Check engine light question.

I have a 2005 Tacoma TRD 4.0 access cab. Last week the thermostat failed, it overheated and the head gasket failed. The local Toyota dealer service shop repaired it for me for $3400. I like my Tacoma, it has been a great truck. This is the first problem i have had in 134,000 miles.
When it overheated I did not get a check engine light. The first warning I received was when i smelled antifreeze and checked the heat gauge and pulled over. I try to check the gauges while driving, but i was on a 7.5 hour drive to Kentucky for deer hunting. I know i did not check the gauges every two miles.
The Toyota service tech tells me that this truck has no warning light for overheating, it dose have a check engine light for not reaching run temperature. He said that Toyota did not program it to give a warning light. Is this true?

 

Yes, the tech is correct.

It's why you have a temp gauge to monitor.

 

Ultragauge has alarms for different things if that's what you're looking. I haven't checked but I would not be surprised if a temperature alarm is an option on the Ultragauge.

 

Thanks for the conformation Clearwater Bill. I will be checking the gauges more often.
I would have though that Toyota would have programed in a warning light. The truck only monitors for not reaching run temperature, but dose not monitor for overheating, This seam like it would be a design flaw to me. A engine can run hot very fast if the thermostat sticks closed when the engine is already at running temperature.
I was on a 466 mile drive when this happened at about 300 miles into the drive. I will check the gauges more often, especially now that I know that it has no warning light to draw my attention to the gauges,

 

Check engine light has more to do with emmisions type failures and engine sensors detecting problems. You said the thermostat failed. Typically those fail in the open position which would allow the coolant to flow. Head gasket failures are an issue in the 05s. I'm just wondering if your head gasket failed which then caused the engine to overheat.

 

No design flaw. Vehicles with no gauge have warning lights. Vehicles with gauges don't. Its not a rocketship, redundacy is not needed.

Observation by the operator should be quite adequate.

And yes, I think low fuel lights are silly too. A gauge is enough.

 

Well, I guess we have a difference of opinion on this. For a vehicle that is programed to give a warning for the door not closed, seat belt not on, low fuel level, a miss firing code, or what ever I think a warning light for over temperature should have programed into it.
My observation when driving 75 mph on the interstate is mostly on the road and the other drivers.

 

My 04 does not have a warning light for engine temp, have to keep an eye on the temp gauge. Its a habit for me while daily driving to glance at it every so often as I keep a sharp eye on it when I'm offroading. Had a close call once after I first got my truck and caught it as it was creeping up toward the red zone (had a crappy e-fan at the time). Never again

 

When my head gasket failed it caused missfire on cylinder 6, that caused check engine light to come on, but like previous folks said, over heating wont trigger it. FYI, i had dealership do mine in June, i also had them do the water pump (which i recommend doing) and change the guides on cam chains... total was right under $4,000 said and done. Its not cheap BUT keep all your records and also file a complaint with Toyota. When i called the rep hinted that Toyota is aware of the factory defect in the 2005's and some 2006's. Hopefully and likely there will be a recall at some point in the future. Thats one of the main reasons i had dealership do the repairs... so its documented.

 

Oh, while its there getting fixed, may as well have then put your new rear leafs on to!

 

It does. Money well spent

 

For a non safety issue on a 10+ yo vehicle? One that miles, usage and maintenace would all have potential impact on?

If you wanna bet, I'll pm you the info you need to send my winnings to.

 

Its been documented that the temperature gauge in all generations of Tacoma's is ridiculously inaccurate.

By the time you see the temperature has risen to the "hot" section of the gauge, the damage to the head gaskets may have already occurred.

As mentioned, an aftermarket gauge is the best investment you can make for your truck. The available information that you can get from your truck will amaze you.