i have a 2005 tC with about 31k miles, i did a 30k mile oil change and checked everything (did not replace spark plugs) but my CEL came on a couple days ago. Has anyone had their CEL pop up out of nowhere? only mods i have had is a system and i got that done when my car itself had about 15k miles so i don't think that has anything to do with it.

the dealer wants $150 to run a diagnostic and i was wondering if there was another way, or perhaps someone has had this issue, to find out what's wrong with my vehicle?

Thanks in advance guys

Kenny

 

Dealers!

Go to Autozone or another auto parts store and have them read your CEL code for free.

Once you know the code you can figure out what's causing it. If the car is running normally - i.e. not in limp mode - it's a minor issue anyway.

 

so they will run the diagnostic? or do they hook up something to the computer to figure out what's wrong with my car?

 

they hook up a little OBD II - and it will show a code, then go look that up and it will tell you what it means.

 

That wont, however, tell you what is wrong with the car. It will tell you what the ECU thinks is out of range. But have them read the code for free (or simply pick up a code reader for $40 or so) and tell us what code is coming up. We can then tell you what things to check. But, if it is under warranty, the dealer shouldnt charge you anything unless it is something you caused to go wrong.

But back to the codes. The ECU only knows what parameter is out of range. Many dealers have what I call "parts replacers", meaning they replace the most probable part to cause the issue and test again.. and repeat. A good mechanic or tech will actually troubleshoot the issue to find out what is wrong. But in any case, dont believe that there is a tool that will tell you what is wrong with the car. If my head hurts, I can tell the doc it hurts, that is all the ECU is doing. He then has to determine what in my body is causing the issue.. THAT is what a good tech or mechanic will do.

 

Did you put your gas cap on all the way the last time you filled up? Did you make sure it "clicked" at least 3-4 times? Check it and see if it's loose.

#1 reason for the light to come on a well maintained car with low miles on it.
Happened to my G/F Matrix last week. I knew exactly what had happened when she called me.

You still shold have it read and turned back off.

She took it to a Toyota dealer she didn't even buy the car from and they did it for free. She told them what she had done and they probably did it for a 'future customer" effort.

I would go to another dealer. Or Kragen, Autozone, etc...

 

thanks for the explanation engifineer. i'll probably head over to pepboys/autozone early next week and we'll see what happens

 

Autozone. They will pull the code for free.

 

so i was told that it was the cat converter that's gone bad. would this be under warranty? i would still have to do the diagnostic from the dealer to be checked if it was under warranty. if it's not covered under warranty i would actually need to pay that $150 so i want to make sure it's covered before i take it in.

Thanks again guys

 

so i was told that it was the cat converter that's gone bad. would this be under warranty? i would still have to do the diagnostic from the dealer to be checked if it was under warranty. if it's not covered under warranty i would actually need to pay that $150 so i want to make sure it's covered before i take it in.

Thanks again guys

 

First, check the connection to both 02 sensors. If it is a bad cat, that is definitely under warranty. But a faulty connection to one 02 can cause the issue you are stating.

 

where do i find the connection to the 02 sensor? maybe i'll check that first and make sure everything's connected well and securely. would the light turn off by itself if it is a loose connection that is back secured?

 

It may, or you may need to reset the ecu.

There are two 02 sensors, one before the cat and one after, you will see sensors sticking out of the pipe with wiring harnesses connected.

 

when u had a 30k...did u have any other work done as an addition or the basic fluids, inspections, and clean/adjust, rotate/balance?

but what code did they tell u...i wouldn't trust autozone, pepboys with a tonka truck. was it a P0420?

 

No way does a Cat Converter goes bad in 31,000 miles.

 

i've seen cars with low mileage before with bad cats, it's rare but anything is possible.

 

also, no it won't turn off, you are going to have to reset the ECU, the same computer thingie they used when they checked what's wrong @ autzone.

 

same here.

and i wouldn't clear the code... the code will turn off after drive cycles if the issue is resolved and monitors are set.

 

look roudy first thing you should have done was find out if you're still under warranty, if you are you tell that dealership that whant's to charge $150 bucks to go *** themselves, it should be covered, and i don't know what state you're in but i think there is a law that extends the warranty on a cat. make sure you research that cuz i'm not sure if it's just a rumor.

 

thanks for the help guys i'm going to bring my car into toyota tomorrow. i'm still under warranty i checked and even basic warranty is 36mo/36k miles which still leaves me with 5k of miles left. i'll let you guys know what happens at the dealer tomorrow =)

Thanks again for all the great replies