All this talk about check engine light...

[96ToyoCam164K]

...Is it really dire to figure out why its on? Not to jinx anyone (or myself LOL) but my check engine light was on since 134XXX miles when I purchased, and only went off 2 or 3 times after changing a compressor, timing belt, and battery. And then, it'd come right back on after a few miles.

I really haven't noticed anything to warrant searching around as to why its on. I seen a flyer at a car shop saying that you could be slowly doing damage to the engine by driving with it on. Any ideas?

[lucasarg]

Originally Posted by 96ToyoCam164K

...Is it really dire to figure out why its on? Not to jinx anyone (or myself LOL) but my check engine light was on since 134XXX miles when I purchased, and only went off 2 or 3 times after changing a compressor, timing belt, and battery. And then, it'd come right back on after a few miles.

I really haven't noticed anything to warrant searching around as to why its on. I seen a flyer at a car shop saying that you could be slowly doing damage to the engine by driving with it on. Any ideas?

The check engine light is there to warn you, the driver, that the car's computer (ECU) detected a problem with the engine or any of its sensors.
So yes, it is important to know what it is, because until you know the code of the check engine light youll not know what the problem is.

I suggest that you take it to autozone where they can scan the ECU for free and tell you the code of it.

[96ToyoCam164K]

Well, my airbag light has been on for as long as I remember, does that mean its something wrong with it too?

[lucasarg]

Originally Posted by 96ToyoCam164K

Well, my airbag light has been on for as long as I remember, does that mean its something wrong with it too?

Yes, the rule of thumb is, if a lights is on, then there is something wrong. No lights should be "on" on the dash. When you turn on your car, all the lights light up. That means that the ecu is checking if everything is working. After it checks that each system is OK then the lights turn OFF. If a light stays on, then that function is not working. Example the airbag, ABS etc

[Noku]

Originally Posted by 96ToyoCam164K

Well, my airbag light has been on for as long as I remember, does that mean its something wrong with it too?

If lit the SRS (airbag) warning light signifies a malfunction in your air bag/seat belt restraint systems. However, if the system(s) experienced a high or low voltage condition, the info will be stored and the light will remain lit even if your voltage returns to normal. This usually happens if you should disconnect the positive terminal on your battery before the negative one. The light can be cancelled if you have a SRS scanner or your dealer can do it. Info garnered from a Lexus master tech regarding a lexus but I think this applies to toyotas as well.

[Jason.MZW20]

You can clear the airbag light by alternating the grounds of AB and TC under the diagnostic cap 5 times (AB, TC, AB, TC, AB hold for 1s) - you have to be quick during alternating. It's easier to do it with Toyota's TechStream OBDII tool, but it's still possible to do it the old fashioned way. It'll blink a few times then turn off if done correctly.

Usually the airbag light gets tripped by audio installations and the like. I just cleared mine in my MR2. If there's a real problem, it'll come back on. Then, you should take it in and have it inspected.

But yes, the CEL is important. A flashing CEL usually indicates multiple misfires. Most of the time it's emissions equipment, but since the emissions control devices are an integral part of the ECU and its air/fuel and ignition maps, it's important to keep them running correctly too.

[73sport]

Extremists. . . . me, not wanting to walk and/or kill the camry and OP not worrying. . . Obviously "I" would check it (them) as others have stated. Most of us will have peace of mind knowing and planning for potential reapirs vs the unexpected.

Slightly Off Topic;
Have any Gen 3, Gen 3.5 Camry air bags NOT deployed in an accident OR has anyone had one deploy when it should not have?

Ken, did yours deploy that day?

[Chris Crash]

I would check out your CEL. I let mine stay on for two months, and now it's fried my ECU.