I’m dealing with a persistent issue here. My Toyota Camry’s check engine light keeps coming on, even though I’ve checked everything and it seems fine. Has anyone else faced this issue? What did you do to fix it?
Response
Hey, I’ve been through the same ordeal with my Camry. After some digging and trying out different things, I found a couple of solutions that worked for me and others. Let’s get into the details.
Solutions that worked
| Solution | Users Who Found Success | Personal Experience | Estimated Cost (USD) | Time Needed (Minutes) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Light resetting itself | 4 | Waited a few days and the light went off | $0 | 0 |
| Go to AutoZone and check the codes | 2 | Went to AutoZone, they reset it for free | $0 | 10-15 |
| Use an OBDII scanner | 1 | Used a scanner to reset the light | $20-$100 | 5-10 |
| Disconnect the battery for 90 seconds | 1 | Disconnected the battery, light reset but lost radio presets | $0 | 5-10 |
Symptoms
- Check engine light stays on
- Light comes back on after being reset
- Light flashes intermittently
Possible Causes
- Loose gas cap
- Emission control system malfunction
- Oxygen sensor failure
- Ignition system defects
Solutions that Worked
1. Light Resetting Itself
What I Did: Waited a few days after tightening the gas cap.
Outcome: The light went off on its own.
Personal Experience: After tightening the gas cap, I had to wait for a few days for the light to reset itself.
Estimated Cost: $0
Time Needed: 0 minutes
Steps:
- Locate the gas cap on the side of your vehicle.
- Unscrew the gas cap and inspect it for any cracks or defects.
- Tighten the gas cap securely.
- Wait for a few days and monitor the check engine light.
Expert Tip:
If you’ve recently tightened your gas cap or made a minor repair, give it some time. The light might reset itself after a few driving cycles. Also, consider replacing the gas cap if it looks worn out or damaged.
2. Go to AutoZone and Check the Codes
What I Did: Went to AutoZone and had them check the codes.
Outcome: They reset the light for free.
Personal Experience: AutoZone provided a free service to check the codes and reset the light.
Estimated Cost: $0
Time Needed: 10-15 minutes
Steps:
- Drive to your nearest AutoZone or similar auto parts store.
- Park your car and go inside the store.
- Ask the staff to perform a free code reading on your vehicle.
- Follow the staff to your car and allow them to plug in their code reader.
- Once the codes are read, ask them to reset the check engine light.
Expert Tip:
Some auto parts stores offer free code reading and light resetting services. Take advantage of this if you’re unsure about the cause. Also, note down the error codes for future reference or further diagnosis.
3. Use an OBDII Scanner
What I Did: Used an OBDII scanner to reset the light.
Outcome: The light was successfully reset.
Personal Experience: Bought a scanner and used it to reset the light.
Estimated Cost: $20-$100
Time Needed: 5-10 minutes
Steps:
- Purchase or borrow an OBDII scanner.
- Locate the OBD port under your car’s dashboard, usually near the steering wheel.
- Plug the OBDII scanner into the port.
- Turn your car’s ignition to the “On” position but don’t start the engine.
- Follow the on-screen instructions on the scanner to read and reset the check engine light.
Expert Tip:
An OBDII scanner is a useful tool to have. It can diagnose various issues, not just the check engine light. Make sure to read the manual that comes with the scanner for specific instructions.
4. Disconnect the Battery for 90 Seconds
What I Did: Disconnected the car battery for 90 seconds.
Outcome: The light was reset, but I lost my radio presets.
Personal Experience: The light went off, but I had to re-enter my radio presets.
Estimated Cost: $0
Time Needed: 5-10 minutes
Steps:
- Turn off the ignition and remove the key.
- Open the hood and locate the car battery.
- Identify the negative terminal (usually marked with a “-” symbol).
- Use a wrench to loosen the nut on the negative terminal.
- Disconnect the negative terminal and wait for 90 seconds.
- Reconnect the terminal and tighten the nut.
Expert Tip:
Be prepared to re-enter any saved settings like radio presets if you choose this method. Also, this method is not recommended if you haven’t diagnosed the underlying issue causing the light to come on.
Car Models Where This Worked
- 2013 Camry LE
- 2003 Camry 2.4
- 2010 Camry SE
- 2012 Camry SE
- 2014.5 Camry SE (Sport)
- ’12 Toyota Camry LE 2.5l
Additional Information
- If the check engine light comes back on after you’ve tried these solutions, it’s crucial to consult a professional mechanic for a thorough diagnosis.
- Some modern cars have more advanced systems that may require specialized equipment for resetting the check engine light. Make sure to consult your car’s manual for any model-specific instructions.
I hope this helps anyone facing the same issue. If you have any more solutions or experiences to share, feel free to add them!