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Really, really simple question from a newbie

Discussion in '1st Gen. Tacomas (1995-2004)' started by jermanjaysfan, Mar 1, 2010.

  1. Mar 1, 2010 at 10:27 PM
    #1
    jermanjaysfan

    jermanjaysfan [OP] Member

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    Hey guys,

    Just bought a used '03 PreRunner from my uncle. Quite a few miles on it but it runs like a dream.

    The other day, I filled up with gas. Shortly after getting on the highway (~1 min after the fillup), I noticed the check engine light come on. Naturally, I figured I hadn't tightened the cap correctly. I took care of this, but the light stayed on. Consulting the manual tells me that this should reset after a few trips. So I continued on my merry way.

    Now a week after this incident, I haven't noticed any issues. No funny noises, nothing. But the light is still there. Oil level is fine.

    So, I'm ready to forget about the thing. But I figured I should probably check to see if everything is good in terms of oil pressure. Logic: if the oil is topped up fine, and the oil is flowing, then I don't think there is any immediate danger.

    Long story short- can anyone advise me as to how I should go about checking the pressure?

    Thanks a bundle!
     
  2. Mar 1, 2010 at 10:32 PM
    #2
    dylandercole

    dylandercole Well-Known Member

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    go to your local auto store and they can usually check the code for you. make sure you know the problem
     
  3. Mar 1, 2010 at 10:32 PM
    #3
    rab89

    rab89 Well-Known Member

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    unhook your battery for a few mins, if it comes back on you have another problem.
     
  4. Mar 1, 2010 at 10:48 PM
    #4
    jermanjaysfan

    jermanjaysfan [OP] Member

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    Thanks for the quick replies guys. I should add that the truck has gone ~120 miles since the light, so I imagine anything serious would have presented itself.
     
  5. Mar 1, 2010 at 11:39 PM
    #5
    t33gee

    t33gee aka Tg

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    hook her up to a scan tool and get the code. thats the beauty of obd2 :)
     
  6. Mar 2, 2010 at 2:30 AM
    #6
    4WD

    4WD cRaZy oLdmAn

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    X2 , There are so many things that can cause a check engine light, go to AAmco transmission, they'll do it for free as well as some auto parts stores....:cool:
     
  7. Mar 2, 2010 at 5:44 AM
    #7
    2004Taco

    2004Taco Financially Irresponsible

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    Did you make sure you screwed your gas cap on until it clicks? That happen to me on my s-10 before. I'll I did was disconnect to battery. No more check engine light :)
     
  8. Mar 2, 2010 at 7:34 AM
    #8
    Space Wrangler

    Space Wrangler Well-Known Member

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    this is the correct answer. take off the negative lead ..this will reset the computer. .... if the light returns, you can then go to the auto part store and have them pull the codes and tell you what the problem is.

    it may just be a faulty gas cap. ..
     
  9. Mar 2, 2010 at 7:38 AM
    #9
    Cars0n`

    Cars0n` Well-Known Member

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    i usually check it,
    pop the hood, yep the engine is still there so wtf is with the light?

    lol jk. yeah like said above just hook it up to a scanner and tell u what the prob is. usually its a bad sensor or something stupid.
     
  10. Mar 2, 2010 at 9:02 AM
    #10
    pairodice

    pairodice Well-Known Member

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    try putting gas somewhere else in my infiniti everytime i put gas at sams club it turns on then about 2 tanks later it turns off
     
  11. Mar 3, 2010 at 5:39 PM
    #11
    jermanjaysfan

    jermanjaysfan [OP] Member

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    Thanks for the replies guys. Got it scanned and turns out its just a faulty gas cap sensor. Phew.

    I've got another one for you guys- just curious if any of you guys know what could happen if you overfill the oil (say by 1qt.).
     
  12. Mar 3, 2010 at 5:46 PM
    #12
    Taco505

    Taco505 Well-Known Member

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    haha well not sure what damage it will do.

    but my buddy did something like like that before he was changing his oil and just changed the oil filter and didnt drain the pan, then put the new oil in.

    the dumbass was wondering why the oil level was so high then he realized and had to drain out like 5qts and it made a really big mess. also when he drove the truck for about 5 miles he had a huge cloud of white smoke behind him.

    but nothin happened to the truck still runs great till this day haha
     
  13. Mar 3, 2010 at 5:52 PM
    #13
    jermanjaysfan

    jermanjaysfan [OP] Member

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    I've heard of this happening to people at those quick oil change places. The shmucks at those places forget to drain the pan and dump 5 more quarts in and people leave driving around with 10qts of frothy oil.
     
  14. Mar 3, 2010 at 5:57 PM
    #14
    ToyoFF1274

    ToyoFF1274 Well-Known Member

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    To much oil could cause a increase in pressure in the crankcase possibly causing the seals to leak, Also if the level is above the bottom stroke of the pistons you will burn some oil causing the plugs to foul if its not fixed.
     
  15. Mar 3, 2010 at 6:03 PM
    #15
    jermanjaysfan

    jermanjaysfan [OP] Member

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    See, this is essentially what I figured. I was just curious I guess as to where the line is where it starts causing problems. 1qt? 2qt?
     
  16. Mar 12, 2010 at 7:43 PM
    #16
    henrysethxiii

    henrysethxiii Member

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    It was probably the gas cap, but the code has to be cleared with a scan tool. Just had to do it with my moms Avalon.
     

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