Check Engine Light On Toyota

Seeing that check engine light turn on your dashboard is always concerning, but a check engine light doesn’t always mean a serious or expensive problem. We highly recommend that you take your car to a trusted auto technician near you to diagnose the issue and provide a solution to get you safely back on the road. If you’re looking for auto inspection Colorado Springs, Legend Motor Works has highly trained technicians who specialize in a large variety of makes and models of vehicles. We would love to take care of you and your car and provide professional, quality vehicle maintenance and repair services to you. In this blog, we will be discussing some reasons why your check engine light may be on.

Two Types of Check Engine Lights in a Toyota

Toyota vehicles utilize two different types of check engine lights. A yellow / orange light and a flashing light. These lights indicate separate messages. 

1. Yellow / orange check engine light in Toyota: This light typically indicates an emissions related concern. Here at Legend Motor Works, we will pull your diagnostic code for free, so that we can then advise on what system needs troubleshooting. 
2. Flashing check engine light in Toyota: This light indicates a hard circuit problem, low power condition where the engine control module (ECM) puts the vehicle in limp home mode. There may also be a fault or failure in the transmission. It is advised to have your car diagnosed and serviced as soon as possible. 

Common Reasons Toyota Check Engine Light Turned On

There are many reasons why your check engine light may have turned on in your Toyota. Below, you’ll find a list of reasons and the recommended solution for fixing the issue.

Loose or Broken Gas Cap in Toyota

Yes, your gas cap could be the reason why your check engine light is on! Whenever you finish pumping your gas, be sure to tightly secure and seal the cap to prevent gas vapors from leaking out. When vapors leak from the gas tank, this triggers your vehicle’s EVAP system resulting in a triggered check engine light.

Solution: Tighten your gas cap until it no longer turns or clicks. Drive your car for a few days, and if your check engine light turns off, the issue is resolved.

Oxygen Sensor Failure in Toyota

The O2 sensor in your vehicle is a vital component in the emission control system. It monitors the amount of oxygen within the exhaust gases and sends important information to the engine control unit to optimize fuel combustion. When your O2 sensors fail, you may experience decreased fuel efficiency, increased emissions, and engine performance issues. While these symptoms listed may be a result of the O2 sensors, there may also be other factors contributing. It is recommended to have your vehicle inspected by an auto technician professional. 

Solution: Have your O2 sensors replaced as soon as possible. 

Spark Plugs and Ignition Coils in Toyota

Ignition coils and spark plugs are important components within your vehicle’s internal combustion engine. They each serve a specific purpose. Ignition coils create the high voltage needed for combustion while the spark plugs generate the electric spark that ignites the air-fuel mixture thus initiating the combustion process that powers your engine. The coils are your power supplier while the plugs execute ignition.

Solution: Replace your spark plugs at the recommended intervals. Replace faulty ignition coils as recommended by your trusted auto technician.

Fault Catalytic Converter in Toyota

Catalytic converters are responsible for reducing harmful emissions. Under normal vehicle operations, you can expect your catalytic converter to last up to 10 years and sometimes more. As your vehicle ages, there is a chance of needing to replace the converter. Signs that your converter is faulty include: excessive heat beneath the vehicle, sulfuric smells coming from your exhaust, rattling noises or leaking from the exhaust, and reduced engine performance and acceleration.

Solution: Be sure to have an auto technician diagnose any root cause issues before jumping to replace the catalytic converter.

Mass Air Flow Sensor in Toyota

The Mass Air Flow sensor (MAF) is a key component within the electronic fuel injection system in your vehicle. It is responsible for measuring the amount of air that is entering the engine. When this component is faulty, you may experience stalling, lack of power, and poor acceleration.

Solution: We recommend having your MAF sensor serviced by a professional auto technician. 

Why Legend Motor Works?

Here at Legend Motor Works, we are a client-first auto shop with a crew of technicians who are highly skilled in handling any and all problems that occur in Toyota vehicle models.

What does client-first mean? It means we truthfully communicate every step of the way, we never move forward on repairs without your consent, and we run a loyalty rewards program where you earn a percentage of your invoiced amount added to your Rewards Card to use towards future services at Legend Motor Works. Other rewards benefits include:

1. Charitable Giving: You may donate your Reward Dollars to local and national charities. Watch your email and text messages for donation opportunities.
2. Earn Discounted Oil Services: Earn discounted oil services.
3. Referral Program: Earn Reward Dollars for every new customer you refer.
4. Nationwide Warranty: All services come with a 3 Year / 36,000 Mile Warranty.
5. Exclusive Loyalty Offers: Receive special offers from Legend Motor Works and exclusive deals to local businesses in our community.

We would love to get your vehicle operating at its highest capacity of performance! Click here to be taken to our home page where you can schedule an appointment today.

Contact us at: (719) 332-7475

Find us at: 21 Commerce ST, Colorado Springs, CO