I got a 2000 4runner and every now and then the cel would come on, then disappear. I had it check and its the maf. I cleaned it up with maf cleaner reset the computer(taking neg cable from battery for a few minutes)and cel would be off for a while then it will come back on then off until i finally just replaced it with a different maf but the problem still occur with the cel coming on and off, its like the maf was working interminently if it was the problem. I reset the computer a few times already but makes no difference. The vehicle runs fine and no sign of any problem except the cel. I havent brought it back for another diagnostic for i think they might just say its the maf again and costly. Im wondering if the maf i got was defective or maybe other sensors need replacement. The vehicle have about 150 kms by now. Can any of you guys give your 2 cents on this.
check engine light
- Thread starter gimpey03
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xStePheNyz
New member
i had a check engine not so long ago, they cleaned the MAF thingy however the real culprit was a cracked vacuum hose at the rear of the intake. Cost me like $200 to find this leak on a "smoke" machine, bloody hose probably cost all of a confederate nickel. You could go the old school route and just visually check your various vacuum hoses and see if any show signs of cracking etc, and then replace those hoses and see if it fixes the problem.
Stick Figure
New member
I think this is the worst part about the OBD2 codes ... people keep thinking that if its the "maf code" (for example) that it has to be a bad maf. When it reality that code only tells you what sub system to check. For the Maf, i doubt you got a bad replacement, unless you got it from a generic auto parts store then its entirely possible. To fully diagnose this problem, you need to check the signal that the ECU is seeing. YOu can do this w/ a scan tool (not a code reader!) or also w/ a multi meter. Check the signal that the ECU is seeing, is it w/ in spec? If not you may have an air leak like someone else suggested. This could be a small a vac hose, any of the intake hoses, the seal around the maf itself, intake manifold gasket, even a fuel injector o-ring that coudl be leaking. Or if the signal seems really erratic, you could have a wiring problem causing the singal to drop out occasionally which would also cause a code.
Its not the codes that are the problem. its the people who try to decipher them without the proper knowledge or diagnostic skills. Its just like doctors and medical problems. A completely different problem could be causing something else to fail. Case is point. Working on a lexus rx300 with a check eng lite and also has a problem with the trans not shifting into o/d. The codes being knock sensor codes and no trans codes. I have seen people replace the trans hoping to fix the no o/d, and once they get the new trans in...guess what. No o/d. If they had known that a knock sensor circuit failure PREVENTS the trans from shifting into o/d, they wouldnt of put a new trans in just because it wasnt working right. Basically what I am saying to anyone who works on their own stuff, If you dont have the proper knowledge, tools, ect ect to diag and repair your car, you are time and money ahead taking it to someone who does. Its satisfiying to be able to fix a problem with your rig, but guessing and hoping a bunch of new parts will fix problems just doesnt work