common cause of check engine lights in many vehicles, the owner data provided doesn't mention gas cap issues for the 2020 Dodge Challenger. Therefore, it's not possible to determine if it's a relevant factor in this case.