Check Engine Light?

Question

I Have a 1997 Toyota Camry and just about a week ago the check engine light came on. I just got a tune up and I don't see any problems. I have to get an inspection sticker in 2 days. Is there any way to disconnect it or anything? I just don't have the money to get it hooked up to a diagnostic.

Answer 1

Take it by Auto Zone or any reliable parts house and they will read the coed for you and give you a suggestion on how to fix it so hurry it may be a simple problem. Good luck hope this helps

Answer 2

Dear Check Engine-

I agree with BWH. You need to take the car back to who-ever did the tune up on the car.

More than likely its a wire that did not get reconnected properly during the tune.

Don't ask a technician to disconnect anything. One, he will not do it. If you are here in California, that is a $50,000 fine for them. It is considered a "Modification" of the emission control system on your vehicle.

The check engine light on some vehicles, can also be triggered by a worn gasket on your fuel filler cap. Remember that is one of the test that is performed during your smog check. The testing will tell you if the fuel cap fails. If it does this could be your problem.

Take a look in your owner's manual. It will give you a brief overview of what the Check Engine Light indicates. The Check Engine Light covers a very broad spectrum of issues on today's vehicles. However, most of them are emission systems related issues.

I also think that you would be very suprised at the cost of a Diagnostic too. Most shops in my area do them for well under $100.00. Normally in the $50.00 to $70.00 range. Just look at it this way, once you have the diagnostic run, then you have a better idea at what type of repairs your vehicle is going to need. They could find a more serious problem, that could be a safety issue, that if un-repaired could result in your injury.

It would be nice to know that your car is safe, would it not?

Good luck with the inspection, and I hope I helped you out.

Answer 3

Take the car back to whomever did the tune-up. There may be a loose vacuum hose or a sensor that wasn't securely plugged in and has become disconnected due to engine vibration. Of course, there maybe a fault with something completely unrelated with having the tune-up done. The car will not pass inspection even if you disconnect the light because the computer used to do the inspections reads the data from the car's on board computer and will detect the fault even though the light is off.

Answer 4

i live in chi-town (3rd largest if u didn't know). you aren't penalized at all if you let them know that you car is not driveable. however if a year lapses and you still have the same excuse they will force you to do the emissions thing (and they have every right to). a check engine light can be a lot of things. any advice telling you to by an OBD2 scanner and clear the code is dishonest and will not relieve your city of the pollution your car is causing. borrow the money and take it to a reputable mechanic (not necessarily the dealer) and you'd be surprised how inexpensive a check engine light can be to clear.

Answer 5

I have heard that about 10-15 years after installment, the check engine light will come on automatically and will never turn back off. My 92 Honda Accord's check engine light has been on for years. It just lit up one day, but I've had it checked and it's fine. I don't know if this is true, but it's just something a friend told me.

Answer 6

The problem that turned on the light will have to be repaired and the code cleared to make the CEL turn off. Then the car will have to be driven until the readiness monitors reset before it will pass inspection.

Answer 7

get new o2 sensor and egr