Malfunction indicator lamp. Root cause?

[amalik]

Hi guys,

While driving on Friday, this light popped up on me.

1997 4-Runner limited - 3.4L - Automatic 4WD

It looks like this except orange:

Unfortunately it wasn't as easy as A or B, do any of you guys know what C may mean or has meant to you in the past? Am I at any significant risk while driving?

I called the Dealership and it will be $60 just to diagnose what C is. I wanted to check in with the forum first before paying that.

(e) Malfunction Indicator Lamp
This lamp comes on in the following
cases.
a. The fuel tank is completely empty.
(See “Fuel gauge” in Chapter 1-5 for instructions.)
b. The fuel tank cap is not tightened securely.
(See “Fuel tank cap” in Chapter
1-2 for instructions.)
c. There is a problem somewhere in
your engine or automatic transmission
electrical system.
If it comes on while you are driving in case
c, have your vehicle checked/repaired by
your Toyota dealer as soon as possible.

 

[TheDurk]

There are numeric codes associated with that light that are stored in the on-board computer. You need a scanner to read them. AutoZone will lend you a cheap scanner to read them for free or Pep Boys will do it for you no charge (at least the one here will.) It plugs in just in front of the driver's right knee. Post back the code (something like "P0240") and then we can help you.

It can be serious, like a misfire, or a minor defect in the emissions control. We need the code.

 

[amalik]

Thanks durk. Im familiar with obd ii codes, but I thought it has to be a check engine light to pull it.

 

[Doc2012]

Looks like this?

That is your CEL, check engine light, aka your MIL, malfunction indicator lamp.

Go to autozone and get the code pulled from the computer. Then post it up.