Check engine light question

F

fochtup1

New member
I have a 98 limited and check engine light came on, had it scanned at Auto Zone and came up with thermostat.
I replaced the thermostat and had the battery disconnected, reconnected battery and took it for a drive and came back on. Cracked open the thermostat housing to make sure on air, checked the lower hose jiggle valve is at 6:00. Went and had it rescanned and came back thermostat, guy at counter said the light will keep coming back on and will clear itself after 100 miles or so....does that sound correct, I don’t want to overheat the engine.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
Register to hide this ad
What is the code number? You can't trust auto parts guys who use universal cause lists. Get the number and use the Toyota FSM,
 
That parts guy is an idiot.
Spend the $20ish and get a code reader from Amazon that uses an app like Torque, and never go back to that store.
 
Twisted Sid said:
That parts guy is an idiot.
Spend the $20ish and get a code reader from Amazon that uses an app like Torque, and never go back to that store.
Click to expand...



TorquePro for Android or DashCommand for Apple. Plus I also have a Innove and MacMentor scanner.

The first 2 work well and depending on what you want for an obd2 dongle not too expensive. I have Bluetooth for both.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
Twisted Sid said:
That parts guy is an idiot.
Spend the $20ish and get a code reader from Amazon that uses an app like Torque, and never go back to that store.
Click to expand...



That was my thought also....my buddy that has a good scanner lives 50 miles from me, next time I’m that way I’ll borrow it from him....I’ll also look into one on amazon
Thank yoy


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
gamefreakgc said:
There is no thermostat code... how is a part without a sensor or wiring supposed to throw a code...
Click to expand...



That was my one question, I never heard of it but changed it out anyway, it also had a bad radiator cap (fell apart) so I replaced that also....I was thinking that the cap may have caused the check engine light, wasn’t building pressure


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
fochtup1 said:
That was my one question, I never heard of it but changed it out anyway, it also had a bad radiator cap (fell apart) so I replaced that also....I was thinking that the cap may have caused the check engine light, wasn’t building pressure


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Click to expand...

There is no sensor for pressure in engine cooling system in these vehicles.

You REALLY just need to get your own scanner, they are CHEAP and EASY to use. Quit relying on others to get you confused, you can do this yourself!
:cowboy:
 
fochtup1 said:
That was my one question, I never heard of it but changed it out anyway, it also had a bad radiator cap (fell apart) so I replaced that also....I was thinking that the cap may have caused the check engine light, wasn’t building pressure


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Click to expand...

That's a good catch, that cap would have caused issues with the cooling system in time.

There's actually no code for overheating issues or lack of coolant pressure, however. Unfortunately that parts guy has no clue what he's talking about. Your CEL is not cooling related.
 
gamefreakgc said:
That's a good catch, that cap would have caused issues with the cooling system in time.

There's actually no code for overheating issues or lack of coolant pressure, however. Unfortunately that parts guy has no clue what he's talking about. Your CEL is not cooling related.
Click to expand...

Yeah. This. I was thinking it might be a P0125: Insufficient Coolant Temperature for Closed Loop Fuel Control which a parts store dumbo could think was a thermostat, but is usually an O2 sensor.
 
I watched what he did, plugged into port under dash, plugged into computer, computer asked year make model and the thermostat popped up, definitely going to visit my buddy and have it read with a good scanner


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
Last edited:
TheDurk said:
What is the code number? You can't trust auto parts guys who use universal cause lists. Get the number and use the Toyota FSM,
Click to expand...

where is the best place to see Toyota FSM code definitions?

Also, I need to get myself a real code reader and not depend on the Scanguage I think so I can see actual numbers and readings while im chasing a p0172 code issue.
 
TheDurk said:
Yeah. This. I was thinking it might be a P0125: Insufficient Coolant Temperature for Closed Loop Fuel Control which a parts store dumbo could think was a thermostat, but is usually an O2 sensor.
Click to expand...
I agree with this.
I got the P0125 a few months ago, and it turned out it was a dirty MAF. That was 3rd down the list for probably causes, though. The first 2 were bad T-Stat or Bad Coolant Temp sensor.

So, easiest thing first, clean your MAF!

For the ODBII Bluetooth dongle, I've used this one for over a year on a few different vehicles just fine:
https://www.amazon.com/Portta-Diagn...6458&sr=1-19&keywords=obdII+bluetooth+adapter
 
AntleredRuin said:
I agree with this.

I got the P0125 a few months ago, and it turned out it was a dirty MAF. That was 3rd down the list for probably causes, though. The first 2 were bad T-Stat or Bad Coolant Temp sensor.



So, easiest thing first, clean your MAF!



For the ODBII Bluetooth dongle, I've used this one for over a year on a few different vehicles just fine:

https://www.amazon.com/Portta-Diagn...6458&sr=1-19&keywords=obdII+bluetooth+adapter
Click to expand...



Just picked up my buddy’s scanner, got P0125...already changed the thermostat, new rad cap, guess I’ll try the MAF.



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
Last edited:
fochtup1 said:
Just picked up my buddy’s scanner, got P0125...already changed the thermostat, new rad cap, guess I’ll try the MAF.



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Click to expand...

Do you by chance have a supercharger with the 7th injector wired in? I was helping a friend diagnose the same code and it was due to a bad wiring job.
 
gamefreakgc said:
Do you by chance have a supercharger with the 7th injector wired in? I was helping a friend diagnose the same code and it was due to a bad wiring job.
Click to expand...



I wish I had a supercharger...but no I don’t....just cleaned the maf now to clear it and go for a test drive


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
Changed thermostat, new rad cap, cleaned MAF, still have the CEL and P0125
Going to search for all causes for that code


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
fochtup1 said:
Changed thermostat, new rad cap, cleaned MAF, still have the CEL and P0125
Going to search for all causes for that code


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Click to expand...

Stand alone P0125s are rare. I'd check PCV valve and connections, any air intake leaks after the MAF, anf exhaust leaks.

http://www.teamtoyota4x4.org/archivio/1996%20to%202002%20Toyota%204Runner%20Repair%20and%20Wiring%20Manuals/techinfo.toyota.com/ileaf/02toyrm/02toypdf/02rmsour/2002/024runne/di/eg5vzfe/cip0125o.pdf

This is for a 2002 with the A/F sensor, but it gives you an idea. I don't know where to find your year on-line.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Members online

Total: 385 (members: 5, guests: 380)

Forum statistics

Threads
278,305
Messages
3,554,041
Members
248,016
Latest member
Advally Service

Share this page

Trending content

Back
Top