2002 taco CEL

check engine light came on today, what do i do to know what is the problem?
3.4 V6.HELP!!!!!!!

Nevermind...it was the gas cap....just had to open and retightened the gas cap..

 

Cheapest way to go (free is cheap, right?) - go to Autozone or Advanced Auto Parts or O'Reilly's etc... and get them to read the code for you. Most of the time it is something simple (O2 sensor, timing off, MAF, etc...) that you can fix yourself.

Next thing you can do, take it to a mechanic (not the dealership) and have them read the code. Some places do this as a curtousy, but I have assumed that once and ended up paying out $30! So, ask first.

If you think this is going to be a regular thing, you can purchase a Scan Tool or a permanent mount device like a Scan Gauge. I am going to the Scan Gauge route just because it has so many other features built in. These will tell you all kinds of things about your truck including what the CELs mean.

The most expensive way to go - take it to the dealership. Going this route, you at the least know that it is done right (true for most Toyota dealerships that I have gone to).

Good luck!