Check engine light problems - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

Lsharn · 10-15-2005, 09:52 AM

The check engine light on my 2001 Camry LE V-6 has come on four times in one year. The first time (Oct. 04) was diagnosed as a loose gas cap. The second time (April 05) it was diagnosed as a charcoal canister problem. The canister was replaced at a cost of $500. The third time (June 05) it took the dealer 10 days to figure out what was wrong. I believe the dealership tried replacing the computer and finally replaced something called a VSS purgue. (The dealer did not charge us for this and did give us a loaner car.) Now the light is on again and this time it is the oxygen sensor, which will cost more than $400 to fix.
My car won't pass inspection with the check engine light on, but I can't help thinking that six months from now the light will come on again and some other code or problem will come up requiring replacements of more expensive parts. Can anyone tell me why this is happening and if anyone has had any luck complaining to Toyota?
When we purchased the car in May 2004 it had 36,000 miles on it. It has now just passed 45,000 miles.
Thanks.
Lori

fredk · 10-15-2005, 10:20 AM

put an 02 in it and get used to it

JMSinMD · 10-15-2005, 10:34 AM

Lori,
I believe most of your issues are under warranty. Look it up under your warranty brochure. If you jot down everything I can also call my service advisor and ask her what is under warranty and possibly get Toyota to reimburse you for the money you've invested in warranty (able) work. Jon.

http://www.toyotaownersonline.com/warranty/index.php

ShawnM · 10-15-2005, 01:17 PM

They dont come right out and tell you, but it is federal law that the emission system has to be covered under mfg. warranty for 8 years or 80K miles. This also includes the ECU.

Lsharn · 10-16-2005, 08:51 PM

Thanks very much. The dealer tells me the problem parts are no longer under warranty. From my research, I find that the only emission parts covered by 80,000-mile, 8-year warranty are the catalytic converter and the electronic emissions control unit (ECU) and the onboard emissions diagnostic device (OBD). I think dealer tried replacing one of those this summer, but that wasn't the problem.

Going back through my repair receipts, I see the first incident was a code 440 - loose gas cap. The second code in May 2005 was 446 charcoal canister. Charcoal canister was replaced.

Then, just two months later when the light went on again, the code again was 446. Under the "service manager goodwill warranty" the VSS PURGUE was replaced and following technical service bulletin was performed TSB EG013-03 178011 T1 95 T2 83 (makes me wonder if this was the problem in May and I should have saved $500.)

Now the check engine light is on again and the code is PO 1135 02 sensor bank 1 sensor 1
(Online I found the full explanation for this code is Air/Fuel ratio sensor heater circuit malfunction Bank 1 Sensor 1.)

I plan to do more research and find out if there could be any TSBs regarding this code and sensor and then go to Toyota and ask about a "goodwill warranty" on this. Not sure the best way to find if there are any applicable TSBs. You can get them from NHITSA, but is very expensive for the research and copying. I live in Virginia, which is one of 4 states that requires that consumers see these "secret warranties" but again not sure whether Toyota dealer must give them to me if I ask. If you can be of further help, I would appreciate it.

Lori

foompla · 10-16-2005, 10:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lsharn

Thanks very much. The dealer tells me the problem parts are no longer under warranty. From my research, I find that the only emission parts covered by 80,000-mile, 8-year warranty are the catalytic converter and the electronic emissions control unit (ECU) and the onboard emissions diagnostic device (OBD). I think dealer tried replacing one of those this summer, but that wasn't the problem.

Going back through my repair receipts, I see the first incident was a code 440 - loose gas cap. The second code in May 2005 was 446 charcoal canister. Charcoal canister was replaced.

Then, just two months later when the light went on again, the code again was 446. Under the "service manager goodwill warranty" the VSS PURGUE was replaced and following technical service bulletin was performed TSB EG013-03 178011 T1 95 T2 83 (makes me wonder if this was the problem in May and I should have saved $500.)

Now the check engine light is on again and the code is PO 1135 02 sensor bank 1 sensor 1
(Online I found the full explanation for this code is Air/Fuel ratio sensor heater circuit malfunction Bank 1 Sensor 1.)

I plan to do more research and find out if there could be any TSBs regarding this code and sensor and then go to Toyota and ask about a "goodwill warranty" on this. Not sure the best way to find if there are any applicable TSBs. You can get them from NHITSA, but is very expensive for the research and copying. I live in Virginia, which is one of 4 states that requires that consumers see these "secret warranties" but again not sure whether Toyota dealer must give them to me if I ask. If you can be of further help, I would appreciate it.

Lori

tsbs are not "secret" warrenties. they have no implications on warrenty claims. the reason that the manager covered the repair last time was becuase it was misdiagnosed previously. usually the vsv's come with the charcoal canister. this is the one that did not.

ShawnM · 10-17-2005, 06:37 AM

If its a problem with the heater circuit, then you pretty much just have to replace the O2 sensor.

michellelee69 · 10-17-2005, 11:02 AM

Hi Lori,

I had the same problems with my 01 Camry, but mine is a 4 cylinder. Click on the following link you will find some info there.

It is my understanding that the V6 has 3 sensors. Just make sure that it is an Air/Fuel Ratio Sensor and not an O2.

Good for you on doing your homework! I did the same thing and I found out alot of info. You are correct, the cat has an 8 year 80,000 mile warranty.

http://www.toyotanation.com/forum/showthread.php?t=100012&page=2

Ranger X · 10-17-2005, 01:51 PM

I've said this before, but 1mz equipped gen4 camrys do not use A/F sensors at all...they only use O2 sensors. All of the problems you've mentioned are common on gen4 camrys, in fact, I am having the exact same work done to my car pretty soon. I have the 446 code and a 171 which seems to indicate O2 sensor. It is also the very same sensor (bank one). You should get it replaced as soon as possible, because if you don't, it will cause other damage, not to mention a degrade in your fuel economy and power.

michellelee69 · 10-17-2005, 02:50 PM

[QUOTE]
Ranger X...

Well, I am not sure if mine is the type of engine you are referring to since mine is a 4 cyl. But my car DID require an Air/Fuel Ratio Sensor not an O2.

Is the 1mz engine a V6?

Why can't car manufacturers just make it simple, but I guess that would be too easy.

The P0171 Code may be different for the V6 vs the 4cyl. I had refered her to that post because it has your info in there.

Did you see where I talked about that you can damage your cat with bad sensors, regardless whether they are O2 Sensors or Air/Fuel Ratio Sensors.

Good Luck on Check Engine Light cleared. They can be a pain!

Ranger X · 10-17-2005, 03:39 PM

Yes, the 1mz-fe is the V6 engine, and the 5s-fe is the I4. To me it would seem that the P0171 code (system too lean left bank) actually does not apply to the I4, since it doesn't have left and right banks. But I'm sure there are similar codes for the 4cyl. I just wanted to clear that up, so that lsharn didn't end up buying the wrong parts. And yes I saw your post about damaing the cat regardless of the type of sensor, that makes sense, I'm going to have mine changed soon anyhow. As to why car manufacturers can't keep it simple, my guess is that they enjoy making money off of dealership repairs.