Check engine light on code is P1135, what to do

[solarsister]

The check engine light recently came on, I have a 2001 Sienna CE and Autozone did the free check the code was P1135-fuel and air metering control. They did a check and said it was a dealer code. Does anyone know what this code means? Also, will driving the vehicle without fixing it right away tear up the vehicle worse?

[joey#1]

Originally Posted by solarsister

The check engine light recently came on, I have a 2001 Sienna CE and Autozone did the free check the code was P1135-fuel and air metering control. They did a check and said it was a dealer code. Does anyone know what this code means? Also, will driving the vehicle without fixing it right away tear up the vehicle worse?

There are a number of problems that can make your check engine light come on. Check the 2001 Sienna at http://autos.msn.com (use pull downs in upper left corner of screen at the website) to see listing of the most common problems.

The most significant is engine sludge. This can mean you need a whole new engine ($4,000 +/-) so you need to check it out. The good news is that if you can show proof of reasonable maintenance (Toyota manual says oil changes every 7500 miles for most driving conditions, 5000 for some severe conditions) Toyota will fix your engine for free under a customer support program. You need to get it checked soon because engine sludge can lead to catostrophic engine failure. Other signs you could have if it is sludge is smoke in the exhaust, high use of oil, or visible signs of sludge on the dip stick or around the oil cap.

Another problem tends to be with emission components. I have heard that the sludge problem developed due to tightening some parameters to meet emission standards, but there is also failure of a mass air flow sensor and other emission components that are common problems (see the msn site I gave link to above).