Dreaded Check Engine Light

[NoviceFishingDad]

Hello all,

I know this is off topic, but I have been reading this site regularly and have seen how helpful everyone is on these type of issues when raised.

My wife called me on her way home from work tonight and said the dreaded check engine light was on. She pulled over and checked the oil - no problem there. She indicated everything seemed to be running fine -engine temp, RPMs and engine sound all seemed normal.

Any thoughts on what this could be? The manual says it is either an empty gas tank, an improperly closed gas lid, or some other transmisison or electrical problem. I know it could probably be any of 1000 things.

My biggest concern is the dealer I would have to bring it to to have the codes read. The van is a 2000 Toyota Sienna, and the Toyota dealer scares me as they seem to think an oil change and tire rotation is a bargain at$40 +. Does anyone have a good mechanic/shop they would recommend in the NW suburban area that would not view this as an opportunity to make easy money (sorry for the attitude, I just feel helpless when there are no outward symptons, but computer codes in which to determine the problem) . I assume any garage can read the computer to get the error codes, but am not sure.

Any input is much appreciated!

[Valv]

Usually the code comes up when your oxygen sensor goes bad, which is not much money to replace, depending on shop.

But just to read codes, I know AutoZone does it for free. In fact they have a sign in front that says We can fix your Check Engile light, and I know they can erase it too.

That would be a start, call nearest and ask about your van.

------------------
Val Vignati

www.kvesurplus.com
[email protected]

[FishTracker]

Try replacing the gas cap first. I had to pay about $110 at the dealer to have the cap replaced on my truck which had the engine check light on. Actual cap cost about $12.00, it was the diagnostics and labor that was spending. Hopes this helps.

[Sliderfishn]

I would go to autozone to have them check it out, they at lest will narrow it down for you.

Now lets here about fishing with your kids this summer. Did you figure out all the fun stuff (rigging and locators) yet?

[hanson]

NoviceFishingDad-

Check Engine light can be any number of simple, inexpensive fixes or it can be something a little more serious too. Typically, its always electronically related.

I've seen close to $4,000 in work done under warranty on my GMC Sierra because of 2 separate check engine light incidents. Don't want to scare ya but it could be any number of things. For me, it was fuel system related and ABS related.

[fubar]

My check engine light was for the crank shaft alignment indicator, which tells the distributor where it’s at for firing. The car ran for about 2 weeks and then it started to miss while I was driving. The lights went out and the car would die, for a second, and then come back on. It really shook me up considering it was during a snow storm, and still 30 min. from home, at midnight.

[mnrstrider]

Me? I'd first take the battery cable off, and then then reattach it, I don't know if this works for toyotas, but it works for fords, but that cleared my one and only check engine light, and it never came back so I assume it's fine, otherwise it would come back on...

Secondly I swear 90% of check engine lights people have had are the gas cap, check it out, make sure it right. I've also heard of people with bad gas caps.

and if it came back I'd go to autozone, which I bet would be one of cheapest places to find parts too, if you need some. (in my experince anyways)

[NoviceFishingDad]

Thanks everyone, once again the info at this site is helpful as always. I am heading out to AutoZone today. I will keep you posted if we can track the problem down.

Sliderfishn, thanks for inquiring on our progress. Sorry for the delay in updating on our progress.

The family and I have had a great time getting into fishing this year. We have gotten very comfortable and efficient with the new boat. The 5 year old has fairly well mastered his ultralite spinning reel and has done well getting his hook baited on his own.

In terms of fish, we have had some good outings where the boys caught as many panfish as they could handle. The oldest has even caught a few Pike all on his own.

We have done mostly slip bobber and long line trolling this year. I have done a few various lindy type rigs - I am getting more comfortable trying various things as the season progresses.

Also, the spinnerbaits you suggested I get worked great so far this year. Have caught quite a few bass and pike on them.

All and all, the family and I are quite pleased with getting into this sport - it has proven to be a great way to spend time together and to teach the boys a lot of interesting things.

Slider, would you still be interested in getting out together this year. I still have not got the graph figured out. For the most part it seems to be a glorified depth find for us as just can't seem to get it tuned in to help much in locating the fish. Let me know, I would love to have you out on the new boat.

Thanks again to everyone for the great info on the van!

[Seabass77]

Just happened to me, it was my oxygen sensor.

[Wavey Davey]

As mentioned, I know with at least Fords you can disconnect the battery for 10-minutes or so and it will reset the the check engine light. If it comes on again, then have it checked out.

[smoked perch]

NFD:
sometimes when dealing with car troubles, it's easy to forget to count your blessings...
YOU HAVE A WIFE WHO CAN CHECK THE OIL, AND KNOWS ABOUT RPM's AND TEMP!!!!
your one up on the rest of us...
good luck,
perch.

[Dave]

I was just thinking the same throughout reading the whole thread...."he's got a wife who can check the oil !!"

And she noticed the check engine light was on !!

[This message has been edited by Dave (edited 08-19-2004).]

[FishinFix]

Novice,

How did it go at AutoZone. Were they able to help you. If not, I know all about Toyota's and check engine lights. All you need is a paper clip and the Haynes Manual.

[NoviceFishingDad]

AutoZone was able to read the code - it was something in the evaporation system or something like that - translation fuel line. They reset the indicator and we reseated the gas cap - so far the light has not come back on, but I am smelling gas near the fuel filling opening so I suspect the cap may have a bad gasket. If the light comes back on I will try replacing it next.

As far as the wife, she did get a little coaching on how to check the oil, but at least she knew to stop and ask how and to try to diagnose the obvious indicators as mentioned. Now all I have to do is teach her how to change the oil and the plugs and I will have more time to fish.

Thanks again everyone for the info. I figure this site saved me $100 by not going to the dealer to have the codes read.

NFD

[ChuckN]

The check engine light comes on meaning there is a problem with a one of MANY different systems. I had an evaporation code come up on my truck, twice, the mechanic replaced every connection of the fuel line breathers, etc.. and 2 years later (light continued to come on on/off) another mechanic looked at the gas cap. There was a rubber seal on the inside of the cap that had actually twisted and there was a very minor leak into/out of the tank. We twisted the seal back and no problems since..

[Sliderfishn]

You name the time and lake and I will try to rearrange my day and get together and get that locater working for you

[Lost]

I just had my Blazer in the shop for a week. Thank God for extended warrantees! It already paid for itself. The "Check Engine Light" came on while cruising down 65. Took it in after trying everything I could think of. According to the codes, it was a transmission slippage problem (which I noticed got stronger and stronger over the weekend while waiting for the dealership to be open for me).

One of the seals inside the transmission started leaking which fouled up a couple other parts. Repairing would have cost about $3500. I got a GM rebuilt transmission out of the deal. The extended warrantee company paid $2800. I paid nothing.

Definitely get those codes checked ASAP.