I need help!!!!!

[AU Kruzr]

I have a '97 cruiser w/48.5k miles I purchased 6 months ago with 34k on it.

I cranked it up tonight to go home and the check engine light is on.

1) Why would this come on with no freaking miles (it's been maintined VERY, VERY, VERY well).

2) Who can I take it to in Birmingham, AL that won't take me for a ride,, and knows what they are doing?

I'm not the most mechanically inclined guy on the planet.

 

[cruiserdan]

Perfect maintainence does not make one immune from a MIL.

You need to fine someone with an OBDII reader and find out what it is before you proceed.


D-

 

[AU Kruzr]

What's aMIL and an OBDII????

 

[cruiserdan]

MIL is "Malfunction Indicator Lamp" AKA "check engine lamp".

I call it a MIL because that is what Toyota calls it...

OBDII is On Board Diagnostics, second generation.

 

[Darwood]

My guess is a P0401, but only because I'm partial to that code.

However it doesn't seem like enough miles for that code...

 

[AU Kruzr]

Any thoughts on decent Toyota shops or mechanics in Birmingham???

 

[LX_TREME]

Perfect maintainence does not make one immune from a MIL. D-

AGREE

 

[tucker74]

First things first - you need to get the code read so you know what your dealing with. Most decent auto part chains will read this code for free - stop by your local Autozone/O'Riley's/Napa and get them to read it. Then at least you'll know where you're at before worriing about a mechanic. I'm betting it's either an O2 sensor or the emissions crapola on a '97 ....

Tucker

 

[bhmmapping]

Don't take it to Hoover toyota.

I haven't taken my LC there yet, but I used to take my 4runner to steve at American Imports in homewood - was always very competent and reasonably priced

 

[Romer]

Dealerships will charge you to pull the code, where the autoparts store will do it for free. Call them and ask before you go there. If they don't know what the code is, post it up and we can look it up for you,

Or you can give the dealer $90 to do it.

 

[spartan]

For the first 50K on my one owner 97 I got all kinds of frikken engine lights, etc. Frankly I think it's built into the system, including EGR valves, etc.....

Once I got past 60K all the BS went away. I don't have a solution - only comment - maybe nothings wrong at all. Ask C-dan....

I do have good high beams though...LOL

 

[Romer]

You know that it also could be as simple as the gas cap not being tight and the tank not being fully pressurized. My wife has gotten that a few times. A code Reader purchase saved me a few trips to the autoparts store

 

[dmc]

You know that it also could be as simple as the gas cap not being tight and the tank not being fully pressurized. My wife has gotten that a few times. A code Reader purchase saved me a few trips to the autoparts store

That was going to be my first suggestion as well. Check the gas cap, turn it over 3 times and see if it goes away. Then worry about pulling the code.
dmc

 

[bh4rnnr]

You know that it also could be as simple as the gas cap not being tight and the tank not being fully pressurized. My wife has gotten that a few times. A code Reader purchase saved me a few trips to the autoparts store

Boy, if I had a dime for every time one of those came into the shop. It could be a million things with the check engine light. Something as simple as a loose gas cap to...... Like others, recomend getting the code pulled, then go from there.

 

[Brian Macgyver]

Ditto on the gas cap. It is the most common code and can happen on a new truck on the first fill-up. OBD II constantly checks fuel tank pressure. If the cap is loose or leaking, it will code. Wipe a bit of grease on the gas cap seal and tighten it really well. Your problem may go away.

 

[Atticus]

I've never had a problem with Hoover Toyota, but they do charge dealership prices. If I do go, I always ask for Jonathan Dreyer. He's always been helpful and honest, and usually discounts whatever work I get there. I've heard good things about American Imports in Homewood, also. The mechanic at the Crestline Shell does pretty good work, and does it cheaply. But, like everyone else here said, go to an Autozone or something and have them pull the code to see what the problem is. Write it down and post it here and someone can tell you what it is.

Good luck.

Jay

 

[smokethedog]

I have a '97 cruiser w/48.5k miles I purchased 6 months ago with 34k on it.

I cranked it up tonight to go home and the check engine light is on.

1) Why would this come on with no freaking miles (it's been maintined VERY, VERY, VERY well).

2) Who can I take it to in Birmingham, AL that won't take me for a ride,, and knows what they are doing?

I'm not the most mechanically inclined guy on the planet.

1. Relax.
2. Ask yourself if you want to work on the truck yourself.
3. If yes, buy OBDII reader, buy FSM.
4. Pull the code, research FSM.
5. Fix it, call CDan for parts.
6. If you dont want to work on it, take it to a dealership, along with your checkbook.

 

[Driley]

Does the OBD I cover a 1994 LC? I have a check engine light on and none of the local parts stores have a free service. I can buy a OBD I for $38.99 from a local auto parts store.

 

[cruiserdan]

No.

OBDII starts in 95. You have the paperclip version, lots easier to get the tool..

 

[Driley]

cruiserdan reply

I don't understand the answer. Will the OBD I for $38.99 work on my 1994 LC? Sorry for my ignorance...