Hi everybody,looks like I found the right place.
Anyhow I just bought a 89 4runner with 140k. 3.0, stick and it runs pretty damn good for the miles. Very clean truck. Check engine light came on today and was wondering whats going on. The truck seems to run ok,any thoughts?

 

Go to the dealer/auto parts place and get them to pull the code for you. Not sure if this works on an '89 but, some first gen guys will chime in.

Most likely a bad cat or 02 sensor or something...

Fink

 

Autozone will pull the code for free. I'll put money on a bad O2 sensor.

 

Or your gas cap is not on tight, or you need a new one.

Get the code pulled before you start replacing stuff.


Mike

 

Ewwww an '89. I'm gonna put money on the knock sensor or the egr temperature sensor. You can jump two pins in the diagnostic connector under the hood and the check engine light will flash then you count the flashes and that corresponds to a code number i.e. 5 flashes short pause 2 flashes equals a code 52 meaning knock sensor. I just can't remember which two pins they are without looking at mine under the hood. If it is the knock sensor get one from the dealership along with the connecting wire. Oh and by the way its under the lower intake if it is the knock sensor. Hopefully its just the oxygen sensor code.

 

Go here: http://www.off-road.com/toyota/tech/codes/

All you need is a short piece of wire.
Read the section on the blinks a few times till you really understand it.

 

You can do what irott suggested or just go to AutoZone and have them pull it and read it on the screen...I've tried the blinky thing and it works but...you can just go to AutoZone on the way home from work or class or whatever.

My money is on bad 02 sensor.

Fink

 

Thanks for the help. Was setting the timing today and noticed the check engine light flashing. The jumper setup is on the hood sticker. Gonna jump it again tomorrow to see whats up. By the way,I'm going to replace the o2 sensor anyhow. It looks oem and it can only help. Also did not mention the lousy gas milage-- about 15 highway. Timing was off a little,also bought a air filter only to discover a K&N in there. I will keep y'all updated on my progress.

 

Quick update for those that helped. Code indicated bad o2 sensor and I was going to replace it anyhow. Reset ecu and installed new sensor right before cat. 300 mile round trip and no light. Picked up 3mpg and the truck climbed the killer hill with all my camping gear.