check engine light

[maverick9331]

My wifes engine light came on and after going through the engine, I can find nothing wrong and and Id like to find out how to turn it off if anybody knows any tricks on how to do this

[RayC1]

I just had the same problem myself on my 97 stick shift RAV4. I decided to invest in a OBDII scanner ($68 at Walmart, but you see them for half that on eBay). The code was P0130, oxygen sensor circuit problem. It was really cold here in PA when the light came on, so I wondered if the fault was triggered by that. So I used the "erase" function on the scanner to turn off the light and see what happened. So far (about ten or so engine cycles), the check engine light has not come on again. I'm not at all sure the problem is fixed (but I know where to look if it comes back), but I think the scanner was a good investment (equal to one hour of labor at the shop!) that I can use on my other cars as well as the RAV.

I'd be interested if anyone has any experience with this issue?

Ray

[maverick9331]

Originally Posted by RayC1

I just had the same problem myself on my 97 stick shift RAV4. I decided to invest in a OBDII scanner ($68 at Walmart, but you see them for half that on eBay). The code was P0130, oxygen sensor circuit problem. It was really cold here in PA when the light came on, so I wondered if the fault was triggered by that. So I used the "erase" function on the scanner to turn off the light and see what happened. So far (about ten or so engine cycles), the check engine light has not come on again. I'm not at all sure the problem is fixed (but I know where to look if it comes back), but I think the scanner was a good investment (equal to one hour of labor at the shop!) that I can use on my other cars as well as the RAV.

I'd be interested if anyone has any experience with this issue?

Ray

Thanks for the info, I'll look around and see if I can find one. There hasnt been any problems with the truck, just a check engine light that my wife is tired of looking at.

[vonda1929]

I too have an activated engine light and coincidentily, one of my head lights expired at the same time. has anyone had the experience that the engine light could mean it's time to check your head light? Also, if it helps, I just reached 220,000 km's. Could this be a reoutine maintenance check for something?

Thanks

[maverick9331]

Originally Posted by vonda1929

I too have an activated engine light and coincidentily, one of my head lights expired at the same time. has anyone had the experience that the engine light could mean it's time to check your head light? Also, if it helps, I just reached 220,000 km's. Could this be a reoutine maintenance check for something?

Thanks

That is kinda weird, I guess that means your headlight is connected to your motor and the better your lights the faster you go. I would figure as in most newer cars the light is programmed to come on at a certain time in order to have a qualified Toyota technician look over your truck at your expense but with all the Toyotas I've owned, they are all very easy to work on and last forever. As RayC1 wrote, it was most likely a simple glitch from the oxy sensor. Anything could probably trigger it.

[RayC1]

Hi Vonda: There should be no connection between your check engine light and the headlights: one coming on as the other fails really is just a coincidence, as you say. I don't think there is anything programmed to come on at a certain mileage. After nearly 150,000 miles you're probably due for some new headlights (I put 100 watt high beam bulbs in mine - now I can really see where I'm going), and maybe even some new engine management components: PCV valve, O2 sensor, etc. Worth getting someone with one of those OBD II tools to check it out.

BTW: my light has remained unlit after the reset. Must have been just an electronic spasm.

Ray