How do I find out what my cel means?

It just came on today as I was driving back from work, Im used to old mr2's and on those you just jump some connectors and count the number of times the light flashes, I imagine its not that easy on these trucks. Do I need to go buy a special reader or...?

I have a 98 2.7l 4x4

 

Go to Autozone or equivalent and they will read the codes for you for free and tell you what they mean. Some places will even print it out for you.

 

Yes, you need a special OBD II reader. They can be bought for very reasonable prices, and are great to have around. If you would rather save $$, you can get the codes read for you for free at most major auto parts stores like Advance, AutoZone, O'Reilly, etc.

 

OBDII code scanner from Amazon and Torque for Android phones will let you see codes, get info about them, and clear codes. Total cost under $30

 

Or buy a ultra gauge and have the ability to read codes, clear the check engine light and monitor your trucks health

 

OBDII bluetooth adapter is about $5 shipped on ebay. Torque is free, the paid version has a few more bells and whistles but the free will scan the code and then search the internet for it's meaning, clear your codes, read all your sensors, do a dozen different gauges you don't have on your dash etc etc etc.

If you have an IPHONE, you're screwed. And you can't get torque

 

I use a OBD2 scanner for that. Don't think that all this jumper business is gone though. That's how you find info on other lights, like ABS light. My 2005 Tundra had ABS light on. Found the directions, followed procedure for checking the code. Counted the number of beeps and bops and the code was no signal to right rear speed sensor. Found some pinched wires inside the protective sheathing. Fixed em up, good to go.

When I had it in the dealer before that for an oil change, they said abs light is on, can we diagnose it, I said sure. They said it needed a new speed sensor ($~400 part) plus "labor" they said. No thanks liars.

 

Those have the possibility of damaging the computers. Too much interference sometimes. I had one, still have it actually. Dont use it anymore. Bought a stand-alone one from Harbor Freight for $87 and I love it.