"Check engine light"

Hoss the Hermit · Nov 8, 2008

Check Engine light came on in my "02 Tacoma. Took it to the shop, they plugged it into the diagnostic computer, my guy sez it's the front sensor, gotta order it. Gets it 3 days later, does thew install, plugs it back in to clear the codes, I motor on down the road. 2 days later, you guessed it, "Check Engine" light again. Back to the shop, plugs it in, sez,, "Looks like the REAR sensor", gotta order it. 3 days later, does the install, I ask "How much?', he says, "Drive it a couple weeks, see what happens". Stopped at the shop today, told him no more light, he says, "Guess we fixed it, then." I said, "So, what do I owe ya?" , he sez, "I made a bad diagnosis, happy motoring". Seems rare to find that these days, just wanted to share the glow.

ne7800 · Nov 8, 2008

Re: "Check engine light"

wow that is hard to belive plus i am willing to bet if you needed the back one you needed the front one anyway

mthieme · Nov 8, 2008

Re: "Check engine light"

Hoss,
you found one of the good guys.
Good for you.

I just had an image of a Check Engine light in boats one day. AAaaaaaaaahh.

Bob_VT · Nov 8, 2008

Re: "Check engine light"

Good story.

Just FYI when I worked at the Toyota dealership...... I had a similar problem with my Tacoma and then in my 4Runner. The one thing I can swear to and learned is that when it comes to Toyota sensors..... use the OEM. Eveytime someone tries to save a few bucks with an aftermarket .....they crap out.

puddle jumper · Nov 8, 2008

Re: "Check engine light"

Bob_VT said:
Good story.

Just FYI when I worked at the Toyota dealership...... I had a similar problem with my Tacoma and then in my 4Runner. The one thing I can swear to and learned is that when it comes to Toyota sensors..... use the OEM. Eveytime someone tries to save a few bucks with an aftermarket .....they crap out.

and the best tail light bulbs you can buy.

jimr · Nov 9, 2008

Re: "Check engine light"

WoW that about unheard of these days. Its nice to hear about an honest mechanic it ended up costing him some $$ but in the long run got a happy customer that will tell others about it.

kenmyfam · Nov 9, 2008

Re: "Check engine light"

Mine came on so I opened the hood and checked the engine........it was still there so I closed the hood and carried on driving............LOL
Don't know how we survived without those lights many years ago !!!! My local mechanic calls them "guaranteed income lights" for those that bring them in to him.

Tyme2fish · Nov 10, 2008

Re: "Check engine light"

kenmyfam said:
Mine came on so I opened the hood and checked the engine........it was still there so I closed the hood and carried on driving............LOL.

And how many of us place black electrical tape over the darn light?

mthieme · Nov 10, 2008

Re: "Check engine light"

I was tempted to do that with the ABS light when it came on.
It went out a coupla/few months later on it's own though.

Caveman Charlie · Nov 10, 2008

Re: "Check engine light"

Tyme2fish said:
And how many of us place black electrical tape over the darn light?

I would never do something like that.

Looks to tacky. I just take the bulb out.

rogerwa · Nov 10, 2008

Re: "Check engine light"

Mine burned out.. I think.

RC · Nov 18, 2008

Re: "Check engine light"

Except that you need 'em off to smog it. At least in CA. So i fix mine every two years!

kenmyfam · Nov 18, 2008

Re: "Check engine light"

RC said:
Except that you need 'em off to smog it. At least in CA. So i fix mine every two years!

I take the tape off it and re-set the system 200 yards before the emission test. Generally lasts for a few days before coming back on. Then it's back to the tape !!!! (till next time that is)

Pierutrus · Nov 18, 2008

Re: "Check engine light"

kenmyfam said:
I take the tape off it and re-set the system 200 yards before the emission test. Generally lasts for a few days before coming back on. Then it's back to the tape !!!! (till next time that is)

That doesn't work.

The emission tester will come back with insufficient data and not pass.
After you do a reset on the vehicle it has to be run for about 25 miles to set the perimeters for the tester to read.

Best thing to do is....

A) Get it registered in a county that doesn't smog.

OR

B) Get the problem fixed.

kenmyfam · Nov 18, 2008

Re: "Check engine light"

Pierutrus said:
That doesn't work.
The emission tester will come back with insufficient data and not pass.
After you do a reset on the vehicle it has to be run for about 25 miles to set the perimeters for the tester to read.

Best thing to do is....

A) Get it registered in a county that doesn't smog.

OR

B) Get the problem fixed.

It has worked for the last 6 years up here in Canada. That and a little acetone in an almost empty tank sure cleans it up.
Maybe it will not work in your area but it sure does here.

jay_merrill · Nov 18, 2008

Re: "Check engine light"

I hope you tell everyone you know about that mechanic - he deserves the plug!

triumphrick · Nov 18, 2008

Re: "Check engine light"

What a refreshing story in this day and age. The local TV station sent a car around with a mini cam under the hood with an easy fix, plugging an obvious connector back in. At least three out of four of the shops quoted repairs from $100 to over $400. I used to be able to fix anything and then the cars got smarter than me

kenmyfam · Nov 19, 2008

Re: "Check engine light"

jay_merrill said:
I hope you tell everyone you know about that mechanic - he deserves the plug!

Works at any emission testing station. I have used several different ones.

Pierutrus · Nov 19, 2008

Re: "Check engine light"

kenmyfam said:
Works at any emission testing station. I have used several different ones.

What do you pay them over and above to pass?
As you can see, I still disagree.
Or I need to move to Canada.

Any smog tech's out there to shed some light on the subject?

kenmyfam · Nov 19, 2008

Re: "Check engine light"

Pierutrus said:
What do you pay them over and above to pass?
As you can see, I still disagree.
Or I need to move to Canada.

Any smog tech's out there to shed some light on the subject?

Look up acetone on google and also the emission testing procedure in Ontario. Let me know if you still disagree after that.

Check this link as one example.
www.pureenergysystems.com/news/2005/03/17/6900069_Acetone/

"Check engine light"

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