Check Engine Light Issue - how worried should I be?

Hi everyone,

This is my first time posting here, but it looks like a really helpful place. Here is the story:

I have a 96 Camry LE that I recieved after my uncle passed away in March. The car had absolutely no issues with it that I know of, other than a need to replace the serpentine belts, which I will be getting taken care of in the next two weeks.

I got an oil change done this past Friday, and other than the serpentine belts, there were no issues. While driving on Saturday, my check engine light came on. I assumed it might have something to do with the oil change, such as a sensor left unplugged or something minor, and called the company. They had me bring it in tonight to take a look.

When I brought it in tonight, I asked what the mechanics would do. The sales guy said they would check to see if the issue was from them and fix it. Otherwise, they'd have to run a hookup code test, and that would cost me $129. Of course I don't want to pay that, knowing they can diagnose it for free at an Auto Zone. So I explicitly said to check for oil-change related issues, but otherwise I will have it looked at elsewhere.

Well, the car was checked over, and while the mechanic said it had nothing to do with the oil change, he turned the freaking check engine light off! I was very frustrated, since now there is no way that I know of to look up the code on the problem. I debated for a bit with the sales guy and eventually he told me to call the manager in the morning. I doubt I'll be getting the code out of him with no charge, and it makes me furious that now I can't bring it to an auto zone. I drove the car home (about a 10 minute drive) and the light has no come back on. Also, I've been driving it with the light on through Sunday and today, and the car sounds fine. No different than usual.

So my question is, other than calling the auto shop and complaining, is there anything else I can do to figure out the problem? My best guess is that the oxygen sensor is old, since the same thing started happening around this age mark with two Corollas my parents own. The problem is, I am going on a 4,000 road trip in a week and a half, and would like to find out the problem and fix it by then. If my check engine light doesn't come back on by then, is there anything at all I can do? Also, is there anything else it could possibly be?

Thanks for any help and suggestions you might have!

And the mech thought he was doing you a favor. Hope he learned something. They likely reset the light by pulling a fuse which erases the code from the memory. It's gone. What to do? Drive the **** out of it for a few days and see what happens. Try to duplicate throttle settings and shift patterns you were at when the light came on. Keep in mind some error codes only produce a check engine light if it fails twice on seperate trips ie, 2 trip logic faults. You'll have to start, drive, turn off, start, drive to get the light to light.

Since you didn't see any associated driveability issues when you had the light, my guess (that's all it is) is it could have been EVAP system related. This system traps gas fumes when the engine is off, then recirculates them to the engine when it's running. You usually won't notice anything but the light. Could have been an O2 sensor heater going. Sometimes all you'll see is the light. Just about any other sensor failure will give you a light and additional issues. Not a good idea but, I've read about guys driving for years with CE lights on.

Oh ya! Welcome to the forum!!!!

A loose gas cap can generate a CE light.

Thanks so much for the quick reply. Yes, that's my guess also, because as I mentioned, the same thing started happening with my parents' Corollas around this time, and it turned out to be the Oxygen/emissions situatuion, and they just simply needed to replace the oxygen sensor.

I wouldn't be so worried about it if it wasn't for the 4,000 mile road trip coming up very soon, and I don't know if I want to drive the shit out of my car until then to hope the light comes back on. (Although it's a great and practical idea - I might just take a trip across the border into WI and see if that does the trick).

I will call the manager of the auto shop tomorrow and complain about the situation. Do you think that they would have saved the code reading (I saw them do it)? I'm hoping if they did, the manager will tell me what it is at no charge for their mistake. If not though, I guess I'll just hope for the best.

best thing to do is the see if it stays off...it most likely is not something to worry about unless you hear an unusual noise or notice a difference driving. The best advice I can give you is if it does not come back on then you really don't have a major problem. Don't worry about it.

Yeah, I'm sure it's not a problem if it stays off. What do you recommend I do though, if it goes on again during the road trip? (MN to New Orleans and various places around FL)

When I was driving the Corolla and the check engine light issue started happening, it would go on every couple hundred miles, and the issue turned out to be the oxygen sensor. If this follows the same pattern and keeps running fine, should I assume that's what it is?

Thanks!

by the way, when the corolla light came on, I manually turned it off. If I can do the same thing with the camry, is it safe?

When it comes to that light it is impossible to track down what the problem is without a diagnostic because of today's technology in cars. Since they run on computers then there could be numerous problems. But if it does not come back on for a few days you will be fine for your trip.

Well, the car was checked over, and while the mechanic said it had nothing to do with the oil change,

This inferes, they may have found the cause. Ask.

They may or may not remember the code. As snow... infered, don't loose any sleep over it. If it doesn't come on in the next few days, don't worry about it.

Thanks to both of you. I believe they did find the cause, but are not telling me because I need to pay the $129 to find out. I will talk to the manager about that in the morning, and we will see what he does. Otherwise, I won't worry anymore.

I would also recommend getting a new mechanic. $129 for a diagnostic is ridiculous. Most places I've seen charge about $89, The place I go to now doesn't charge at all. And it seems you don't trust them either.

Yes, I definitely will be from now on.

It's more of an auto center where I go to get an oil change every $3000 miles or so, but I always get repairs done with a family friend. All I wanted them to do was to check and see if they unplugged anything during the oil change, not turn off the light that indicates there's a problem. :/ After I talk to the manager today, I will not be going back there either way.

For the small investment of about 100 bucks you can buy your own code reader and read your own codes anytime they appear. Mine has saved me the time and trouble of taking the vehicles somewhere to find out the problem. Dosser

Where would be the best place to buy one of those at that price? I've been looking around the web and have been seeing them for around $200.

I live in Washington state, got mine at a store called Schucks.
Bought it on sale for $98. Dosser

Where would be the best place to buy one of those at that price? I've been looking around the web and have been seeing them for around $200.

You might want to check Walmart. I have seen 2 different models there. I'm not quite sure of the price but they should be fairly cheap. Well, as far as price is concerned.:wink: Take care.

Regards,
JOET/CAMRY

Yelena,

You didn't mention if you took it to a private mechanic or dealership. If it was private I'd be careful in the future. They may have done it purpose to get you to come back and spend more money!!! If it was a dealership then they would look it over and maybe reset the light for you for no charge what so ever. My opinion only.

rimfire,22

rimfire22 - you must be blessed to have such an honest and caring dealership near you.

FWIW - Here's my logic on " local shops vs dealerships". A mechanic at a dealership screws up or performes prescribed unethical practices, they've got all the power and finances of "big brother" and a sales division behind them to save their financial and legal butts. A local shop does the same and they are on their own. Logic tells me a local shops reputation would be much more near and dear to them. Certainly that logic gets bent all the time but, the odds are you're better off with a local shop - IMHO.

...and if it's a family run shop ie, son, daughter, mom at the counter; dad, brother, uncle in the garage; so much the better. You can't get any more American than that.

rimfire22 - you must be blessed to have such an honest and caring dealership near you.

FWIW - Here's my logic on " local shops vs dealerships". A mechanic at a dealership screws up or performes prescribed unethical practices, they've got all the power and finances of "big brother" and a sales division behind them to save their financial and legal butts. A local shop does the same and they are on their own. Logic tells me a local shops reputation would be much more near and dear to them. Certainly that logic gets bent all the time but, the odds are you're better off with a local shop - IMHO.

...and if it's a family run shop ie, son, daughter, mom at the counter; dad, brother, uncle in the garage; so much the better. You can't get any more American than that.


RIP,

Don't get me wrong. There's dealerships that are liers and cheaters too out there so everyone has just try them and see how they are. My dealership hasn't given me any BULL to alert me of any wrong doing because they have a "AAA" office located on the property. If I believe I'm being taken for a ride all I have to do is report them and they can lose the support of "AAA". In the long run they stand to lose more than I do. On the other hand their are fantastic/honest private mechanics too. One just has to feel each one out and go from there. All I'm saying on her is to be careful.

rimfire,22

rimfire.22 - No arguement, just opinion. Finding decent mechanics can be a real crap shoot at times. :cheers:

rimfire22 - you must be blessed to have such an honest and caring dealership near you.

FWIW - Here's my logic on " local shops vs dealerships". A mechanic at a dealership screws up or performes prescribed unethical practices, they've got all the power and finances of "big brother" and a sales division behind them to save their financial and legal butts. A local shop does the same and they are on their own. Logic tells me a local shops reputation would be much more near and dear to them. Certainly that logic gets bent all the time but, the odds are you're better off with a local shop - IMHO.

...and if it's a family run shop ie, son, daughter, mom at the counter; dad, brother, uncle in the garage; so much the better. You can't get any more American than that.

How about if they only worked on ford, chevy, and dodge. no imports. :wink:

JOET/CAMRY

rimfire.22 - No arguement, just opinion. Finding decent mechanics can be a real crap shoot at times. :cheers:


RIP,

Yes it can be a crap shoot many times over!! One just has to know their Toyotas well enough so that when the private/dealership suggests a repair he/she can decide if their being taken for a ride. For Yelena I feel for her cuz I've been burned too but I'm a much better man now just for the experience. Now when I hear "BS" I walk because it's my money. Besides it's crummy and cheap to take advantage of a lady.

rimfire,22

How about if they only worked on ford, chevy, and dodge. no imports. :wink:

JOET/CAMRY

Yup, would be nice if it was so cut and dried but, Camrys have been built in Kentucky since about 96 and many Ford, GM, and Chrysler models are built in Canada and Mexico. The other day I was watching a NASCAR race and the announcer said something suprising and very ironic. The only "American" built vehicle represented in NASCAR races is the Toyota Camry. The Ford Fusion is built in Mexico, the Chevy Malibu and Dodge Charger are both built in Canada. It's become that kind of a world.

Got a hunch you know, but when I said "can't get more American than that" I was talking about family run businesses.

This is getting really off topic, but here it is anyway
I believe (not positive) that the camry is second in having most of it made in the US. The only vehicle to beat it: the f series.

I was wrong, it's the third. right behind the f-series and the silverado

http://www.kwtx.com/home/headlines/3258221.html
http://www.cars.com/go/advice/Story.jsp?section=top&story=amMade&subject=more&referer=&aff=national

Yup, would be nice if it was so cut and dried but, Camrys have been built in Kentucky since about 96 and many Ford, GM, and Chrysler models are built in Canada and Mexico. The other day I was watching a NASCAR race and the announcer said something suprising and very ironic. The only "American" built vehicle represented in NASCAR races is the Toyota Camry. The Ford Fusion is built in Mexico, the Chevy Malibu and Dodge Charger are both built in Canada. It's become that kind of a world.

Got a hunch you know, but when I said "can't get more American than that" I was talking about family run businesses.

Yea RIP, I know what you were talking about. I was just joking around.:lol:

Your definitely right when you say a small family run buisness would have alot more to loose than the big dealerships if they were treating their customers bad by overcharging and doing sh_tty work. :disappoin

I personally like to stay away from auto repair buisnesses whenever possible. I do most of my own work on my 1989 Camry. some things I cant do such as rebuilding a transmission, rebuilding an engine, front wheel alighnment, pressing in front wheel bearings, etc. then it's time to break out the wallet or credit card.:frown:

BTW my 1989 Camry was built in the good old U.S.A. I believe it was in Kentucky. I think 1989 was the first year the Toyota Camry was built in the U.S.A. and built in Japan.

Regards,
JOET/CAMRY

Great info guys. Looks like Fox Sports was wrong on the Malibu. Learned something about the 89+ Camrys too.

Hey Yelena! I appologize for the hijack. Hope your car is purrin without that light. Be safe on your trip.

I stopped recieving e-mails that someone had replied to this post, so I apologize for not getting back to you guys!

I dealt with the manager who apologized for the mistake and said he would ask the mechanics if they remember anything about it, as they didn't have the code on record. (Of course the jerk I dealt with the day before didn't record it) He called me back a few hours later, and said while the mechanic doesn't remember the exact code, it had to do with emissions and likely the oxygen sensor. The light hasn't come back on yet, and I've been driving around quite a bit, so I won't worry about the check engine light issue until I come back from the trip.

On a side note, if my light comes back on during the trip, does anyone know how to turn it off just for annoyance-sake? When I had my Corolla and it happened, I'd just have to pull out a green tab labled #15 for a few seconds in my hood, and then pop it back in. Is it the same one for Camrys?

The place I went to was your run of the mill auto center, attached to a gas station. They get the job done, but as I discovered, not well. After the check engine light issue, I also noticed that they overfilled my oil tank, and had to bring it back to get it drained down. A friend recommended a place he goes to, and it looks like a nice, family-owned business like you were talkinf about above. I'll try it out next time I need something done.

Thanks again for all your help and suggestions!

Have you bought a code reader yet? 96 should be an OBD II, and the plug is behind the coin drawer, left side lower dash. If your light comes on and you have your code reader, follow the instructions, read the code, look in the code reader book (should be a list of codes), it will tell you the problem, take note of the problem, then you can clear the light and when you can, you can fix it or take it to someone who can. Good luck, and have a safe trip. Dosser

Not yet, and surprisingly my light hasn't come back on since they turned it off, which leads me to believe that it was either something minor that they caused in the first place, or a one-time emissions issue. But I will definitely be looking into my own code reader. Thanks for the advice!

Not yet, and surprisingly my light hasn't come back on since they turned it off, which leads me to believe that it was either something minor that they caused in the first place, or a one-time emissions issue. But I will definitely be looking into my own code reader. Thanks for the advice!
I do not know if you have Autozone stores in Minnesota but if you do they read your codes for free.
See if other stores can do it for you.

Sam