Intermittent Check engine light???

[4RunnerSC]

I took my 91 runner on a 350mi trip up north this week. It handled everything fine all the way there but the morning after I arrived (cold morning), my check engine light went on. I stopped the car and killed the engine. Restarted and the light disappeared. It then re-lit a minute or two later. I tightened the gas cap (friend suggested) and drove to my friends house, no light appeared. Spent the rest of the weekend hanging out and doing a fair share of driving. No light. Drove back down here to long beach (nice warm day) and right as I turn off for my exit ramp, I get the check engine light. The light resets itself every time I turn off and turn back on the engine. What seems to change is whether or not the light appears.

Any ideas??

 

[fourwd1]

There's a way to obtain CEL codes by cycling the ign key and counting the light blinks.

I can't remember the exact procedure, check your owners manual.

 

[4RunnerSC]

Ok, I found in the extended repair manual a description of how to check trouble codes but my problem is that my CEL isn't sticky. Typically, once a check engine light is on, it stays on regardless of if you stop and restart the engine. Mine never goes on when idling, right after starting the car. It's typically a minute or two after starting while driving down the road that mine illuminates. Does anyone have any experience with this type of CEL issue?

Also, I don't know how to check the trouble code because the test requires the car to be idling, and it's never on when idling. Either that or I have to drive around with the necessary cables and then wait for it to turn on.


:awais:

 

[ovrrdrive]

On the 22RE you just short the timing terminals (it tells on the under hood sticker how to do it) and the CEL will flash 2 numbers at you. You just count and look it up. Next time it comes on just turn off the key while the code is still there.

I bet the procedure is close for the 3.0 too. (Code 71 on the 22RE, don't know it if you have the 3.0)


I bet it's the sensor for the EGR valve...

 

[vabyrd]

i was told its from the ethanol in gas.

 

[HairyKc]

When was the last time you had your O2 sensor replaced?