check engine light; mechanic

[haikuluke]

Just bought a used '98 Tacoma, 100,000 miles, 3" body lift, 2x SR5.

Check engine light came on. Tightened gas cap. Changed oil, checked air filters.

The question is: do you run to a mechanic everytime the check engine light comes on? I don't want to buy a check the problem yourself device because I'm not a mechanic myself.

Let's just say its no big thing, a small part or connection that needs to be fixed. How much will it cost just to have a mechanic look up the code? How much should it cost?

Thanks A Lot!

[Brian R.]

Some car part stores like TrakAuto will look up your codes for free.

[96tacoma]

Check Your Air Box First. Some People Cram A Piece Of Wire Or A Resistor To Trick The Iat Sensor (the Wires Coming Out Of The Air Box). Schotty Work Will Cause A Check Engine Light To Come On.

[OBATDDSD]

Haikuluke, try autozone. I heard they will plug in for free. If you plan on doing engine mods to your toy, invest in a code reader. You can pick up a decesent one for under $125.00. If you have a laptop go to obdiagnostics.com and check out their product. $88.00 and you can bring up and clear codes and get realtime data on your truck via your laptop.
Jeff

[gotmadD]

100,000 miles....EGR valve is common trigger for light
and cheap enough that it doesnt hurt too bad if that's not it....

[corym52]

Could be an o2 sensor, but before you waste money replacing things that don't need to be, go to Autozone and have them scan it for free. Cory

[99Tacoma_Austin]

I got mine read for free at Pep Boys. I didn't run to get it checked when it first came on. I know my truck and knew it wasn't anything major. It turned out to be a O2 sensor and it was still covered under my extended warranty.
A code reader runs about $200 I was gonna buy one but the light has never came on again.