2005 Matrix Check Engine Light? : OBDII SCanner Buying Tips?

[Matreks]

Hello,

I recently purchased my first new car :o), a 2005 Matrix XR, on the 18th of March. After putting 118 miles on the vehicle (a 83 mile trip home from dealer on the day of purchase; a 35 mile local trip, and backing the car out of garage twice for washing and to clean the garage) the check engine light remained on after starting it for my next trip.

As suggested on this site I checked the gas cap, but it was not loose. As suggested in the manual I continued to do some driving to see if it was go off. After two trips totaling 136 mostly highway miles it did not go off so I stopped at a local AdvanceAuto as suggested on this site. The very helpful AdvanceAuto guy from the behind the counter plugged a OBDII reader into the Matrix and indicated the code indicated the problem was along lines of a leak in the fuel evaporation system, which he stated usually means some type of problem with a loose gas cap or improperly refueling the car (such as refueling it when its running). He reset the check engine light. At this point in time I was still using the original free tank of gas as supplied by the dealer and hadn't refueled the vehicle.

Completed another 63 mile trip on which I refueled the car. After the car sat in the garage for two days the check engine light again remained on after starting the vehicle for my next trip. The problem appears to occuring when the vehicle sits idle for several days. Any suggestions?

I am curious if anyone has any tips for OBDII units. I've been doing some research on the internet, but have not found anything really encouraging:

a. I like to find a unit that is upgradeable; however all I've found ar PC only; no Macintosh support. And although I do run VirtualPC on one of my Macs I seriously doubt if the actual unit can be connected to my Mac since Macs use USB connectors.

b. Although some units seem resonably priced and sometimes give away data upgrades the software required for the upgrades is not free, and I am guessing quite expensive, since I've yet to find an actual disclosed retail price.

c. I need the unit to work on a 1996 and 1997 Ford Contour also (parent's cars) aside from the Matrix.

d. Also definately need a unit that allows you to reset the engine check light.

So far I've seen units by Actron, AutoXray, and Equus. I believer AdvanceAuto sells the later two brands.

[xrs22]

This will give u a general idea of what the problem is once you get a hold of an OBDII scanner. http://www.matrixowners.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=26564

There's a universal one on Harborfreight.com for like $40 and if there's a store close to u check it out. Also at Autozone you can use their OBDII scanner if u leave a deposit then u can check it against the codes from above and pinpoint the problem. I'm having the same problem w/ mine, it was only after i installed the short ram and then CAI.

[Matreks]

Thank you for the tips! Superb code article!

[AJBopp]

Here's a link to free OBDII software, though it may not be as powerful as you need. Also, it won't work with a Mac...you'll have to fork out $300 or so for a Pocket PC, but as that is about the minimum you'd pay for most OBDII software, I think that's a pretty good deal.

AJ

[Matreks]

Stopped into AdvanceAuto and it appears they are also now selling Actron brand code readers aside from the other two brands on their web site. Purchased a Actron CP9125 for $85.47 (includes sales of 7%):

http://www.actron.com/product_detail.php?pid=16298

Appears to work great so far and rather easily to use. Codes are included in the back of the instruction manual so I decided to save some money by looking the codes up in the booklet myself rather buy one that displays the code text reference under the code ($149 +). This product comes with a so called "software" CD for windows only.

I was able to run this "program" on my Macintosh via VirtualPC (a windows emulator); however, it appears to be nothing other than a simple database to look up the code generated by code reader. On the left side of the application's screen you "can" input the car's model, year and so forth using several popup menus; and on the right side you can input the raw code inside an editfield. The left side of the screen does not actually work; however, and is not updated to 2005. When I chose "Toyota" and 2003 (the most current year) the remaining popup menus remained grayed out and I was unable to choose a model and so forth. I suspect the left side is simply for show anyway as simply entering the raw code in the right editfield and hitting the return key produces the correct code in the instruction manual. Assuming the software did properly function it would be faster to simply look it up in the user manual anyway - lol! Pretty useless, something your average teenager could program in Realbasic in an hour or so (assuming they didn't have to type in all the database data manually).

The manufacturer claims this unit is updateable; however, you need to call a number on a card included with the product (1800-228-7667 M-F 8-6) for such things. I've yet to find anything on their web site. Haven't called the number yet, maybe later.

As anyone can download the manual (see the user manual link at the address above), you need not be registered, the manual might be helpful as it contains some additional codes to those listed in the above suggested post for codes (I'll try posting a link in that post).

The code reader came up with code 'P0456" , which is listed as "EVAP Emission Control System Leak Very Small" in the user manual. The manual also lists code P0457 "EVAP Emission Control System Leak Cap Loose/Off". I did; however, find this definition of P0456 in a web site:

"P0456 small evap leak means that gas fumes are escaping through an opening larger than 0.010" and smaller than 0.040". make sure gas cap is tight and visually inspect all hoses from fuel tank to purge solenoid and LDP (leak detection pump)"

So the problem may be with the gas, although there appear to be a seperate code for it now. For the time being I've cleared the code (the unit has a erase button) and we'll see if the problem returns. Of course maybe its just my car's way of protesting the high gas prices :0)

[Trixxr]

You can go to any Autozone and use/borrow theres for free. JFYI

[Matreks]

Hmmm....

Check engine light came on for the 3rd time, always after sitting in garage for a couple days. After resetting it twice (once at AdvanceAuto and once with my own scanner) I took it into Toyota. They placed it on a Toyota scanner and came up with the same trouble code, which they indicated could be caused by a loose fuel cap, bad seal on the fuel cap, or a multitude of other things. As they explained this quite unsuual they said they had to consult with Toyota. the final verdict was that the "charcoal canister" had a internal fault, apparently internal valves, which were causing the EVAP system to fail to hold a vacuum. They had to order a new part, which will be replaced free of charge under the warranty.

That said, and excuse my ignorance, but does someone have a simple exaplanation of what a charcoal canister does, and perhaps the general location of one on a 2005 XR? I am kind of curious if this part is located on the underside of the vehicle or not and if it could have been damaged when the vehicle was undercoated by the dealer (they were a little sloppy with some of the undercoating as I had to clean the spots from the inside of my rims).

[xrs22]

Is your car stock? What code came up on the scanner?

[Matreks]

Toyota got the same code as my scanner did, as detailed above - "PO456", which is entitled "EVAP Emission Control System Leak Very Small". Yep, I have a stock Matrix XR 2005 with 17" stock rims, and Toyota's bumper guard, wheel locks, Extra Package #1, All-Weather Guard Package, and ABS. I've not added anything mechanical on the stock engine, etc...

[bc88]

yeah, i had that same problem with my 05 Corolla S. I'm still waiting on the part. Apparently, from someone else that has replied to my forum in the Corolla section (http://www.toyotanation.com/forum/t75983.html), the charcoal canister is a place to collect evaporated gas and puts it back into the fuel system...at least that's what I think it is to my understanding.

[Cyorke]

Originally Posted by Matreks

That said, and excuse my ignorance, but does someone have a simple exaplanation of what a charcoal canister does, and perhaps the general location of one on a 2005 XR? I am kind of curious if this part is located on the underside of the vehicle or not and if it could have been damaged when the vehicle was undercoated by the dealer (they were a little sloppy with some of the undercoating as I had to clean the spots from the inside of my rims).

The charcoal canister is basically a holding tank for gas fumes. It is used for emissions purposes abviously to keep fuel fumes from escaping into the atmosphere. but it does recirculate the fumes into the intake so as to burn off those fumes at certain times. It is one of the reasons you do not want to overfill your gas tank> when you do there is the possibility of haveing liguid gas get into the canister and then it can mess up the canister over time. As to the location, it is typically located onthe drivers side of the engine bay under the brake master cylinder. I say typically as on smaller cars they may have to locate it somewhere els due to room constraints. It is pretty easy to locate it looks like a black plastic coffee can with several hoses coming out of the top of it.

[xrs22]

That seems to be the problems w/ the '05's nowadays.

[toa]

I have a 03Matrix now with 50k. at about 40k my Check engine light went on and I had a mechanic service it with Im asuming a similar device. It was a spark plug missfire (nothing like yours) but he did say it would be a good idea to replace the sensor that trigered the check engine light.

[MrPons]

I just picked up a 2005 Matrix XR AWD for my wife. (July 4th). Really got a great deal and my wife is really happy with this car.



It had 8 miles when we left the Toyota dealer and it now has 73 miles with a check engine light on.



This is very upsetting!!! I checked the fuel cap and it is in place. I have no choice but to bring it back to the dealer for a check up.



It is upsetting because I would never expect this from a new car and much less Toyota. I leased a Camry many years ago and did not have one single problem. Somehow I was expecting the same experience this time around.



If the service dept. tells me it’s the “charcoal canister”, I guess we’ll see more postings with the same problem.



Thanks for this valuable forum.



Mark