Is there an easy way to check why my Check Engine light came on tonight in my '00 4Runner? Do I need some expensive tool or is there a free way to do this? Of course I am leaving for New England on Wednesday. Doh!
Thanks,
Mike

 

Some Autozone or similar type shops will check the code for free from what I understand.

 

Yep, most chain autoparts places with tell you what the thrown code is for free with a little hand held computer. Do this, that way the dealer can't yank ya around.

 

Thanks. I stopped by my local guy this morning and it is some sort of cat error. Hopefully just a cooked second O2 sensor? The truck is running great and I can not believe that this is a real problem.................hopefully.
Mike

 

If you can post the actual code number we might be able to help on the diagnosis for you.

Also if you want to check them yourself, you could buy an OBD reader ($40-200)
Harbor Freight:
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=46030

.....or check my signature for a more expensive tool with alot more features.

 

I bet I am getting the same code as you if it is a cat error. A couple of things are telling me this. A), My cat stinks more the lower the octane fuel I put in it. B). My check engine light is constantly on with 87 octane, on around 30% of the time with 89 octane, and never comes on with 91 Octane. It smells less too. I have read that the catalist in the converter has a hard time doing it's job when you use lower octane fuel because the cheap stuff has an additive in it. I didn't get much more info than that, but I have ran the test 3 times (going from 87 to 89 to 91 octane and watching the check engine light), and it seems to be true. I wonder if an aftermarket highflow cat would allow me to use cheaper fuel, and get rid of the stink?
Wes

 

I am back from NE. I do not recall the code but it was for the cat. The rear O2 sensor was replaced and it seems OK now.
Thanks,
Mike

 

For posterity's sake, the code was (listed on my invoice) PO420.
Thanks,
Mike
PS. I really must get my own code-reader-thing-a-ma-bob. $58.00 to "clear codes and perform drive cycle" - ouch.