1997 4Runner says "check engine"

[rayban123]

My 97 4Runner pulled a surprise on my yesterday as I was returning home for a city trip

The "check engine" light came on, as I was basically pulling in my street.

I have about 210,000 km on it. Prior to this, I have never had a problem. Works as good as when I first purchased it.

Anyway, before I take it to the dealer to get looked at, and basically give them a blank check to find the problem etc would others who have had this same type of "check engine" light occur, please tell me what your end result was, or what the problem was.

Thanks so much for your time and look forward to some replies.

Cheers,

 

[toto]

The light is an indication that the on-board computer has found a problem somewhere. When that happens, the computer stores one or more diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) that can be used to help solve the problem. You won't know what your problem is until you can find out what the code(s) are.

All cars made after 1996 have a standard computer port called an On-Board Diagnostic II, or OBD-II port. Any car repair place - either the dealer or an independent business - has a code reader that will plug into the OBD-II port and find out what's going on. You can also buy a code reader at your auto parts store.

Before you pay anyone to read the code, go to your closest auto parts store and see if they will help you read it for free. Many will do so, because they figure it will make you buy parts!

You can come back here or search the Internet with the code(s) to find out what the problem might be.

 

[Northof49]

More times than not it's the Oxygen sensor.....particularily if you've never replaced it at that mileage. Most dealers will diagnose for free if you buy the parts/service there.

 

[rayban123]

wow. Thank you VERY much for your help.

I will go to my local Auto Parts Source, see if one of the guys there can walk out infront of their store, bring his code reader and read my truck's OBD.


I have never had the oxygen sensor replaced. And if it is the oxygen sensor, is this something I can change myself??

Again thank you VERY MUCH FOR YOUR help. I greatly appreciate it.

 

[khaug]

I'd first check to make sure your gas cap is on tight. If it isn't, it can trigger the "check engine" light. If you find that it's loose, tighten it and then give the truck several days to reset itself.

Sounds like you're from somewhere outside the US. Here, many auto parts stores will connect a code reader and tell you the results for free.

The oxygen sensor is very easy to replace, if that's the problem. The truck has two of them, so you'll need to have the diagnostic code "pulled" to determine which one's guilty. This, BTW, was the only problem my '98 had in 75K miles. Great truck!

Good luck.

 

[mikes4runner]

could be anything get the code pulled, let us know.


Mike

 

[rayban123]

Special thanks to Toto and Khung.

It was indeed the oxygen sensor. You guys are good!!


My local Toyota dealer wants $250 for each sensor while the auto supply store wants $190. I ordered the part and will replace it myself.

Thanks again for all your help.

Great forum...with some great folks here too.

Cheers,