Check Engine Light

Hey all,

This past Saturday I took my 2018 Tacoma in for my 25,000 mile service, as well as my Fuel Pump recall. I had also replaced the Engine and Cabin Air Filters that day as well, and had no issues driving home after service. Last night as I was leaving work, my CEL suddenly appeared. When I got home, I checked everything under the hood, gas cap, and the truck is performing strong with no abnormalities.

I’ve heard in the past that batteries can throw a CEL due to low voltage effecting the ECU. The battery is original and the truck is nearing 3 years since it was built and bought, and everybody I know has had to replace their factory battery from 2.5 -3 years. My question is: has anybody had this issue happen in their Taco before? I plan to go and get the code scanned today, but I’m just curious.

 

When my battery crapped out, I didn't have any CEL. Truck wouldn't start, so I jump-started it. Drove it on the interstate for half an hour in an attempt to charge it, stopped for food, and it wouldn't start again. No errors or anything to let me know.

I'd read the code(s) just to see what's going on.

 

Just checking, it's not the maintenance light?

 

Small / large EVAP leak is my guess! Get the code read OP

 

No, it’s the check engine light. Maintenance light isn’t illuminated.

 

My check engine light came on (2019 Taco) last summer, had the fuel pump replaced as per warranty, CEL came back on, Toyota replaced the fuel cap, CEL on again, Toyota replaced fuel filler line, CEL still on, Toyota replaced some other line within the fuel emission control system, CEL still on, multiple fog tests to locate issue, CEL still on...I have now driven more km with my engine light on than without...in other words, I can't use my cruise control or any of the other fancy features this vehicle has until this dang issue is fixed. Also, until this is fixed, it will be impossible for me to know if any other check engine issue arises as the light is already on. Dealer is working with Toyota Canada engineering...no luck yet.

 

Not knowing is why I installed usb w/voltmeter and wish other meters were there like water temp in degrees and oil pressure in psi. 3 years for oem battery is par so have it checked even if code reveals something else.

 

You really need to pull and post the code for us to have a clue.

But, check that the airbox lid is fully seated and sealed. It should have both tabs in and through the slots on the left side of the box.

 

My thoughts exactly, I may just changed the battery regardless, but I’m just trying to figure it out. Heading to Advanced Auto to pull codes after work.

 

That was my first thought, and I reset it myself with latches secure and lid tight.

 

I'd take it straight back to the dealer, considering they just had their hands on it three days ago.

 

is it the triangle with ! inside it? if so just clear it.

 

No, it’s the CEL, not the TPSM/Maintenance. Solid color, yellow/orange, not blinking which tells me it isn’t serious.

 

That’ll be my last resort my next day off, which is Thursday. For now, I just want to see and explore all possibilities for having to drive back down there and waste another day off. Lol

 

That’s horrible and too much of a headache to deal with. Hopefully it can be resolved pretty soon. My CEL has never appeared on the truck until after this recall replacement. But what confuses me is there was no light for nearly three days. I assume if it was an issue, it would have alerted me as I was driving away from the dealer.

 

The EVAP test occurs under special parameters (time since off, ambient temperature, etc).

 

When my fuel pump got changed it thru a CEL the very next day. Took it back and they found a loose connection. Haven't got a CEL since. It's probably an Evap leak.

 

Yes it's been a bit of an ordeal - far too many visits to the service department and lost time/income. When the CEL light is "reset" (you can do this yourself...simply disconnect the battery, wait 30 seconds, then reconnect - the CEL light will no longer be on. However, once you drive, say, 200 km or so, then the CEL comes back on again. The longest luck I had with it off is several days, then it just comes back on.

 

probably a false error since new cars are basically computers with tires

 

Update:

So I took the truck to Advanced Auto after work and had them plug in the OBDII. Says EVAP Purge Leak. However, still no symptoms and the light is now off? Code was not cleared.