Check engine light on '99 4Runner - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

williambevill · 07-29-2010, 10:16 AM

Hi all-- I'm a brand new 4runner owner after having a Tundra for years and years and a Tercel prior to that. I am by no means a car expert but I am trying to learn! I bought my 4X4 '99 4runner v6 automatic a few weeks ago and have had the check engine light come on 3 times. First two times I visited a mechanic and they think it was the gas cap, which I had replaced on Monday. However this morning it came on again. I haven't fueled up on gas since Sunday, so I don't think its related. The next visit to the mechanic I was told could end up costing a bit more so I thought I would see if you all had any thoughts on what the issue might be. The 4runner runs smoothly otherwise. Do I ignore it? I have never liked check engine lights and have found in my history with a Tercel and a Tundra that they almost never mean anything important.

***humanoid*** · 07-29-2010, 10:53 AM

Do you recall what the exact codes were? Welcome to the Nation, BTW!

williambevill · 07-29-2010, 11:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by humanoid

Do you recall what the exact codes were? Welcome to the Nation, BTW!

Hello and thank you! I'll add an intro to myself in the intro section in a bit

I don't recall specifically- the mechanic I went to (a Toyota specialist but not the company) narrowed it down to the emissions and their best guest was the very old, worn out gas cap. Would they have the codes on hand possibly if I contact them? Money is a little tight right now for a couple of weeks so that's my only hesitation in heading back to have it looked at further- half the time I pay way too much for something that wasn't even an issue..

***humanoid*** · 07-29-2010, 04:37 PM

Not sure they would have the codes handy, might want to call your mechanic about that.

jetwhine · 07-30-2010, 02:45 AM

williambevill,

When you fill-up do you stop when the fuel nozzle shuts off the first time? Some Toyota's are sensitive to a complete top-off. When completely topping off sometimes it allows fuel to be sent to the carcoal canister and cause havic with the emmision system. Where you live it can get very hot and a full gas tank that does not get driven after a top-off, the gas will expand in the tank and the fuel sent to the canister.
This might not be the problem but just an idea for you. Did you buy the correct fuel cap?