Anyone have issues with an anoying "Check Engine" light? - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

Mooch · 03-04-2007, 09:53 PM

The check engine light on my 05 Matrix XR has came on twice since I bought the car used in September. The first time it was on for about a week then went off. At that time, there were some acorns found in the compartment where the air filter is located, and my husband put in some Octane booster in the gas tank to try and boost the MPG. We found the acorns early on and after removing them the light still stayed on for about 5 days. I was told not to bother bringing the car in.

The light came on again the other day. I called to schedule service, only to have the light go off the day after scheduling the appointment.

While I am happy I don't have to take the car in, it still irritates me that the light comes and goes like that, so to speak. I know it isn't due to the gas cap as the light has come on and went off between fill ups, and the light came on about 3 days after filling up.

I know a lot of people would say not to worry about it and that it is a "dummy light" but I want to make certain that I am doing what is needed to keep my Matrix running as smoothly as possible without running into a lot of extra $$.

Does anyone else have this problem? Any suggestions on what to do?

BadChicken · 03-04-2007, 10:16 PM

When it comes back on again, i would take it to autozone or somewhere that can scan the code for you to see what it is and then report your findings back here

Ran · 03-05-2007, 12:13 AM

i can almost assure you its code P0171 System running lean

SiLLy R@bbit · 03-05-2007, 04:19 AM

i had the P0171 code and bought a used MAF sensor from the wreckers...don't pay the dealership price on this sensor, it can be found for 4 or 5 times cheaper.

Georgenfla · 03-05-2007, 12:05 PM

I know you said you dont believe its the fuel cap, but this happened to my Mom's Scion Xa a couple of times. I brought it to the dealer and they concluded that it was the cap. It happened again, and I had them replace the cap. This problem has never happened again. Just try replacing the cap, and after refueling make sure that you click the cap at least 3 times...thats what the dealer told me. You can also go to AUTOZONE, and they can check for the code and tell you what it is. AUTOZONE will not charge for this service, at least mine doesnt.

Georgenfla · 03-05-2007, 12:06 PM

AUTOZONE is a great resource, as is this site.

ycart1201 · 03-06-2007, 05:22 PM

i know you said it isnt the fuel cap but it could be if the seal is bad or if it wasnt tightened all the way... maf sensor is another spot to look. perhaps you should try reseting the ecu to clear it... (unhook battery for 15 min, then hook back up and let your car idle for 10min)... then see if it comes back.

just my $0.02

Nathan
ycart1201

Agent Splat · 03-09-2007, 11:51 AM

Is it safe to assume that if the check engine light goes on, then goes off on its own after a few days, there isn't a problem to be worried about?

SiLLy R@bbit · 03-09-2007, 01:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Agent Splat

Is it safe to assume that if the check engine light goes on, then goes off on its own after a few days, there isn't a problem to be worried about?

that would not be safe to assume.....get the code!

Georgenfla · 03-09-2007, 04:46 PM

The code may come back again. I would make an effort to find out what the code is, just for peace of mind. If its just the fuel cap, then you can just relax and be more careful to be sure it is properly tightened.

gfreek · 03-24-2007, 07:36 AM

Eventhough the lite is off, the code is still in the computer. I would get it read.