during our last expedition a couple weeks back i got the dreaded "check engine light" during the trip north. i dutifully pulled over, popped the hood
and examined the engine. nothing appeared out of the norm! the tundra was performing perfectly! we continued on our way home.
we got home and parked the truck for a few days. when i started it up the light didn't light!!! i have barrowed a code reader from a friend to try on
the tundra this weekend when i get home. i've printed out the SAE common codes as well as the toyota specific codes from the internet (gonna keep the
codes in truck and buy my own reader, asap!) so my question is.....
i'm looking at the innova odb2 reader. anyone have experience with this unit +/- $70.00? are the higher priced units THAT much better? anyone wanna
guess, before i hook up the reader this weekend, if it will show a "stored" code or does the light going off mean the trouble condition does not exist
any longer?msteve1014 - 5-6-2009 at 06:38 PM
The higher priced readers are better, but depending on what kind of codes you are getting, it may be a one time thing. I always get the best I can,
and then hope I don't need it too much. The light going off most likely means it is not a serious problem, but it should be stored. Good luck.Diver - 5-6-2009 at 06:52 PM
The Equus 3100 (Innova) is a good unit for the $.
It will address "check engine" issues and clear stored codes and much more.Hook - 5-6-2009 at 09:57 PM
If your expedition was in Mexico, I'll betcha a Pacifico that it will show to be gasoline related. Why dont you go by an Auto-Zone and have them check
it for free this time? Even the Auto Zones over here do that.Hook - 5-6-2009 at 10:11 PM
BTW, Woody, there is an issue that my friend's 2006 Tundra experienced. His exhaust manifold warped to the point that he developed a noticeable
exhaust leak. He bought this truck brand new. It was covered by warranty. Dealer seemed to think that it came that way from the
factory...............like maybe they had seen this before.Bajahowodd - 5-6-2009 at 11:42 PM
There are a number of places that will do a free diagnostic, beside Auto Zone. I've had a check engine light on and off for several years. Was
fortunate that it was off for about a month when I had to have my car smogged. With a free diagnosis, learned that I had a problem with the idle.
Often, the check engine light is insignificant, unless you're into perfection.
And kudos to Doug. Just noticed when I entered my post there were three paid advertising links at the top of the page dealing with this topic.
[Edited on 5-7-2009 by Bajahowodd]woody with a view - 5-7-2009 at 05:39 AM
Quote:
Originally posted by Hook
If your expedition was in Mexico, I'll betcha a Pacifico that it will show to be gasoline related. Why dont you go by an Auto-Zone and have them check
it for free this time? Even the Auto Zones over here do that.
i'll probably owe you that ballena... we bought 20 liters from the pangueros and the exhaust smelled like burnt kerosene. i don't think it was mixed
already because they were running it in their truck also, but who knows?ILikeMex - 5-7-2009 at 08:55 AM
Check Engine Lights are realted to smog emissions. Could be as simple as your gas cap not on tight enough, need for new plugs, pre-egnition timing
etc. Generally these things do not harm your car if you continue to drive with the light on.
As mentiond bad gas, water in gas could cause the gas not to be fully ignighted/burned and your sensor would pick that up too.woody with a view - 5-8-2009 at 03:18 PM
just checked with the innova 3030 code reader.
p0420 catalyst system efficiency below threshold bank 1
probably the funky fuel i used from the pangueros. the light is off now so what do you think of running some chevron/exxon (good gas with cleaning
additives) for a tank or two? wasting my money or will it clean the guts?Bob and Susan - 5-8-2009 at 03:26 PM
waste of money...
chevron texaco shell...all the same company
and
they sometimes buy from OTHER companies and sell under their name
clear the codes and drive a couple of regular tanks thru
and
dont ever buy gas out of a can again
bring your ownbajaandy - 5-8-2009 at 03:48 PM
Different vehicle, but I can't tell you how many times my old F-250 has had the check engine light come on. I'm sorta used to it now. Almost
exclusively it's been exhaust/intake/fuel related. EGR valves, catalytic converters, you name it. And I attribute much of it to burning questionable
gas.
Chances are in your case that the sensor picking up the anomaly has found emissions/fuel intake to be within parameters and is back to working
normally. I wouldn't waste any money on fuel additives or anything like that. Just keep driving it and if it happens again, deal with it.woody with a view - 5-8-2009 at 03:53 PM
Quote:
bring your own
i did. i just wanted to make sure i had enough to make it back to semi-civilization. next time i'll put it in the gas can and use it if/when
absolutely needed.TMW - 5-9-2009 at 09:56 AM
A stored check engine light will reset after so many engine starts or if you disconnect the battery. As others have said it could be water or diesel
in the gas etc. After a couple of tanks of clean gas if it comes on it should be addressed. A flashing check engine light at least on GM vehicles
should be addressed.bacquito - 5-10-2009 at 04:41 PM
Quote:
Originally posted by TW A flashing check engine light at least on GM vehicles should be addressed.
Yes , a mechanic told me the same. If the light does not blink it is not a problem but if it blinks it is time to take the matter seriously. My light
on my '01 tundra came on and finally went off.capn.sharky - 5-11-2009 at 07:36 AM
Many years ago, in Loreto, my check engine light came on. I took my Bronco to a couple of mechanics that I knew. They told me just about every car
in town had the problem. Just dirt and dust they said. A few years ago, I took my Nissan Frontier to Loreto. As I entered the town, the light came
on---so I ignored it. After a month, I was driving it home to So. Cal. Five klicks up the highway and it went off and never came back on again.
Still, its a good idea to check under the hood. My Nissan is down in Loreto all the time now, and I haven't had any problems with it. I think the
gas is better now than in the old days. Que Diablo, eh?
