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Engine Light Stays On (Oxygen Sensor Problem)

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69K views 212 replies 107 participants last post by  Tundro  
#1 ·
Check Engine Light!!!

Does anybody have problems with their check engine light coming on? I have just returned from the Toyota service department for the 3rd time in the past two months. One time was for a blown oxygen sensor but, the other two times were because "the gas filler hose was loose" and "the gas cap was loose." It sounds like Toyota has created a way to increase work for their service departments. Even if I check and tighten the gas cap, the only way to get the light to go off is to have it "reset" by the service department at $23 a pop.
 
#4 ·
Engine Light Stays On

I have a 2000 Tundra SR5 4X4 V8. The engine light comes on and stays on. I even disconnected the battery for two minutes to clear the stored memory in the computer and the light went out for a while but came back on. The engine and drivetrain runs just fine but the light stays on. Has anyone here had similar problems with the engine light staying on? And if so, what was causing the engine light to come on on your Tundra?

Also, where can I find a diagnostic code scanner for the Tundra V8? Any help, suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!
 
#5 ·
Generally means there's a problem, I'm guessing your O2 sensor, though it's really just a guess. Take it in and have it checked out since you've already shown it's not a fluke problem.
 
#6 ·
Re: Engine Light Stays On

Tundra2UZ said:
I have a 2000 Tundra SR5 4X4 V8. The engine light comes on and stays on. I even disconnected the battery for two minutes to clear the stored memory in the computer and the light went out for a while but came back on. The engine and drivetrain runs just fine but the light stays on. Has anyone here had similar problems with the engine light staying on? And if so, what was causing the engine light to come on on your Tundra?

Also, where can I find a diagnostic code scanner for the Tundra V8? Any help, suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!
It could be any of the smog components, but if you're at between 20,000 and 35,000 miles you've probably had an O2 sensor go out. For some reason they have a tendency to go out. Hopefully it's not a 30,000 mile thing..... I don't think so. If not, they'll upgrade the sensor I'm sure (if they haven't already). I posted the part number for the part you'll probably need a few months ago, but you'll need a computer scan to double check. There are a number of sensors.

It should be covered under warrantee if you're within the warrantee period.

alan
 
#7 ·
I had the same trouble a few weeks ago. It ended up being an O2 sensor.

I took it to a local shop, where they read the code for $45. Some folks posted about readers (well, computer software and cables) that you could buy reasonably cheaply. I wish I had done that instead.

There are 4 O2 sensors. List price is about $130 each, I believe. I bought mine for about $71 on the internet. Bosch, same as I took out.

Rear sensors can be removed and changed in 2 minutes by anyone. Easy, easy job - bless you, Toyota. Wonderfully, you can get under the truck without lifting it! Man, I can't even get most floor jacks under my BMW.

Front sensors are harder to get at, need some handy experience and tools to get them. Darn you, Toyota! Drivers side, two crescent wrenches worked very well. One to grip the sensor, the other to turn the gripping wrench. Passengers side, one wrench and a whole lot of cussing finally got it off, but I don't like that solution.

Bank 2 Sensor 1 is front passenger side. Figure out the code from there.

Connecting wire length is slightly different, left side to right.
 
#10 ·
Funny you mentioned about Autozone's free diagnostic service. I just heard about it on the radio today and had the diagnostic service done there. The find confirmed my suspicions about a faulty O2 sensor. Code #155 came up and indicated that there was indeed a faulty O2 Sensor on the #2 bank. Does anyone know where or which side(driver/passenger) the #2 bank is located? Thanks again for all the responses!
 
#13 ·
I have replaced both front O2 sensors twice. First time at around 50K, second time around 95K. Each time I replaced them as a pair assuming that if one failed, the other would not be far behind. Both times it was Bank 2, Sensor 1 (passenger front) sensor that failed first.
 
#16 ·
is your gas cap tight enough......

mine got ran over and wasnt sealing the gas line enough so the lask of pressure activates the "check engine" light....scared the hell out of me cause id only had the truck for about a month, easy fix fortunatley....allthough Toyota charged me something insane for the replacement.
 
#17 ·
lacoha said:
is your gas cap tight enough......

mine got ran over and wasnt sealing the gas line enough so the lask of pressure activates the "check engine" light....scared the hell out of me cause id only had the truck for about a month, easy fix fortunatley....allthough Toyota charged me something insane for the replacement.
FYI:

A "full, by the book" 30,000 mile service is supposed to change the gasket on the gas cap.

A dealer that does a *detailed* 30k service will even re-torque the seat anchor points.

A full service from a super competant dealer is kind of expensive. But there is a reason it's so outrageous: The detail they go to that others ignore.


Alan
 
#18 ·
My engine light was coming on a few weeks ago and it was the Bank 2, Sensor 1 (passenger front) sensor that failed as well.

It did not take long for it to get fixed.

I was told not to disconnect the battery, as it could possilibly delete some data that is stored, the Toyota Techs reset it afterwards.

But if you are not under warranty it can be costly if you do not shop around from the parts.

Hope this helps,
Dan
 
#19 ·
check engine light @ 25K?

I am looking at a 00 tundra v8. The check engine light is one. The owner says it came on at 25K to remind you to get serviced. Is this true? If so, how do you get light out without going to the dealer.

Thread merge with "check engine light @ 25K?" as it pretains to the same topic. --- Possum
 
#22 ·
As userw5 mentioned, it's a good chance it's a sensor.

To answer your two questions, the light it is not a service reminder, since that isn't an option on Toyotas (at least as far as I know).

Secondly, you might be able to turn off the check engine light by disconnecting the battery for a few minutes (it worked on my '97, but these new OBD2 vehicles are a bit more sophisticated). The light should go off, but the code will remain stored in the computer.

I wouldn't drive it too long with a bad sensor, it could lead to other problems (damaged catalytic converter, etc.) down the road.

If you're still interested in the truck, I would recommend making the sale conditional on a successful inspection by an mechanic. If the seller agrees, take it into a shop of your choice or a Toyota dealership and have them look it over (and at the same time the dealership can fix the problem and clear the code).

You'll have to pay for the inspection, but the warranty issue should be free and you'll have a good idea as to what kind of shape the truck is in. I’ve had an independent inspection of my used cars and it’s saved me from buying a lemon or two as well as giving me peace of mind in my purchase.

Good luck,

T
 
#24 ·
Re: check engine light @ 25K?

xr400 said:
I am looking at a 00 tundra v8. The check engine light is one. The owner says it came on at 25K to remind you to get serviced. Is this true? If so, how do you get light out without going to the dealer.
Most likely it's the first sensor (engine) on bank 2 (passenger side). [Sensor 1 Bank 2]

It's not a friendly service reminder!!!!

Alan
 
#25 ·
Oxygen Sensor Problems

I have a 2000 4x4 Limited access cab with 63,000 miles on it. I have replaced the oxygen sensor twice. The first sensor was replaced at 42,000 miles and the second one was replaced at 60,000. Any ideas what may be causing this?? My mechanic has no ideas... any suggestions? HELP !!

Thread merged as it pretains to the same subject matter. --- Possum