My unicorn threw a CEL :(

Hey guys, so one of my fears came to fruition today. My 2004 Tacoma that I bought about a month ago threw a check engine light while in traffic this afternoon.

Truck details: 25,000 miles on it, 5sp manual, TRD supercharger, headers and exhaust

The truck still runs and drives like normal, isn't overheating, idles just fine, nothing sounds any different, at least not to me. I'm no mechanic but I'm hoping that it's something small. The truck has very low mileage but it is 12 years old, so maybe there's a crack in one of my vacuum lines or something of that nature?

Here's a video of the engine getting rev'ed a bit, maybe one of you guys can help me pinpoint what it might be? The CEL is solid, not flashing...no other lights are on.

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/p872vpyxi4o7bwc/AAA11gBx6FtV6m6gEHAvE688a?dl=0

I can't get it to upload to this post, might be too big. Should be able to follow the link though to listen to it I think.

Thanks in advance guys, really hoping I'm not screwed on something here

 

Wow that is a low milage truck!

Have you pulled the code? If not, go to any autoparts store like Orileys and they will lend you a code reader for free so you can pull your own code and report it back here. No one is going to be much help without it. Could be something as simple as your fuel cap wasn't tightened enough.

 

This, sorry to hear that. Hopefully is something simple. Btw don't most dealership offer a 3 months/3k miles warranty ????

 

Thanks guys, I'll go out and check the gas cap. I did just fill it up last night after a lengthy road trip (she performed fine, no problems or CEL). It came on this morning after driving about 20 miles.

Unfortunately even though she's under 36k miles, she's well over the 3 year mark and it's whichever comes first with the factory warranty(s). I did however purchase an extended warranty up to 60k miles when I bought the truck in case anything like this happens, but I'm concerned that if it has something to do with the supercharger that they'll find a way to tell me the warranty won't cover it.

edit: just realized I misread your post, sorry. I did get a 1 month dealer warranty, now that you mention it I am still within that time frame. The dealer I got it from is almost 3 hours away though, I'm thinking I'll take it somewhere local and see what they say, if it's something major I'll make plans to get it down to the original dealer.

 

Oh ok, well good luck. Like the previous guy told you get the code and most of the time the guys here are pretty good and can help you out.

 

Alright had the guys at pep boys run the code, P0171, 'system too lean'. Did I put in a bad tank of gas last night when I filled up?

 

Just to reiterate, the truck is idling smoothly, drives normally...after driving through the desert yesterday I got home and filled up my tank with 91 premium (have to because of the supercharger)...drove it this morning for 20 miles or so and the code popped up. Nothing seemingly wrong with the truck other than the PO171 code.

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/p0171-code.108723/

Might wanna try that.

 

This are some experiences from previous ops
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/p0171-solved-finally.330233/

 

I'd clean the MAF.

 

Cool thanks guys, I'll try a few things and see if I can solve it. Think it's alright to drive in the meantime? Need to get to work in the AM. It isn't acting up or anything but I don't want to make it worse...

 

Cleaning the MAF won't hurt it...

 

Sorry I meant driving it in the meantime before I have a chance to clean the MAF

 

Try to keep it out of boost. Running lean in boost is not your friend.

 

Did the Pepboys tech clear the code for you with his tool? Did the CEL come back after being cleared? You can clear the code yourself by disconnecting the battery, wait a few minutes and reconnect. If you haven't tried clearing the code yet, try it. It may stay away, depending on the root cause.

 

I think I fixed it! Cleaned the MAF, pulled the negative terminal on the battery for a few minutes and the CEL went away. Drove it around for 10 minutes, gave her some boost, and no CEL. Hopefully it stays this way, thanks for all the help guys!


edit: I did notice that she was idling real low after starting up after I put the MAF back together, didn't stall though and drove around just fine. Is it just readjusting or is this cause for concern?

 

Might just be the ecu relearning the fuel trims since you pulled the battery terminal... hopefully it'll level itself out.