malfunction indicator light

[mom4jess]

I have a 2006 corolla with only 1500 miles on it. The check engine or malfuncatin indiactor light just came on, being a single mom what should I do and how quickly do I need to do it? Car seems fine... HELP

[new echo owner]

You need to find out what the code is first, otherwise, that isn't much we can do to help. It can be as simple as a loose gas cap; however, without a code, it is anybody's guess. Check with some of the parts stores in your area, they might be able to scan it and retrieve the code(s) for you. When you have the code, then we can give you some suggestion on what to do.

N.E.O.

[r0lla5XRS]

umm...having so little mileage...leads me to think that maybe you've topped up gas on your car and didn't click the gas cap maybe? Maybe check the gas cap again to make sure its clicked shut. If that is the case, the light will automatically disappear in two drive cycles. meaning, start your car, driving it, turning it off would be one drive cycle.

[bbsgarage]

Could also be the PCM problem that is so prevalent.

[keninaz]

Either buy a code reader if you are handy or have it read.
Your car should be under warranty anyway and this usually indicates a problem with a smog device.
Even if it's out of standard warranty the smog warranty runs much longer by federal law.

[koss78a]

Good evening. I am having same problem with my 2005 Corolla S. I have just over 40000 on it. I did the gas cap thing. However It did go off for awhile. Now its back on. No noises or mechanical problems present, just the light. Car drives fine, no problems.

Let me know what you find on your end? cheers ok thanks

[tigerclaws1318]

Originally Posted by koss78a

Good evening. I am having same problem with my 2005 Corolla S. I have just over 40000 on it. I did the gas cap thing. However It did go off for awhile. Now its back on. No noises or mechanical problems present, just the light. Car drives fine, no problems.

Let me know what you find on your end? cheers ok thanks

you needa put a scan tool on the car see what codes you get. after finding out what codes they are write them down and look them up.

[Bee44]

Hi,

I have an 07 corolla with 24,000km and my "malfunction indictor light " just came on too. I did check the gas cap, which seemed to be not so tight? but I havn't driven it yet, too see if the light goes off. I was actually too scared to drive it, but now have read in the manual that you may have to drive the car a few times for the light to go off. Lets just HOPE that a loose gas cap is all it is. This is a new car, I have had it since sept 07....I made a service appt right away. So thanks to all on here that mentioned getting the code. I will ask for it. I will respond if I hopefully get an answer.

Bee

[Bee44]

Originally Posted by bbsgarage

Could also be the PCM problem that is so prevalent.

Hi bbsarage

Could you please tell me about the PCM problem you mentioned? My malfuntion light just came on my 07 corolla with only 24,000km on it. Much appreciated.

Thanks again, Bee

[new echo owner]

There are many things that can cause the CEL to come on, a loose gas cap is only one possible cause. It is always a good idea to get the codes, so you will know if the CEL is cause by the same system or if it is something entirely different.

N.E.O.

[koss78a]

Thats what I had. Tighten the Cap and drive a few times. It will go off. Mine did. No worries.