Auto Mechanic Help

markmarc

Guys:
The "Check Engine" light came on. I've the checking of belts, oil, fluids and such. I'm trying to avoid running it to the dealer and getting my wallet raped.Normally, I run it out to my long time mechanic, but he's on vacation for another 10 days.

I thought I heard that at least one of the big auto parts chains had a portable diagnostic device that could be plugged into the car's computer to at least let one know what the issue is. Is that true?

jflail2

I know they (they being Autozone and Advance) can test parts (starter, alternator, etc) but not sure if they can run a full CEL diagnosis.

I don't know if I'd rely solely on their feedback..

tonyb

What kind of car are we talking ? Sometimes it's just as simple as an oxygen sensor,and sometimes it could be a faulty ignition switch, ala Honda's. There's a cast of characters that can make that dummy light go on.

markmarc

2006 Toyota Tacoma 4cyl

I'm betting it is a sensor, or something akin. Still get great mileage (23/28), engine doesn't appear to be running any differently.

engtaz

I can be as simple as a loose gas cap that can show up as engine light.

tonyb

Sometimes if you disconnect the battery for a half hour,it resets the computer and the light will go off. May not stop any sensor issues but if you need to take it in for an emissions test, like we do here in Illinois, it will help long enough to pass a test. You checked the fluids I take it,and your not useing any aftermarket parts like a cheapo oil filter ? Think about anything you've done differently recently. Sometimes it could also just be crappy gas with low octane. Like I said, I gazillion things can make that stupid light go on.

WilliamM2

If the car is OBDII, then Autzone will have a tool they can connect to read the code. I bought one on sale for $79 before I knew that, but it's come in handy several times since.

Serendipity

That's good advice. Before I knew this, I always went to the dealer and paid a hefty diagnostic charge. Then took it to a mechanic to fix whatever it was (oxygen sensors, ignition coils, alternator, etc.)

devani

ask local repair shops and most do read the codes free.....i had my mother's accord with bad O2 sensor replaced with OEM....

kawizx9r

+1

Could be anything really, but once you find out what that code is...well Google can be your friend!

Just found out (thanks Mole') that if I turn the key in my car (just before starting the vehicle) 3 times it'll go through it's own little diagnostic and tell me if anything's wrong or not, maybe yours might have something similar?

tonyb

Reading the code is a good place to start but not always solves the problem. Took my Honda Accord in for the same reason, twice the code came up as an oxygen sensor. Twice I had it replaced only to have the light come on a few weeks later again. Finally took it to a foreign car specialist who knew wtf he was doing and found it was a faulty ignition switch that was under a recall ontop of it. Point is, sometimes you have to do alittle detective work. For your car only being 4 years old, I'm sure it's something minor causing this.

Willow

Not sure if you have a partsource down there but they will do it for free around here.

kcoc321

O'Riely's will loan you a OSBII reader, you just give them your DL to hold.

strider

Wait 'til your mechanic gets back into town, if there are no drivebalility problems now then you should be fine waiting a bit. More then likely it's something related to the emissions system that won't cause you any performance issues.

If it puts your mind at ease, get the code read at one of the above mentioned auto stores that do it for free. Don't erase the code or let them sell you any parts, though.

Signed,

A wallet raper

Norm Apter

engtaz wrote: »

I can be as simple as a loose gas cap that can show up as engine light.

Yep, three weeks ago my "Service Engine Soon" light came on. I took it to a local auto shop. After checking things for two minutes, they determined this was the cause. I felt pretty embarrassed as I walked sheepishly back to my car.

messiah

most cars have a way to read the troublecodes without any equipment. Please list year make and model, and I'll see if I can help.

cokewithvanilla

messiah wrote: »

most cars have a way to read the troublecodes without any equipment. Please list year make and model, and I'll see if I can help.

if he has no led or lcd display on the vehicle, doesn't that rule out this option?

messiah

cokewithvanilla wrote: »

if he has no led or lcd display on the vehicle, doesn't that rule out this option?

No. Some vehicles codes can be read thru an ignition switch sequence flashing the check engine light to produce codes. Other cars have 2 points to jump to access codes. I'm really sleepy right now and going to bed. Like I said, make model, and year, If I can help I'll let you know.

dennisbeaver

your car is a 2006 which is obd 2,disconnecting the battery won't clear the code,it will on obd1,if it is a memory code. turning your key off and on three times to count the flashes on your check engine light works if you own a mopar.what was said before take to most auto parts stores and they should be able to run a scan for the code that's making your check engine come on.have them clear the code,write the code down,and if it comes back then you can go from there far as repair.if like you said you had no driveability concern

mole'

kawizx9r wrote: »

+1

Could be anything really, but once you find out what that code is...well Google can be your friend!

Just found out (thanks Mole') that if I turn the key in my car (just before starting the vehicle) 3 times it'll go through it's own little diagnostic and tell me if anything's wrong or not, maybe yours might have something similar?

Np. this is a Dodge/Mopar thing tho.

best thing for the TS would be to go to Autozone (as stated above) and ask to use one of their ODBII scab tools. if you can get one i have one i can lend you. you pay the shipping fees and just return it to me.

you could also disconnect the battery for a few minutes and it will erase the code from the short term memory. it most likely will come back tho.

markmarc

Thanks for the generous offer Mole. If I can't get a loaner from one of the parts shops I'll PM you.

Anybody know where the plug in point is for the OSBII device on a 2006 Tacoma?

mole'

kcoc321 wrote: »

O'Riely's will loan you a OSBII reader, you just give them your DL to hold.

markmarc wrote: »

Thanks for the generous offer Mole. If I can't get a loaner from one of the parts shops I'll PM you.

Anybody know where the plug in point is for the OSBII device on a 2006 Tacoma?

NP man

its OBDII

it should be under the dash

something like this

http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://photography.eakland.net/d/14835-4/SDC14231.JPG&imgrefurl=http://www.yotatech.com/f116/95-4runner-obd-187849/&usg=__k7kUjxqyeURzPZNgJiPApkp13LA=&h=480&w=640&sz=50&hl=en&start=36&sig2=0y28d9jXcwsIlXFhlwdb5g&zoom=1&tbnid=IFR2LHdcSfpp3M:&tbnh=146&tbnw=208&ei=o5VuTKiLJYv4swO13LGyCw&prev=/images%3Fq%3D2006%2BTacoma%2BODBII%2Blocation%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DX%26gbv%3D2%26nfpr%3D1%26biw%3D1280%26bih%3D603%26tbs%3Disch:10,1130&itbs=1&iact=hc&vpx=275&vpy=259&dur=1525&hovh=194&hovw=259&tx=134&ty=112&oei=bpVuTI71GIKesQPChLmECw&esq=3&page=3&ndsp=18&ved=1t:429,r:13,s:36&biw=1280&bih=603

white thing in the center of the pic

camp21178

My 2000 Tacoma with 248k on it has had a check engine light for two years. I know it's an oxygen sensor but I'm not going to put any money into it. I get great gas mileage now, so I'm sure it's running a little lean.

Malbec

The answer might be in your owners manual.
My son's '08 Tacoma had a "check engine light" come on a while back and if memory serves me correct he held the trip odometer reset button in then turned the ignition to "on". All the numbers were blinking dashes and then it reset to all zeros and the light went out. See if this works.

Robert

sucks2beme

Buy a reader for $50 at a pawn shop. Read the code, and clear it ,or take action. Or just ignore it. Talking it to death doesn't seem to be working.:D

JimKellyfan

What code did they tell you ?
Careful, because after the free code reading, some parts stores will try and sell you stuff you may or may not need.
List the code(s) you have and it seems a few of us can help, including myself.
In the field as a manager, former district manager, and former master tech that still gets his hands dirty am I.
All garages are not crooks, but they do all have overhead.
Free help here and the internet though, so share your code/results to help all.
Also feel free to PM me too.

JimKellyfan

Get a couple opinions and that will be best, even a couple different people reading codes and their opinions, combined with ours and your other research.
Good luck.