Hello everyone. I took my 2004 corolla LE (50,600 miles) for it's regular servicing the other day. And had 3 things done.
1) Oil/Filter Change
2) North Carolina Vehicle Inspection (done every year for emissions, etc)
3) Engine Coolant Flush and Fill (Auto shop suggested I do it cause Antifreeze
had become sticky/thick)
Three days later I'm driving and notice my "Check Engine" indicator light is on (never happened before).
I look at the manual and it says that if you had a recent Coolant Flush/Fill to make sure there is no leak in the coolant system, etc. I go ahead and take it back to the mechanic. He tells me right off the bat (without checking) that it's not the Coolant System. He goes outside and runs a diagnostic on the car (with his handheld device, I have no idea what it's called). Then he comes back in and tells me that his device is saying that a oxygen sensor is "slow to respond". He tells me that he's reset the system and turned off the indicator light....that I shouldn't worry. Last, he mentions that if it turns on again, the sensor may need to be replaced (cost around $160).
My question is......does his advice sound right. This indicator light never turned on before. Also, I did not see any fluid (coolant) leaking out on the driveway....so maybe there isn't a leak? Anyway just wanted a second opinion. I'll be honest, I don't know jack about cars.....so I have no idea what to believe. Thanks.
Sorry I didn't add that info in my original post. The fellow at the auto shop told me not to worry.....that the light coming on is probably a glitch.......and that it shouldn't turn on again (since he reset it). But then when he told me that the sensor might need to be replaced if the indicator light does come on again, that's when I was a bit skeptical....since I never had this problem until after my car was serviced the other day.
It's likely just coincidence that the code appeared shortly after having the service done. There's nothing done during that service that would have "jostled" the sensor to get a loose connection or anything. Doing the coolant change was probably a good thing...your original coolant was 4 years old and its corrosion protection was likely gone (or going) by now. So you're good to go for another 3-4 years on that. As long as they used the correct coolant (not the standard green stuff), that should be fine.
Thanks everyone. I feel better now......hopefully it really was just a coincidence. But being a layman when it comes to automotives, all I can do is hope the mechanic is telling me the truth.
Yes, he did use Toyota brand coolant.......he even mentioned that he wasn't going to use the "green" stuff. This is the 2nd time I've had the coolant flushed/changed. The manual says to do it at 30,000 miles (I think) and then again at 60,000.
I'll keep an eye out for the engine indicator light. It should stay off now (keeping fingers crossed). Thanks for everyone's help and wishing all a Happy Thanksgiving in advance!!!
Hello everyone. I took my 2004 corolla LE (50,600 miles) for it's regular servicing the other day. And had 3 things done.
1) Oil/Filter Change
2) North Carolina Vehicle Inspection (done every year for emissions, etc)
3) Engine Coolant Flush and Fill (Auto shop suggested I do it cause Antifreeze
had become sticky/thick)
Three days later I'm driving and notice my "Check Engine" indicator light is on (never happened before).
I look at the manual and it says that if you had a recent Coolant Flush/Fill to make sure there is no leak in the coolant system, etc. I go ahead and take it back to the mechanic. He tells me right off the bat (without checking) that it's not the Coolant System. He goes outside and runs a diagnostic on the car (with his handheld device, I have no idea what it's called). Then he comes back in and tells me that his device is saying that a oxygen sensor is "slow to respond". He tells me that he's reset the system and turned off the indicator light....that I shouldn't worry. Last, he mentions that if it turns on again, the sensor may need to be replaced (cost around $160).
My question is......does his advice sound right. This indicator light never turned on before. Also, I did not see any fluid (coolant) leaking out on the driveway....so maybe there isn't a leak? Anyway just wanted a second opinion. I'll be honest, I don't know jack about cars.....so I have no idea what to believe. Thanks.
Just two days ago, I had an oil change, filter, tranny fluid and brake service done. Yesterday, while in traffic, my check engine light came on. I went back to the dealership and the code checked out as having to change the rear O2 sensor. He quoted me 300$ for the part - having no experience with sensors I asked him if he was joking haha anyways they reset my codes and no problems as of yet...
I think they might do something without realizing it... or maybe im just paranoid :P
Try disconnecting the negative side of the battery for about 30 minutes. Then reconnect it back and drive the car around to see if the light comes back on. If so get a scan tool and erase the code. If it still comes back then your O2 sensor is faulty.
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