What does the check engine light mean on my Toyota Car?
The check engine light on your Toyota car lights up when there is a problem with the gas cap, faulty spark plugs or a bad catalytic converter.
There can be other reasons for a check engine light showing up on your Toyota car such as time for oxygen sensor replacement, a bad catalytic converter, new spark plugs required or time for a new mass air flow sensor.
A vacuum leak, a damaged or loose gas cap or a dying battery can also cause the check engine light to turn ON.
- Time to replace the oxygen sensor
- Bad catalytic converter
- New spark plugs required
- Time for a new mass airflow sensor
- Vacuum leak
- Damaged or loose gas cap
- Dying battery
Time to replace the oxygen sensor
The oxygen sensor in your car plays an important role in keeping a record of the oxygen level in your car’s exhaust system.
Excess oxygen leads to a quicker burning of fuel and lowering the economy of fuel in your car. A faulty oxygen sensor will not be to measure the oxygen level in the exhaust system. This affects car efficiency. Replacing the sensor helps you to keep an accurate check on the oxygen levels in the exhaust system.
Bad catalytic convertor
A catalytic converter is responsible for converting carbon monoxide produced due to the burning of fuel into carbon dioxide. This improves engine efficiency and helps your car pass the emissions test. A bad catalytic converter affects your car’s fuel performance and must be replaced at the earliest.
New spark plugs required
Spark plugs help in the ignition of fuel in the combustion chamber of your car. Damaged or worn-out spark plugs or spark plug wires lead to poor performance and decreased power of the car. Such spark plugs and/or spark plug wires must be replaced.
Time for a new mass airflow sensor
A mass airflow sensor tells the owner about the amount of fuel required for efficient engine performance by measuring the air entering the engine. A bad airflow sensor can be identified by difficult ignition and changes in the throttle pedal of the car. If you notice any of these in your car, you should get a new mass airflow sensor fitted.
A vacuum leak
The vacuum system in Toyota cars performs a multitude of functions. It reroutes the gasoline fumes and reduces the harmful emissions from the car. A vacuum leak is identified by a sudden increase in the RPM of the car. This indicates that it’s time to change the vacuum system.
Damaged or loose gas cap
In a majority of cases, a loose or broken gas cap is the cause of check engine light flashing in the car. The gas cap performs multiple functions like sealing the fuel pump, maintaining the pressure in the fuel tank and redirecting the emissions when the car isn’t being driven. Check the cap and replace it if it’s damaged. Alternatively, tighten the cap if you notice that it’s loose.
A dying battery
The check engine light in your car can sometimes illuminate because of a dead battery. A battery is responsible for running the car engine, lights and radio. Recharging the dead battery should put OFF the check engine light.
How to reset check engine light Toyota?
There are three ways of resetting the check engine light in Toyota – using a scan tool, disconnecting the battery and fixing the car issue. You can reset the check engine light of your Toyota car by yourself or with the help of a mechanic.
Using a scanning tool
Turn ON the ignition but keep the other accessories OFF. Connect the scanning tool to the diagnostic connection present under the steering column. Push the “Read” button on the scan tool and look for the errors. After this, press the button labeled “Erase” on the scan tool to remove the errors. This will turn OFF the check engine light on your car’s dashboard.
Disconnecting the battery
With the help of a wrench, remove the positive and negative cables of the car battery. Drain the remaining power from the car’s capacitor. You can do this by pressing the car horn continuously for 30-40 seconds. Wait for at least 15 minutes till the errors are gone. . Reconnect the battery cables and the check engine light will be turned OFF.
Fixing the car issue
If the check engine light comes ON again after performing the methods given above, there must be an issue with the car. The only way to stop the check engine light from turning ON is to fix the problem. You should take your car to a workshop and let the mechanic fix the issue. The mechanic will carefully screen the electrical and mechanical components of the car to spot the issue and fix the problem.
Toyota check engine light codes table
The check engine lights on the dashboard of your Toyota car illuminate due to certain trouble codes, which can be read by using the OBD scan tool. These trouble codes must be cleared from the car’s memory.
To remove the trouble codes, remove the 15A fuse and keep it aside for 30 seconds. During this period, keep the ignition of your car turned OFF. You can also clear the trouble codes by disconnecting the terminals of your car’s battery. The time required for clearing the trouble codes depends upon the ambient temperature of the surroundings. Once the trouble codes are removed, check the car by driving it around for some time.
There are two types of codes in Toyota depending upon the model of the car. The two types of codes are OBD1 and OBD2. The codes can be scanned using special scanning tools. Some of the codes are mentioned below.
| P1100 | Circuit of the barometer sensor | |
| P1120 | Circuit of the accelerator position sensor | |
| P1121 | Range of the accelerator position sensor | |
| P1125 | Circuit of the throttle control motor | |
| P1126 | Circuit of the magnetic clutch | |
| P1127 | Circuit of the ETCS actuator power source | |
| P1128 | Throttle control motor lock | |
| P1129 | Electric throttle control system | |
| P1130 | Range or performance of air/fuel sensor circuit | |
| P1133 | Response of the air/fuel sensor circuit | |
| P1135 | Response of the air/fuel sensor heater circuit | |
| P1150 | Range of the air/fuel sensor circuit | |
| P1153 | Response of the air/fuel sensor circuit | |
| P1155 | Circuit of the air/fuel Sensor heater | |
| P1200 | Circuit of the fuel pump relay | |
| P1300 | Malfunctioning ignitor circuit – No. 1 | |
| P1305 | Malfunctioning ignitor circuit – No. 1 | |
| P1335 | No signal by the crankshaft position sensor | |
| P1349 | Variable valve timing system | |
| P1400 | Sub throttle position sensor | |
| P1401 | Range of the sub-throttle position sensor | |
| P1405 | Circuit of the turbo pressure sensor | |
| P1406 | Range of the turbo pressure sensor | |
| P1410 | Malfunctioning EGR valve position sensor circuit | |
| P1411 | Range of the EGR valve position sensor circuit | |
| P1500 | Circuit of the starter signal | |
| P1510 | Boost pressure control circuit | |
| P1511 | Low boost pressure | |
| P1512 | High boost pressure | |
| P1520 | Malfunctioning stop lamp switch signal | |
| P1565 | Circuit of the Cruise control main switch | |
| P1600 | Malfunctioning ECM battery | |
| P1605 | Knock control CPU | |
| P1630 | Traction control system | |
| P1633 | Engine control module | |
| P1652 | Control circuit of the idle air control valve | |
| P1656 | Circuit of the oil control valve | |
| P1658 | Control circuit of the waste gate valve | |
| P1661 | Exhaust gas recirculation circuit | |
| P1662 | Control circuit of the exhaust gas recirculation bypass valve | |
How to reset check engine light Toyota Corolla?
You can reset the check engine light on your Toyota Corolla by using an OBD scanner. It shows the error codes sent by the sensors present in your car. The errors need to be fixed by a mechanic. You can reset the check engine light in Toyota Corolla at home by following some steps given below.
- Locate the Diagnostic Link Connector situated on the left side of the driver’s side of the dashboard. It’s usually positioned near the hood release of your car.
- Put the OBD II scanner into the connector port. Turn the key two steps forward. You should not start the engine at this time.
- Navigate through the scanner menu to find the “Erase” command. Press this option to erase the error codes. A message saying “Command Sent” will appear on the screen.
- Unplug the scanner and turn ON the engine to see if the check engine light still illuminates or not.
How to reset check engine light Toyota Rav4?
Your Toyota Rav4 is designed to signal an issue with the car’s engine or electronic components. These errors are displayed as check engine light on the dashboard. Here’s how you can reset the check engine light on your Toyota Rav4.
- Put the key in the ignition switch and turn it one step forward.
- Press and hold the Trip or Odometer button present on the dashboard. Turn the key one step further in the ignition switch.
- Push the Odometer button and hold it for ten seconds. The lights of your Toyota Rav4 will beep once and go out.
- Release the odometer button and turn the key to the start position. You will not see the check engine lights on the dashboard now.
How to reset check engine light in Toyota Prius?
The check engine light on the dashboard of your Toyota Prius is often illuminated due to emission issues. You must get your car professionally checked by a mechanic. You can reset the check engine light on your Toyota Prius by following some simple steps mentioned below.
- Turn OFF the engine of your car.
- Put the key of your Toyota Prius in the ignition.
- Push the brakes and press the button labeled “Power” once. This will turn the car ON.
- Press the ODO trip button while holding the brake. The button is located near the hazard lights.
- Turn the car OFF while holding the brakes and ODO button.
- Hold the brakes and ODO button and press the Power button to turn the car ON.
The Odometer will display dashed lines. When the lines reach the extreme right, the odometer will display 000000. The check engine lights will be reset once the odometer turns ON.
How to reset check engine light Toyota Tacoma?
The check engine light on Toyota Tacoma comes ON when there is an issue with the emission systems or any other system that is connected to the engine control module through sensors. This induces diagnostic trouble codes that need rectification by a mechanic.
To reset the check engine light at home, follow the set of steps provided below.
- Find the Diagnostic Link Connector in your Toyota Tacoma. It’s usually located under the driver’s side of the dashboard and shaped like a trapezoid.
- Plug the scanning tool with the Diagnostic Link Connector of your Toyota Tacoma.
- Put the key in the ignition and turn it two steps forward. At this position of the key, the engine will not start but the car is ON. The car elements like radio, dashboard lights and other electrical components are powered at this position of the key.
- Read through the codes displayed on the OBD scan tool. You will have to navigate through various codes to select the desired option on the screen of the OBD scanning tool.
- Find the “Erase” or “Reset” button on the screen of the scanning tool after repairing the faults causing the check engine light to illuminate.
- Unplug the scan tool and start your Toyota Tacoma to see if the check engine light comes ON again.
How to reset Toyota Sienna check engine light?
The check engine light of your Toyota Sienna glows when there is a problem with the mechanical systems of your car. You are advised to take your car immediately to a workshop to spot any issue with the car’s system.
To reset the check engine light on Toyota Sienna, you can follow the steps given below.
- Turn OFF your Toyota Sienna and remove the car key from the ignition.
- Pull the hood release to open the hood of your car. It’s generally located on the left side of your car dashboard.
- Open the hood by pressing the latch of your Toyota Sienna.
- Find the negative terminals of the car battery and remove the cables. This will turn OFF any power supply to the car elements.
- Allow the car elements to reset for some time. Plug the negative terminals of the car battery once again.
- Turn the key in the ignition and start the car. There shouldn’t be any more check engine lights on the car dashboard.
Is it OK to drive my car if the check engine light is on?
No, it’s not OK to drive your car if the check engine light is ON. This is because the check engine light of your car is connected to a Diagnostic Connector located in the engine bay.
The light glows only when there is a problem in the intricate system of sensors and electronic components of the car. The problems are highlighted in the form of codes and must be addressed at the earliest by a mechanic using professional equipment and safety measures.
An issue with the electronic components or sensors of the car can be dangerous. So you should not drive your car if the check engine light is on.
How long does it take for the check engine to reset?
After the check engine light of the car has been reset, it takes 60 miles or 96 kilometers to 70 miles or 112 kilometers for the readiness counters to reset. You will need to drive your car for at least 60 miles (96 kilometers) to allow your car’s check engine light and readiness counters to reset.
How far do you have to drive to reset the check engine light?
To reset the check engine light of your car, you must drive the car for 60 miles or 96 kilometers to 100 miles or 160.9 kilometers. This allows the various sensors of the car to recalibrate and the check engine light to reset.
How to check engine light codes without a scanner Toyota?
The Toyota cars are equipped with codes called OBD light codes. There is a specialized equipment to read these codes. You can check the engine light codes without a scanner by following a set of simple steps given below.
- Park your Toyota car and activate the emergency brakes.
- Put the key into ignition and turn it to the second position. At this point, the dashboard lights should come ON. You should not start the car engine.
- Pull the hood release button of your car and open the car hood.
- Find the Diagnosis port in the engine. It’s commonly called Diagnosis Connector 1.
- Short the terminals 1 and 2 with the help of a copper wire.
- Sit inside the car and note the number of flashes in the check engine light.
Why is there no check engine light with a key on Toyota?
When you put a key in your Toyota car and no check engine light is ON, it can be due to a damaged fuse, a bad electrical relay and problems with the dashboard. This may also be because of a fault in the electronic control unit of the car. To fix the problem, you must immediately take your car to a workshop and get it repaired by a professional mechanic.