Check Engine light on....

[ericatdallas]

so it was just the gas cap? i didn't think that the solara need to be reset, i would figure that it would reset itself after a while if were just the cap

(bmw dealers used to tell me that the bmws would reset after 24hrs if it's just the gas cap)

It does reset itself. It should at least. I don't believe your dealer.

[incognito]

I'm glad someone else is sharing in this problem along with me. I have a 2000 Solara SE and at about 55K, my check engine has been going on and off. 5,000 miles and 6 dealer visits later, it's still a problem.

First, they thought it was the gas cap. (And, by the way, if it is retightened, it will not go on right away. Maybe wait 2 days. But you should not have to go to get it reset.) The gas cap apparently was not the problem. I've had it cleared two times, and it kept going on. Since the code was a transmission code, they replaced a part called the E-shift solenoid....although the car seems to ride a bit better, it didn't help the light. They did something to it last week, which I have no idea of, because the advisor couldn't even explain it to me; evidently, it was a minor fix which nonetheless didn't work. Now they have to consult Toyota and I STILL haven't heard from them.

I've read other message boards and here might be some valuable information: There could be a simple short in the sensor that sends off the "check engine" signal. OR, if you overfill the gas tank or wait until the last drop of gas before you fill up again, it could go off. The latter might be the solution to my problem because I made sure that as soon as my gas warning light went on, that I pulled into the gas station and for four days now, it has remained off (knock on wood). And that's a positive sign, considering how often it goes on and off.

I've gotten to the point where I'm not worried that's it's a safety issue, just a minor glitch, so don't panic.

[karch]

Well the light came back on again. I went to the dealership this morning, they put it through the machine and they said it was the EGR Valve censor that wasn't working. I have Toyota's Extra Care warranty. The only problem is that I had the appointment in the morning and Extra Care is in the west coast... i'm in NJ. So the Extra Care office wasn't going to open until another 3 hours... so the guy said he'll call it in the afternoon to put the claim through and i'll have to call him back in the afternoon, and he said that we'll set up another appointment to get the censor replaced. He said if the car hasn't stalled already cause of the censor not working it probably won't stall. I didn't pay any money to get the test done... but then again that would be covered under my warranty also. Thanks again for everyone's help. Oh yeah he also said if it would be paid in full by me, it would of cost 150 dollars to replace.

[pecora55]

Mine went off, and then my trac off light came on too, so i had both, got a tank of gas when i needed to fill up because i new it was the gas cap, retightened (sp?) it and prolly 2 days later worked fine

[Flipside909]

Well the light came back on again. I went to the dealership this morning, they put it through the machine and they said it was the EGR Valve censor that wasn't working

That was the exact same problem I had on the Avalon (1MZ-FE). It was the EGR valve actuator. It's a circular looking thing with the vacuum lines coming out of it. That stupid Denso piece is $80.

[incognito]

It's back on again for me this morning. Anybody have any more solutions or news about this?

[karch]

I just got the EGR valve sensor put in this morning. My warranty covered it. The light hasn't been on all day. So I'm guessing that was my problem. Again thanks everyone for all your replies. I just kinda feared that the dealership would rip me off somehow by making me replace things i didn't need replacing and me paying money for it, but thankfully it didn't turn out like that.

Igconito, the dealership hasn't gotten back to you yet? Did you try calling them up and see what the deal is? All those parts they replaced is it under your warranty, that you didn't have to pay for it, or just pay for a deductable? Are you gonna try a different mechanic like you said before? It definately might be a sensor thing. But the I think the mechanic would figure that out by putting it through that machine.

[incognito]

Congratulations, Karch - I'm glad that's all it was for you. Luckily, you're probably covered because of that "Extra Care" package you have.

I did in fact get a hold of them today, and got an answer. Apparently, they believe it is not the sensor, but a glitch in some wiring component that is forcing the light to go on. ??? This is not something covered under my now expired warranty. No idea how much it will cost (but I'm sure it's not pennies) or how long it will take. I haven't seen this cause on any website. So either I am being taken for a ride, meaning it really is something trivial like the sensor yet they want me to believe I need to replace an expensive "something else", or I have a very unique case here.

It's going in soon. I'll let you know the outcome. Thanks for replying.

[CiVOL Engineer]

It's back on again for me this morning. Anybody have any more solutions or news about this?

The check engine light in my '99 SLE (30K miles) came on a few weeks ago. The initial diagnosis was covered under our certified warranty. When I went to pick it up the light was still on. After several more days I was told it was the vacuum control valve which was not covered. As a note: I talked to the saleman we bought it from and he got the charge taken care off which made me a very happy and most likely returning customer.

[incognito]

CiVOL - That's good to know, and might be what my service advisor is speaking of. Saying I have a wiring problem sounded pretty vague, so I'm not sure exactly what he meant - and when I asked for clarification, he just said it's "something technical" that he can't explain.

Do you mind if I ask what dealership you go to? I was hoping my charge would get waived, considering the mulitple visits and inconvenience I've been put through.

[Guest]

By any chance do you have the old style tail lights? This could be the problem. Try the 2002 2003 style!

[Missay]

By any chance do you have the old style tail lights? This could be the problem. Try the 2002 2003 style!

god i luv this place

[incognito]

Actually, I do have the old style taillights. And, frankly, I'd rather put up with this check engine light problem for years rather than been seen driving with those new ugly, psychedelic taillights, which look like water got caught in them!

Now, can we get back to the subject at hand???

[Guest]

Do you suppose it could be the ugly old style grill you have on your car
incognito? Ugly grill ugly tail lights too. What a bummer get a 2002 or 2003!

[Missay]

nah..i don't think it's the ugly parts of the car (beauty is in the eye of the beholder) but i think it's the egotistical jerks who drive them and think their the sh*tz that makes it go off