Check Engine Light: Where to look next
#1
Check Engine Light: Where to look next
Ok, I've had a CEL for about 4 months now on my 00' 4Runner w/ 76Kmiles. It popped up during some "spirited" driving when I was running late to a meeting (85-90 mph speeds).
During the 4 months:
- my mileage has not suffered at all (21 mpg in 60% hwy / 40% city driving)
- I've cleaned and inspected the MAF
- Checked gas cap seal
- Haven't checked 02 Sensors (but seriously doubt they're bad due to the uneffected gas mileage
Other than the annoying CEL, the vehicle drives just as it always has. No idle issues, no stalling, no bucking, nothing...just smooth like always.
So give me some other common areas to check? Throttle Pos Sensor maybe? The Autozone guys here are worthless and I'd like to avoid dropping to $75 at the Stealership to pull the codes (if i can help it).
During the 4 months:
- my mileage has not suffered at all (21 mpg in 60% hwy / 40% city driving)
- I've cleaned and inspected the MAF
- Checked gas cap seal
- Haven't checked 02 Sensors (but seriously doubt they're bad due to the uneffected gas mileage
Other than the annoying CEL, the vehicle drives just as it always has. No idle issues, no stalling, no bucking, nothing...just smooth like always.
So give me some other common areas to check? Throttle Pos Sensor maybe? The Autozone guys here are worthless and I'd like to avoid dropping to $75 at the Stealership to pull the codes (if i can help it).
#2
Registered User
If you jump 2 pins on the diagnotics port the CEL will flash the aproprate code and you can go from there.
If you REALLY dont care about it just pull the ECU fuse for a few secs and that will reset the puter. If your light comes back on you know you have somthing that needs looking into, otherwise perhaps it was just a glitch.
see http://www.off-road.com/toyota/tech/codes/ for more info
If you REALLY dont care about it just pull the ECU fuse for a few secs and that will reset the puter. If your light comes back on you know you have somthing that needs looking into, otherwise perhaps it was just a glitch.
see http://www.off-road.com/toyota/tech/codes/ for more info
#3
Registered User
just go to Autozone, have them pull the code and post the results from the printout of what code is stored on here and we can help from that info. Just because they are worthless don't pass up the oppertunity of a free scan.
#4
Contributing Member
iTrader: (3)
Originally Posted by snap-on
If you jump 2 pins on the diagnotics port the CEL will flash the aproprate code and you can go from there.
If you REALLY dont care about it just pull the ECU fuse for a few secs and that will reset the puter. If your light comes back on you know you have somthing that needs looking into, otherwise perhaps it was just a glitch.
see http://www.off-road.com/toyota/tech/codes/ for more info
If you REALLY dont care about it just pull the ECU fuse for a few secs and that will reset the puter. If your light comes back on you know you have somthing that needs looking into, otherwise perhaps it was just a glitch.
see http://www.off-road.com/toyota/tech/codes/ for more info
#6
Contributing Member
Originally Posted by Ebbsnflows
So give me some other common areas to check? Throttle Pos Sensor maybe? The Autozone guys here are worthless and I'd like to avoid dropping to $75 at the Stealership to pull the codes (if i can help it).
Get the number pulled or get a cheap reader and pull the code and post it here for help.
Cheap reader:
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=46030
#7
Will that code reader fit the specialized Toyota pin-out? That's the problem I've had so far. I have a code reader for my Vette, but it is not compatible w/ the Toyota. I already stopped at 2 Autozones...they didnt have the correct adapter either (hence my 'worthless autozone' comment).
I don't mind buying a reader, but i want to know for sure that it will in fact work.
I don't mind buying a reader, but i want to know for sure that it will in fact work.
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#8
Registered User
Originally Posted by Ebbsnflows
Will that code reader fit the specialized Toyota pin-out? That's the problem I've had so far. I have a code reader for my Vette, but it is not compatible w/ the Toyota. I already stopped at 2 Autozones...they didnt have the correct adapter either (hence my 'worthless autozone' comment).
I don't mind buying a reader, but i want to know for sure that it will in fact work.
I don't mind buying a reader, but i want to know for sure that it will in fact work.
I always thought all of the OBDII connectors had to be the same configuration for ease of use? Which connector are you trying to use? The OBDII connector is located inside the truck in the drivers area (not exactlly sure where i.e, under stearing colum), not in the engine bay. If you already know that I appologize but just wanted to make sure.
#10
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Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Albuquerque, NM
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Clean the MAF, not just the IAT bulby thingy but the actual hotwires.
https://www.yotatech.com/attachment....achmentid=1361
https://www.yotatech.com/attachment....achmentid=1362
or here
http://www.4x4wire.com/toyota/mainte...tenancep5.html
https://www.yotatech.com/attachment....achmentid=1361
https://www.yotatech.com/attachment....achmentid=1362
or here
http://www.4x4wire.com/toyota/mainte...tenancep5.html
#11
Contributing Member
Originally Posted by Ebbsnflows
Ok, I got it pulled: P0171 Bank 1 lean condition
That sounds like an 02 sensor issue. But is bank 1 the right side front 02 or the left side front 02?
That sounds like an 02 sensor issue. But is bank 1 the right side front 02 or the left side front 02?
BTW I am not sure what you mean by a certain connector for OBD II. The OBD II interface is standardized so any OBD II reader should fit the connector.
#12
Ok, after much searching, I found the OTHER diagnostic port under the console. So what the hell is the underhood diagnostic port (labeled "DIAGNOSTIC") for? Everyone on the "other" 4Runner-Forum told me that was the port . Regardless, I found the OBD port and pulled the code.
After a bit more searching on here for that code, I realized another goof that I made (once again based on info on the "other" 4Runner forum). I was cleaning the "resin" bulb thingy on the MAF, not the actual MAF sensor wires that are hidden down in the sampling tube. So I just came in from outside...I cleaned the actual MAF wires this time, and then disconnected the battery. Upon start up, the idle was a bit choppy from the re-learn (and probably from the cleaning spray residue) but after a quick trip around the block, she is purring like a kitten again. I'm gonna drive it for a few days to see if the CEL returns. If it does, then I will purchase a MAF off of Ebay or somewhere.
In the meantime I think YotaTech will replace the "other" 4runner forum in my Favorites Menu. Thanks for the help guys!
After a bit more searching on here for that code, I realized another goof that I made (once again based on info on the "other" 4Runner forum). I was cleaning the "resin" bulb thingy on the MAF, not the actual MAF sensor wires that are hidden down in the sampling tube. So I just came in from outside...I cleaned the actual MAF wires this time, and then disconnected the battery. Upon start up, the idle was a bit choppy from the re-learn (and probably from the cleaning spray residue) but after a quick trip around the block, she is purring like a kitten again. I'm gonna drive it for a few days to see if the CEL returns. If it does, then I will purchase a MAF off of Ebay or somewhere.
In the meantime I think YotaTech will replace the "other" 4runner forum in my Favorites Menu. Thanks for the help guys!
#13
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There is no other forum. There is only Yotatech.
The Diagnostic port in the engine compartment is for checking timing, turning on the fuel pump, and a few other goodies while you are diagnosing crude engine problems.
The OBDII port is the one at your right knee, and used for monitoring engine and emission performance.
Congratulations Ebbs. I have complete confidence your CEL will not return, at least for another 1.5 years. I've gotten into the habit of cleaning my MAF annually along with the oil change.
The Diagnostic port in the engine compartment is for checking timing, turning on the fuel pump, and a few other goodies while you are diagnosing crude engine problems.
The OBDII port is the one at your right knee, and used for monitoring engine and emission performance.
Congratulations Ebbs. I have complete confidence your CEL will not return, at least for another 1.5 years. I've gotten into the habit of cleaning my MAF annually along with the oil change.
#14
Contributing Member
Originally Posted by Ebbsnflows
Ok, after much searching, I found the OTHER diagnostic port under the console. So what the hell is the underhood diagnostic port (labeled "DIAGNOSTIC") for?
Glad you found the OBD II port and solved your problem!
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