check engine light

thowho1985 · 12-19-2002, 07:20 PM

The wonders of malls and Christmas time. i have a 1995 4runner 3.0 auto. I was out driving in really bad traffic today and it was raing pretty steady. I had it in 4 wheel drive and had the defogger going. I turned off the truck and came back like 2-3 minutes later. Started driving and the check engine light came on. Not a clue why. the idle is about 700 or so. I went to another store. Was inside for about 45 minutes came out. started driving it and before i got onto the interstate, just went off. and it is running fine. It seemed to be running fine when the light was on. Maybe even better... O2 sensor?Could if just have been the rain and eveything? Does a blown head gasket throw out a code? Also, a girgle or gargle when i turn on my heat on for the first time is air in the radiator and i can get rid of it by taking it up to operating temp. with the cap off?

Thanks,
Joe

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UKMyers · 12-19-2002, 11:01 PM

There are tons of reasons the light may have come on and gone off. If it doesn't come back on I wouldn't worry about it but if your really concerned about it any dealer can plug it in and get the code to tell you why it came on. As far as your radiator to burp it here's a quote from Jay

Quote:

Fill coolant. Burp cooling system. (Suggest removing throttle body hose till coolant flows out, or by removing the upper radiator hose from radiator and filling engine specifially).

Hope this helps!

Jay · 12-19-2002, 11:36 PM

The insturctions quoted above pretain to a complete refill of a cooling system.

If your low on antifreeze, warm up the vehicle with the cap off. Only keep the coolant about a 1/4 below the neck of the radiator ( the level will raise while the coolant warms up, be prepared for overspill). You should eventually see it start to flow. At this point top off the radiator, and install the cap.

The gurgling noise should go away.

Common causes for low coolant level:
Water Pump Housing or wear
Radiator Upper tank crack
Headgaskets
Upper Radiator hose manifold

As for the check engine light, I cant immediatly think of a good reason how it could be related to low coolant level. You would need to retrieve the diagnostic trouble code. Then I would have a better idea where to point you.

Jay

UKMyers · 12-20-2002, 12:45 AM

Sorry for the misquote Jay.

12-19-2002, 11:36 PM	#3 (permalink)
Jay Registered User Personal Sales Rating: (0) Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Beaverton, OR Posts: 569	The insturctions quoted above pretain to a complete refill of a cooling system. If your low on antifreeze, warm up the vehicle with the cap off. Only keep the coolant about a 1/4 below the neck of the radiator ( the level will raise while the coolant warms up, be prepared for overspill). You should eventually see it start to flow. At this point top off the radiator, and install the cap. The gurgling noise should go away. Common causes for low coolant level: Water Pump Housing or wear Radiator Upper tank crack Headgaskets Upper Radiator hose manifold As for the check engine light, I cant immediatly think of a good reason how it could be related to low coolant level. You would need to retrieve the diagnostic trouble code. Then I would have a better idea where to point you. Jay __________________ Jay 98 X-Cab Tacoma 3.4L Manual Trans. \| TRD Fender Flares \| Weld Wheels w/ 31 x 10.5's Jason Larsen Master Diagnostic Technician - Beaverton Toyota (Portland, Oregon) Wendsday - Saturday by appointment only. (503)626-7200 (ask for me by name) Last edited by Jay; 12-19-2002 at 11:41 PM.

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12-20-2002, 12:45 AM
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