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Dealer replaced spark plugs and now check engine light is on

Discussion in '3rd Gen. Tacomas (2016-2023)' started by backpackingmom, Apr 15, 2020.

  1. Apr 15, 2020 at 4:40 PM
    #1
    backpackingmom

    backpackingmom [OP] New Member

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    Hi everyone - I am a new member. I have a 2016 Tacoma TRD - it has about 60,000 miles on it and was due for a spark plug change. I took it to our dealer today, here in Montana, and when I picked it up and drove it home (2 miles from dealer) I noticed the check engine light was on (solid not blinking). So I drove it right back to the dealer and they checked the codes and said it was a Cam Shaft Position Sensor code? My engine light was not on when I took it to the dealer this morning. I told them it was not on today and it has never been on. We just took it in for winter tire swap and they suggested at 60,000 to do a spark plug replacement. Argh!! now it seems that caused more issues.

    My question is: Could changing the spark plugs cause this issue? Its past 5pm here and the mechanics had left for the day so I left the truck with them. I do not think this is a coincidence for the check engine light to come on after they did maintenance.

    Thanks for any advice! and Hello from Montana.
     
    Last edited: Apr 16, 2020
  2. Apr 15, 2020 at 7:53 PM
    #2
    hiPSI

    hiPSI Laminar Flow

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    Welcome. No to spark plugs causing the Cam Position Sensor failure. However, it was a failure point on the 2016 model. Coincidence? Likely. Get it fixed and enjoy the truck.
     
  3. Apr 15, 2020 at 8:45 PM
    #3
    Ronzio

    Ronzio Well-Known Member

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    The job pays flat rate my guess is you got 3 new plugs and 3 original spark plugs in that motor.
     
    Biscuits and backpackingmom[OP] like this.
  4. Apr 15, 2020 at 8:58 PM
    #4
    Bleep100

    Bleep100 TOYOTA 4 LIFE

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    It seems odd to me . I hope they work with you on the fix , good luck .
     
  5. Apr 16, 2020 at 7:32 AM
    #5
    backpackingmom

    backpackingmom [OP] New Member

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    Hi Everyone, well the dealer just called and said the Camshaft Position sensor was loose. So they had to have hit it or somehow it got loose during the spark plug replacement? The the engine light is off. They said its possible they bumped it during the spark plug install. Anyways, they said to bring it back if there are any issues. Crisis averted hopefully!

    Thanks everyone!! for all your input!
     
    Last edited: Apr 16, 2020
  6. Apr 16, 2020 at 7:47 AM
    #6
    POS VETT

    POS VETT Well-Known Member

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    There is a possibility that the electrical connector was accidentally disconnected or not reconnected.
     
  7. Apr 16, 2020 at 8:06 AM
    #7
    Stocklocker

    Stocklocker Well-Known Member

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    Hopefully the guy didn’t think the sensor was a spark plug. :facepalm:
     
  8. Apr 16, 2020 at 8:16 AM
    #8
    Skydvrr

    Skydvrr IG: @kalopsianick

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    I thought it was crankshaft not camshaft? Or was it both on the 16's? I figured they accidentally unplugged or broke the sensor while they were swappin plugs
     
    backpackingmom[OP] likes this.
  9. Apr 16, 2020 at 8:19 AM
    #9
    Taco_Coma

    Taco_Coma That's a lovely accent you have. New Jersey?

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    They probably forgot to replug in the sensor after doing the plugs. The one side of the truck is easy. The other side is a pain in the ass, you have to remove a bunch of shit. I forget if you have to unplug the sensor to take something else off.
     
    backpackingmom[OP] likes this.
  10. Apr 16, 2020 at 10:13 AM
    #10
    littlefish

    littlefish Buzz, your girlfriend...

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    The one who dies with the most stuff wins.
    I changed the spark plugs myself last week and had the same issue as you. Talked about the problem and solution in this thread. Consider getting yourself and OBD code reader so you'll know in the future what is causing codes. I have this bluetooth one and it works great.
    https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00652G4TS/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
     
    backpackingmom[OP] likes this.
  11. Apr 16, 2020 at 10:43 AM
    #11
    backpackingmom

    backpackingmom [OP] New Member

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    I searched and searched on threads and did not see this thread!! This must be exactly what happened! We just picked up the truck and they said the sensor was loose like not all the way plugged in. Thanks so much!
     
  12. Apr 16, 2020 at 12:11 PM
    #12
    over60

    over60 Over70 & still a "Grumpy Old Guy"

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    Toyota running boards/Solid Fold 2.0/custom stickers/Anti-Dark LED light under hood/Derped grill/Scoop, etc.
    Welcome Mom, where is ya from...? :canada:
     
  13. Apr 16, 2020 at 12:19 PM
    #13
    rolled93slc

    rolled93slc Well-Known Member

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    I have been a flat rate tech for close to 20 years. I have worked for 4 different brands and in 4 different dealerships. And I have NEVER nor known any other tech I have worked with to every pull that crap. It's people like you and the "stealership" people, who keep techs from stepping up and answering question on here.
     
    Chew, SWPA Tacoma, eurowner and 6 others like this.
  14. Apr 16, 2020 at 12:38 PM
    #14
    littlefish

    littlefish Buzz, your girlfriend...

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    The one who dies with the most stuff wins.
    Glad you got it worked out. I'd question the dealership why they didn't notice it right away. Someone should have started the truck after the job to check for codes.
     
  15. Apr 16, 2020 at 1:14 PM
    #15
    Bleep100

    Bleep100 TOYOTA 4 LIFE

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    Dont worry about it most here dont pay attention to those kinds of posts and if you have good info we would love to hear it .
     
    HP11 likes this.
  16. Apr 16, 2020 at 3:12 PM
    #16
    Ronzio

    Ronzio Well-Known Member

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    When I hire a dealer to provide a service I expect them to put forth their best skill and effort in furthering my interests by providing worker’s skilled in tasks assigned to them but more often than not I have to go back and waste my time for something that should have been done right the first time. The reason I keep going back is to keep people like you employed so your welcome.
     
  17. Apr 17, 2020 at 5:17 AM
    #17
    littlefish

    littlefish Buzz, your girlfriend...

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    The one who dies with the most stuff wins.
    So you don't learn lessons and you hate money it sounds like? Got it.
     

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