2003 CAMRY WITH 50K MILES....
THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON TODAY. THOUGHT IT WAS AN UNTIGHT GAS CAP CAUSE PUT IN GAS YESTERDAY BUT EVEN AFTER CAP WAS TIGHTENED, LIGHT WILL NOT GO OUT.
ANYONE KNOW HOW TO RESET THE LIGHT? OR IS THIS A SERIOUS PROBLEM. NEVER HAD A PROBLEM WITH THE CAR BEFORE.
2006-09-08 06:33:18 · 13 answers · asked by I LOVE EWE N MEI 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
PROPS TO RANDLE.
DISCONNECTED THE BATTERY AND THE LIGHT IS NO LONGER COMING ON.
2006-09-08 07:13:46 · update #1
i would bring it to a shop and have them check for codes.
2006-09-08 06:35:10 · answer #1 · answered by doogie494 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The unfortunate answer is that the check engine light is a catch-all for dozens of different sensors that can report a multitude of different problems.
The only true way to find out what is the problem is to take the car to a mechanic with the proper diagnostics tools that can look up the specific code the light is reporting and tell you exactly what the problem is. The unfortunate side effect is it can likely cost 60-80$ to get a mechanic to hook it up.
You can also do a google search for "2003 Camry check engine light" and poke around a little. You might find out if this car has a common problem causing the check engine light to come on, something you can easily fix yourself. Some cars also let you enter a sort of simplified diagnostic mode where the engine light flashes a specific number of times that can direct you to where the problem is. Call around, you might find a mechanic in the area that will even tell you how to enter this mode, usually some odd series of key turns. Sometimes that is all you need to fix the car.
Whatever you do it is recommended to figure out the problem is as soon as possible since it could be something serious.
Good luck.
2006-09-08 06:49:00 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Usually if the light comes on afterfilling up you didn't have the cap tightened enough and this did not allow the fuel pump to hold back psi in the tank. I had a 2001 Grand Am that did this and I was instructed to run the tank out and refill. After this cycle is complete the light should be back to normal. I did this and it did work. Resetting the computer via removing the battery cable is only a temporary thing in most cases. I wouldn't be surprised if your light comes back on soon. Good luck. Dave
2006-09-08 08:20:37 · answer #3 · answered by The Dave 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
check engine light comes on as a scam to get you to the dealer. I have a 2002 Honda Accord, check engine light came on after a while becasue I wasnt going to dealer for oil changes - rep said it comes on after x miles (some arbitrary # the manufacturer chooses if no dealer reset codes present)....to reset my service light all she did was press and hold trip odometer reset button for 15 seconds upon startup and it went away. So thats what I do everytime it comes up now.
2006-09-08 06:41:24 · answer #4 · answered by Alex H. 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is not necessarily a serious problem, most likely it is an oxygen sensor, meaning the car will run just fine but won't pass a smog check. It could also mean it's time to replace your timing chain. A mechanic will be able to reset it and see if the timing chain needs to be replaced. That's about a $500 repair job.
2006-09-08 06:37:53 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
In many cars, once you go over a certain amount of miles...that light will automatically come on. It means the manufacturer wants you to come in for a routine maintanence check after so many miles. You can't turn the light off unless you have a mechanic do it, or know a mechanic.
2006-09-08 06:38:52 · answer #6 · answered by Lisa E 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It could be as simple as you are low on oil. or something more complicated ..
The best thing to do is take your car to one of the links i posted below they will do a check engine for you . and diagnose the codes and tell you what you need to have done and reset the light for you....
Either one of the stores will do the check engine for you and let you know what is wrong.
best part about it... they do the check for free. and good luck
2006-09-08 07:02:45 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Disconnect the battery for a few minutes and reconnect. If there is actually nothing wrong, the light will not come on.
2006-09-08 06:54:37 · answer #8 · answered by RANDLE W 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you are still covered under warranty, just bring it to the dealer and have them check it out. Either way, get it checked out. That is why the light is there.
2006-09-08 06:37:32 · answer #9 · answered by Mitchell B 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would definitely bring it to the dealership asap. The light goes on for a reason.
2006-09-08 06:37:58 · answer #10 · answered by sunssecret 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Go have it checked out. It is probably nothing, but better safe then sorry. If it is nothing then you will no to ignore it next time.
2006-09-08 06:41:22 · answer #11 · answered by caitie 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋