toyota echo 2000, check engine light on problem

[edyankee]

My car is Toyota Echo 2000 1.5L. The check engine light came on, and since I was being careful with not messing with our only family car, decided to take it to the dealer.
I was charged $542.24, but I thought I would not have to worry anymore. However, it was only a week before the light came back on. I then took it to the dealer 3 times since the 3rd time they say will have to change the charcoal cannister. They want another $440 + TAX for that. I was wrong and would suggest everyone to not take the car to a dealer.

What they did the first time -
1. Cleaned Throttle Body
2. Cleaned Mass Air Flow Sensor
3. Replaced spark plugs
4. Changed Gas Cap.

Now I am really worried to take it to any mechanic because of my financial situation and don't want to spend another $500 unless it is the last hope.

I am planning to buy used actron autoscanner and understand the problem before I take it to someone. Do you think it will help ?

Also is there a way to fix Charcoal cannister than replacing with a new one ?
Is Charcoal canister the same as Vapor canister ?

Is there anything else I can test,clean,fix on my own and get rid of the problem ?

Appreciate any advise
Thank you
Ed

[toyotaman7166]

Man that sucks! Everything the dealer did the first time ( Steps 1-4 ) could have all easily been done yourself in about 30 or 40 minutes and at a low low cost of about 25 bucks depending on what type of plugs you decide to use and how much a can of MAF cleaner runs in your area. And as far as the gas cap being changed.... what a joke! The ol' stealership got ya good man! The really crappy part is that its probably some small problem that is relatively cheap and easy to replace. Don't know your symptoms but it wouldn't surprise me if it isn't an oxygen sensor. In any case, Yes a scanner will definitely point you in the right direction, but why buy one when you can just go down the street to autozone or advance auto and have them read your codes for you for free? In any case, good luck.