Check Engine Light On/Off

[Doiche]

Good morning,

Saying hello from the great state of Georgia.

I have a 1988 Camry LE, 175,000 miles, 4 cylinder, automatic, 1 owner. Recently the check engine light came on and when I took the car to have the emissions done, it failed. Of course it did. The usual 02 sensor problem. My brother and I checked the code and was given a code 21--02 sensor. He has installed two and the light persists. Here is my issue: The light comes on and goes out. It doesn't come on and stay. Could this be some kind of short in the system? If so, what should I have him look for? You would think if the light doesn't stay on, we wouldn't be able to get a reading, but it blinks code 21 each time. What can be done to make the light stay on?

We know how to clear the code and have done that by removing the ECI fuse and putting it back--we have done the battery thing by removing the negative--we have done the gas cap thing and the problem will not go away.

My retest expires the first of next week and I need to narrow this problem down to why the light won't stay on first. I have not wasted any money on the 02 sensor because it needed to be replaced even if it's not the problem. Please give me some suggestions, if you will.

I only need suggestions as to what may be causing the light not to stay on so that we can get a "good and correct" reading. The check engine light has a mind of its own :-)).

Thanks.

Doiche.

[toyrolla]

Originally Posted by Doiche

Good morning,

Saying hello from the great state of Georgia.

I have a 1988 Camry LE, 175,000 miles, 4 cylinder, automatic, 1 owner. Recently the check engine light came on and when I took the car to have the emissions done, it failed. Of course it did. The usual 02 sensor problem. My brother and I checked the code and was given a code 21--02 sensor. He has installed two and the light persists. Here is my issue: The light comes on and goes out. It doesn't come on and stay. Could this be some kind of short in the system? If so, what should I have him look for? You would think if the light doesn't stay on, we wouldn't be able to get a reading, but it blinks code 21 each time. What can be done to make the light stay on?

We know how to clear the code and have done that by removing the ECI fuse and putting it back--we have done the battery thing by removing the negative--we have done the gas cap thing and the problem will not go away.

My retest expires the first of next week and I need to narrow this problem down to why the light won't stay on first. I have not wasted any money on the 02 sensor because it needed to be replaced even if it's not the problem. Please give me some suggestions, if you will.

I only need suggestions as to what may be causing the light not to stay on so that we can get a "good and correct" reading. The check engine light has a mind of its own :-)).

Thanks.

Doiche.

Doiche,

When my Check Engine light came on from my 88 I4 4cyl auto, it never stayed on from the O2 sensor failure. It normally goes on, and then goes off after the error is recorded in the ECU. As you drive, it will intermittently go on as the ECU reports an error while driving, then go off.

I would first double-check the connectors to make sure the factory side of the connector has clean contacts. When changing the O2 sensor, I usually give the connector a shot of brake cleaner or electrical contact cleaner before connecting the new one.

After that, I just disconnect/reconnect either the EFI fuse or the negative battery cable to reset the ECU then drive it about 5-10 miles to allow the ECU to get new readings from the new sensor.

It also depends on where you got the replacement sensor from. I've had mixed reactions using Bosch replacement O2 sensors. My car tended to be "finicky at times when I went with an aftermarket sensor. Sometimes it worked, but there was times that I had to get it exchanged. Dealer ones are definitely better.


Hope this helps....

[Kep]

Did the inspection tech give you any kind of emissions read out showing which emissions were out of range? If so, please post.

Kep

[Doiche]

Did the inspection tech give you any kind of emissions read out showing which emissions were out of range? If so, please post.

Kep

Kep,

Here's the info you asked about above: 25/25 Test 50/15 Test

Reading Allowable Result Reading Allow Result
HC-ppm, 210 174 Fail 205 180 Fail
CO- % 6.99 1.12 Fail 7.41 1.01 Fail

That's what it says. What is your advice on this?

Thank you.

Doiche