2004 1st Gen Check Engine Light Reset

Hi all, I'm new here. Just bought my 2004 v6 5spd 4x4 TRD, Lunar Mist, 167k mi., paid $9k. Thanks for all the info. It's been great to have this resource while getting familiar with my truck.

I got a bit scared when the check engine light came on only 100 miles into my ownership. I didn't find a super straight forward thread on the subject of 1st gens Check.Engine.Light reset so hopefully my instructions for CEL below are correct/helpful for future users.

1. Turn key to ON but do not turn over engine.
2. hit odometer reset button until total mileage shows.
3. Turn key to OFF.
4. Press and hold clutch pedal all the way in. do NOT engage brake pedal.
5. Press and hold odometer reset button while turning key all the way - fire up engine.

This worked for me, hope it helps with y'all. I'm assuming mine was a check fluids and tire pressure warning at 167000? Or maybe its gonna come right back on next time i drive but I sure hope not!

 

never heard of a check engine light reset like that. The light comes on for an issue that should be addressed. its not a maintenance light like the newer Toyotas have. I always thought the only way to turn it off was with a scan tool and clear the codes or disconnect the battery for a few minutes.

 

Yea, I can't believe that reset worked. Never heard of such a thing.

 

I think you might be confusing the Check Engine light with a maintenance light of some sort (though I don't think 1st gens have a maintenance light, mine doesn't)...either way, the check engine light does not come on to remind you to check fluids or tire pressures. It only comes one when there is a malfunction of some sort with the powertrain. The check engine light should not just be turned off and ignored, if it comes on that means there is a code being thrown by the computer that you should get scanned so you know what's wrong with your truck, because something is wrong if that light comes on. If you turned it off without solving the issue it represented, it will be back.

You can still get the code pulled even if you turned off the light; take your truck in to AutoZone or someplace similar and they'll hook up their diagnostic software and read the code for you for free (the code gets stored in the ECU even if the check engine light is reset). Get the code from them and post it here so we can help you figure out why the light came on, and what might be wrong.

Welcome to TW!

 

For about $80 at any auto parts store you can buy an entry level OBDll Code Reader. You can read most codes. Some code readers will also read ABS. Most code readers will also allow you to reset the check engine light.

Since most repair shops charge $$$$$ just to read the codes. I'd recommend not going to them unless it's a last resort.
Plus, the code could be telling you the gas cap is loose & I'd feel stupid if I paid a shop, only to find out how simple the fix was.

 

I voted no, cause

also, welcome to Toyota, hide your wallet

 

Thanks for all the constructive advice. I'll get the code checked at autozone or maybe get the obdII reader.

FWIW the light is the one with a little engine shape and the word "check" under it. It has not come back on.

Interesting, the light came on with my first fill-up.

 

Sounds like a loose gas cap or gas cap seal is going bad. We've all done it.

 

Yeah make sure the gas cap clicks a few times when you tighten it back on. If it won't or if it throws that same code regardless, you might need a new gas cap. Make sure you get an OEM Toyota one and not an aftermarket one; aftermarket gas caps are pretty well known to be junk across the board.

 

I haven't gotten the code checked so can't say what the problem is. But the light did come ON again and the above described process did turn the light OFF again, so it does seem to work to reset the CEL (although obviously doesn't solve any underlying issue).

 

Having just replaced my TPS (Throttle Position Sensor) I had a legitimate reason to reset my check engine light and these instructions worked for me. I was on an extensive camping/road trip when the light came on and I talked a repair place into coding the light for me. Since the TPS malfunction was not critical I waited until I got home to replace but when I did replace it I wanted the light off so if something else came up I would get the heads up. Glad these instructions were here!
Gary D