Check engine light...should I be concerned?

check engine light just came on in my 99 tacoma. should i worry about this?

 

maybe... is the state you live in requires smog inspection? if so, then yes. Either way, O 'Reilly and others will check the codes for free. If you do do this write the codes down. Have them check pending codes also. Did you put gas in it within the last day or 2? If so, loosen the gas cap then re tighten until it clicks.

 

Well, yeah, that's why it's there. Sometimes it's a simple fix, other times it's a sign of something serious. You don't know until you pull the error code.

You can take it to most auto parts stores and they can connect a code reader to it and will run a diagnostic. You can buy your own too for around $15-$20. You hook it up to the plug that's right by your knees under the dash.

Don't let them tell you they can fix it or whatever, ask them for the specific code(s). Come back here and we can help or do a little googling on that code number.

 

This happened to my wife a while ago on her Corolla. She comes home all freaked out that the check engine light (CEL) was on. I ran the code and it was the gas cap, lol - she had just gotten gas.

 

Yeah, I wouldn’t drive it for too long without at least finding out what code it’s throwing. Could be minor, something major, or something leading up to major.

 

Even without a smog inspection you should get it taken care of...the check engine light comes on when something is wrong and ignoring it can lead to worse issues either short term or long term.

Go to an auto parts store and they can plug their scanner into your truck's ECU and read the code...most will do it for free. Write the code down and post it here so we can try to help

 

If you even think you might open the hood buy your own Code Reader

Once you have the number if you don`t know what it means a search with your favorite gives you the details

 

I wouldn't worry. The check engine light on early tacomas only turns on to let you know so eone is thinking about you. Usually it's just your dog. But it might be a lost love! You'll have to have the codes scanned to see who it is, so you might as well have it done.