2002 Toyota Echo Check Engine Light Question

[lemonjenny]

Hello!

I am new here, and have a weird problem with my Echo. I let the gas tank run REALLY low, had drivin about 20 miles since the gas light came on. I started my car to drive to work, and after a couple minutes the check engine light came on. I went and got gas (only about 3 gallons) thinking that the light would then go off, but it didn't. I checked the gas cap and it's closed all the way.

What else could the problem be? I'm guessing it came on because of low fuel, but how can I get the light to turn off? I have NO money, so I don't know if I can take it to a dealer. I'd rather find a way to reset the light so I know if there's even a problem at all.

Do I need to fill it up to a full tank? Clean some odd part? Please help!!!

[MaukaRunner]

Try disconnecting the battery and see if it goes away. Not sure if that is the correct way but sometimes the ecu resets itself when you do that and if there is no problem then the check engine light should go away.

[lemonjenny]

I fixed the problem, here's how:

I suspected that the light was only on for running the gas tank too low. So I went to Jiffy Lube, had them hook it up and test for codes, and it said something about the evap system having the wrong pressure or something like that. Basically it meant I was running on fumes - literally - and it threw it off kilter. They reset the codes, the check engine light off, I've kept my gas tank full (well, not empty at least), and the light has not come back on.

I'm glad I didn't go to a mechanic and spend a few hundred dollars trying to figure it out!!

[MaukaRunner]

That's great!

[tacomatrdsport2591]

gotta love happy endings =]