just threw a CEL in cali and need to check....

[masphx]

Have been traveling in the 4runner from AZ to Washington. Then down the oregan coast into California. We just reached senoma city and the CEL came on. Tank was getting low but no gas light yet. We have been getting 21-22.5 MPG the whole trip. I ran into autozone and was told they can't check the light per California. How do I check this code here w/o paying a shop? We will be traveling to SF today and then on Sunday drive 600mi back to AZ. I have a feeling this might be my reoccuring ever 3-6 month PO446 code but would like to know what it really is with a 12 hour drive coming up.

Any help welcomed.

Thanks,

Mason

 

[BlackCat914]

They won't check it? It's not like you're asking them to clear it. California is stupid.

 

[Eagle]

I ran into autozone and was told they can't check the light per California. How do I check this code here w/o paying a shop?

Autozone can't / won't, but other shops may check it for free. Call around... usually Advanced Auto or AAMCO will do it.

 

[S@nt0s]

they wont check it themselfs but most shops can check it but ask like you want a quote then tell them your coming back
as for autozone
they have a tool loan program you have to use a Credit Card to borrow the tool then once its returned they return your deposit.

where are you at currently if you were local you i would check yours.
i keep a scanner with me at all times $60 unit

 

[Eagle]

AAMCO has checked mine in Southern California several times. It definitely helps if they think they might get to perform the service, but they will at least read you the code and/or explain it.

 

[sonoranrunner]

When it happened to me I was on a road trip and during my fill ups had motor idling a few times.. Threw code. Narrowed it down to charcoal canister.. Found one at wrecking yard 50 bucks.

 

[pcleary1210]

I'm about 20 minutes off of i-5, and have an ODB-2 scanner. It's not much help but if you're up for a drive I can do it for you.

-PC

 

[Stick Figure]

If you come through San Jose, I can scan it, or I'm headed out to Rancho Cordova in the morning if that works better. I'll PM you my contact info.

 

[SJC]

they wont check it themselfs but most shops can check it but ask like you want a quote then tell them your coming back
as for autozone
they have a tool loan program you have to use a Credit Card to borrow the tool then once its returned they return your deposit.

where are you at currently if you were local you i would check yours.
i keep a scanner with me at all times $60 unit

What scanner do you carry with you?

 

[masphx]

Thanks for the responses guys.

Plan is the leave San Francisco Sunday between 11am-2pm as we have a ~12hr drive back to Phoenix. (side question: best to got though LA or Mohave desert?).

So given the 12hr drive would like to know the code. Thinking about the autozone loan tool thing. Just bowing it, scanning it and then retuning it in the same visit. Other option is buy a good scanner. I have seen some on this forum, the kind where you can measure the temp and mpg while driving (would plan on using this in the future, just need to know where to buy). Or having a member scan me along the way. Would be cool to meet a fellow member if time permits.

Well planning on a fun day in San Francisco tommorow. Then worry about the Runner. Might try some hills tomorrow with the 5-speed and the twisty road thing here:snacker:

Mason

 

[Stick Figure]

I would personally avoid LA at all costs for the drive back. you can always check the traffic on google maps though and make your own decision when it comes time to leave.

 

[Bigmikelakers]

If you're coming from the bay, I would just take I-5 down to I-210 Foothill Freeway. Head east all the way till you reach I-10 then take that east to Phoenix. Since its a Sunday, traffic shouldn't be a problem. If you really want to avoid LA, you could take I-5 down to CA-58 then take that all the way east to reach I-40 in Barstow. Then you can stay on I-40 till you reach US 93 to reach Phoenix.

 

[masphx]

So ended up driving the ~700 mi back home from San Francisco to Phoenix Yesterday with the CEL on. Had to cover the light with something so I would not see it (it drives me nuts when driving). Found out it was PO446 again, my reoccurring code. Got 19.5-21 mpg on the way back. Next time I touch California soil in my Runner I will have my own person scanner. Code has been turned off by an Autozone scanner. Time will tell if if comes back.

Mason

 

[Bigmikelakers]

Yeah that CEL does something to us psychologically. When I had it on in my 4runner, I felt like I was hurting my truck driving it. Glad you made it back safely with the light on though. And thats excellent mileage considering you had a CEL.