Help - Check Engine Light ON

[raywong28]

Hi Folks!

I tried to search the forums but the database would give fatal errors.

My 2000 Toyota Corolla with 107,000KM has just turned on the check engine light while going on the highway. It's steadily on and not flashing. I had just under quarter tank of gas in the tank. But then dropped by a gas station and filled it up to a bit over half tank.

Just recently had the engine oil & filter changed, transmission drained & filled and serpentine belt replaced at the dealer.

The only thing that probably needs to be performed soon would be the coolant replacement.

After calling the dealer the person said that maybe the gas cap is not tight and could be tightened. I could also bring it in for a technician to take a look at but it would cost $108 for diagnosis.

Any ideas what I could do myself (I'm not that handy), such as cleaning MAF or O2 sensors?

Thanks,

[heartdisease]

Originally Posted by raywong28

Hi Folks!

I tried to search the forums but the database would give fatal errors.

My 2000 Toyota Corolla with 107,000KM has just turned on the check engine light while going on the highway. I had just under quarter tank of gas in the tank.

Just recently the it had the engine oil & filter changed, transmission drained & filled and serpentine belt replaced at the dealer.

The only thing that probably needs to be performed soon would be the coolant replacement.

After calling the dealer the person said that maybe the gas cap is not tight and could be tightened. I could also bring it in for a technician to take a look at but it would cost $108 for diagnosis.

Any ideas what I could do myself (I'm not that handy), such as cleaning MAF or O2 sensors?

Thanks,

First thing is it blinking? If it is that generally means the crank sensor detected a knock, very bad don't drive until you get it checked, I would think you would notice it running different.

If it is on steady that is usually emissions related. Undo the battery for at least 5 min and then see what happens. I would buy some berrryman b12 chemtool for the gas, might have some water in it, I do a can every oil change never have to clean o2 sensors or Maf.

Also you can get a cheap code reader for obdII cheaper than the $108. It is easy to check with one of them I bought one just for such occasions.

[raywong28]

Hi Heartdisease,

Thanks for the quick reply! My check engine light is not flashing but just steadily ON.

I'll definately try disconnecting the battery for 5 mins to see if it clears the code and see if it will return.

I'll definately get the OBD scanner as well since I called Canadian Tire and they even said an engine system diagnosis is $99 .

Any idea on how much it costs to replace the MAF or O2 sensor if its needed?

I'm also wondering if I get the dealer to replace the coolant and also ask them to check the engine light, would they waive the diagnosis fee if I get the problem fixed by them?

Hmm, I'll see if that berryman chemtool is available in Canada.

I do have a suspicion its emissions related since the car drives the same, although it has a tiny bit of shake but goes away. About 2 months ago, the engine did shake alot but a friend said the spark plug wires had some water so it was shorting the spark plugs.

Also the exhaust was never replaced.

Thanks

[heartdisease]

I don't know about the Canadian parts stores, but you can check online at autozone they list lots of parts, I haven't replaced an o2 sensor on a Toyota yet but for everything else they were about $40. Don't know about the Maf, I have driven about 1million miles in various vehicles and never had to replace one. If you are a smooth talker and have a regular mechanic you can usually get them to poke around a little for free, I have had about a half dozen free checks from various shops but I did business with all of them and they knew they would get more buisness. I just bought my own for the convenience when they got cheap enough. Plug wires are usually pretty cheap, good investment.

[raywong28]

Hi,

Just wanted to give an update and say that the CEL light went off just 2 days later! So strange. But still happy.

Although as previously mentioned when the engine is started it has a little shake and then settles down to and is smoother.

Does anyone know of any guides to clean the MAF or other sensors?

I'm still thinking about the OBD tool. Any places that do it for free in Toronto?

[Chynkinese]

Originally Posted by raywong28

Hi,

Just wanted to give an update and say that the CEL light went off just 2 days later! So strange. But still happy.

Although as previously mentioned when the engine is started it has a little shake and then settles down to and is smoother.

Does anyone know of any guides to clean the MAF or other sensors?

I'm still thinking about the OBD tool. Any places that do it for free in Toronto?

There are a few guides floating around...here's one i used.
http://www.spydermagazine.com/2002/March/maf_clean/maf_clean.htm

i just cleaned mine last night for the first time and it's extremely easy. but do be careful because the MAF sensors(?) are very very delicate.