Check Engine Light

I have a 2005 Tacoma 4x4 Access Cab, 2 years ago I had to have my engine replacement with a brand new one. Since then, I have driven about 20-25,000. I take good care of my truck, I have gone 200-300 miles past the recommended 3,000 mile oil change only once since replacing the engine. I hadn't really driven my truck much in the last 3 years, because I have a 2nd vehicle better on gas. My problem is that my check engine light came on, and I don't know why. I tried releasing the gas cap, but that didn't fix the problem. But, being a woman, anytime that I have taken my vehicles to a mechanic, they will invent a problem that I don't have, so tomorrow I will take it to hook it up to a computer for a diagnostic printout, but was wondering if anyone has any ideas of what could be causing this issue? My truck is running great, starts easy, not smoking, no loss of power. Can a faulty fuse or something simple be causing this light? What is my first step to resolve this light issue, after hooking it up on the computer at O'Reilly's? I do not want to be robbed, just because I am a woman. Suggestions would be appreciated

 

Unknown with out proper fault code

 

There's over 200 possible fault codes that can turn the light on so step one is to see what code(s) are present then depending on the code(s) we can proceed to diagnosing why they are setting.

 

Thank You, I will find that out tomorrow when I have it hooked up to the computer

 

Welcome to TW…

 

Are you sure it’s not the maintenance required light?

 

I truly feel for any female that has to take an auto to a mechanic for the reasons you list. Go to orielly and get the codes read. We can then provide guidance and validate recommendations from mechanics. But we need the codes.

 

Last I checked, the maintenance required lit says maintenance required, not check engine, as she posted in her title.

 

Get the codes. Then come back here.
We can help guide you on the direction to go next.
If anything, we can help you not get "robbed". (Maybe)

 

Sounds like quick lube hokem.

Toyota hasn't had a 3k interval in many years. Maybe decades.

Take a peek at your owners manual.

 

If you’re using synthetic it can be 5k. More than that is debatable. Less than that on synthetic is necessary.

OBDII, while not as in depth as a factory scan tool, has its place.

in my opinion it’s a minimum. If you want my take here it is. $30 code reader. Why?
Because it’s in the truck ready to scan or clear codes at any time to hopefully fix the truck on the spot or get an idea of what’s going on.

rather than depending on other people and wasting time + money driving an hour in total to Autozone with traffic every single time there’s a code. Whether it’s my truck or someone I know. Same for anything else like a cheap multimeter.
It’s an old vehicle with miles.

fast food pays like $20/hr. Not to mention other jobs paying more anyone can get that require nothing.
30 min to get there. 30 min to get back. An hour of your time and gas. Having a tool is cheaper. Time is money.

same premise behind doing an oil change in flip flops.

if you don’t agree, that’s fine. Swing by an auto parts store for a free scan and start there.

 

I heartily agree with TacoTuesday1. Get a code reader and keep it in the car or garage. This is why I got my daughter one, so she can scan her own car to at least have an idea of what is going on with it.

Also look around for a good mechanic that won't take you for a ride. Just do it when there is nothing wrong with the car so you aren't in a rush. They do exist, just have to look hard for them. I've got one and we found one in Binghamton, NY for my daughter while she was going to school there.

 

Ok here is the codes for my problem: P0456, and below that it says Suggested Parts: 1, Canister Purge Valve/Solenoid. So, first I looked it up on Amazon to see if they have it, and it wants me to order one, but for the left side, I didn't know that there was 2 of them. So, I called O'REILLY'S, and they quoted me 2 different prices, one for the left side and one for the right side! Oh yeah, the print out also says: that my P0456 Code indicates that the Evaporative Emissions System had a small leak for a predetermined period of time.

 

4 or 6 cylinder engine?

 

That depends. She said she replaced the engine.
Depending on the engine manufacturer, it could verry well be that the recommendation is 3K miles.

EVAP codes are hard to diagnose.
It could be any one of the following.
I’d start with making sure the gas cap is tight. (That’s free and easy)
If you are determined to throw parts at it, start with a gas cap.
But you’ll likely need a smoke machine to know for sure.

Here are all the things related to that code that can be the cause

1. Fuel cap (loose)
2. Leakage from EVAP line
   (Canister - Fuel tank)
3. Leakage from EVAP line
   (Purge VSV - Canister)
4. Canister pump module
5. Leakage from fuel tank
6. Leakage from canister

 

I wouldn't start buying parts just yet, first off check your gas cap seal and sealing surface and make sure it's on tight.