Uh oh ... two warning lights on my dashboard.

[Munjibunga]

I got in my car yesterday and noticed my "Check Engine" light and my traction control light were both on. I read the manual, and there was nothing specific mentioned other than "Take to dealer."

So I got up early and drove it to the Toyota dealer (who does service on Lexus), and asked them if they do warranty work. No, they can do routine services, but not warranty work. I usually take it to the Toyota dealer because their labor rate is about two-thirds of what Lexus charges. So I grooved on over to the Lexus dealer which is right next door.

So a young lady came out and asked what I needed. I told her, "Well, I want an oil change, but I also want you to check into why these warning lights are on." After waiting in the customer lounge for about ten minutes my service advisor came and got me, and we went to write up the order.

They gave me a loaner car (a Camry) and sent me on my way. At about 2:30, I got a call from the dealer saying my car was ready. He told me what the problem was, and I asked him if they did the oil change.

"Uh, no, we didn't have that on the order."

"Well, could you do one real quick?"

"No, but if you let me keep it 'til tomorrow we can do it in the morning."

"How much is the oil change?"

"A hundred and twenty dollars."

"Tell you what - I'll come and get it now. Thanks."

Anyway, you're probably wondering what the problem was that led to the warning lights. Guess. Your mind will be blown. I'll post the answer later tonight. BTW, there was no charge for the service.

[bassteban]

You didn't screw the gas cap down fully?

[fdeck]

Since traction control was involved, I'm guessing tire inflation.

Being a tightwad, I discovered that the car parts store near my house will run a code scan for free, and the owner gives free advice as well -- that is typically pretty reliable. I've been there on days when he is in the parking lot going from one car to the next.

[Munjibunga]

Originally Posted by bassteban

You didn't screw the gas cap down fully?

Now my mind is blown. Either you work on the silly things, or it's happened to you.

Thanks for ruining my thread. No prize for you.

[Datsgor]

Is there a rodent involved?





edit....oh well

[Munjibunga]

Originally Posted by fdeck

Since traction control was involved, I'm guessing tire inflation.

Being a tightwad, I discovered that the car parts store near my house will run a code scan for free, and the owner gives free advice as well -- that is typically pretty reliable. I've been there on days when he is in the parking lot going from one car to the next.

It has a separate warning light for tire inflation. It was the gas cap.

[guitar<bass]

edit.. too late. I lose

[mpdd]

wish it was my gas cap, my check engine light is on because my gf switched my automatic tundra from drive to reverse trying to downshift in the desert

[seanm]

They didn't even charge for the loaner? Sweet!

The ABS light on my truck is on. It could be because the truck is 13 years old.... or it could be because I pulled the ABS fuse

But the weirdest problem I had was when the alternator died. I drove to my Sister's for Christmas and killed the battery. Borrowed a battery, and drove home. After getting home, turned off the truck and the high beams came on. Looks like somehow I killed the daytime running lights module, since unplugging it solved the problem.

[Schlyder]

Yup gas cap.. first thing to check when check engine light goes on. I bet you just filled up before the light came on too. I had this happen on my car. Replace cap.. problem gone.

[shawn-o]

Originally Posted by Schlyder

Yup gas cap.. first thing to check when check engine light goes on. I bet you just filled up before the light came on too. I had this happen on my car. Replace cap.. problem gone.

Sometimes you've gotta pull the battery cable after replacing the gas cap to clear the CEL codes.

Ive seen it happen multiple times lol. I have a code reader that has come in handy quite afew times.

[Darkstrike]

Should have just stuck some black tape over the warning lights.

[Schlyder]

Originally Posted by shawn-o

Sometimes you've gotta pull the battery cable after replacing the gas cap to clear the CEL codes.

Ive seen it happen multiple times lol. I have a code reader that has come in handy quite afew times.

yes sometimes you need to disconnect the battery for about 5 -10 minutes so the computer resets. I had one car that you could key the ignition on,off,on,off,on... and the warning lights would flash a code.. check the code in the manual, and it tells you what's wrong or what system to check.

[runmikeyrun]

I was a chevy mechanic before I started working on people. Lots of people came in with CEL because of faulty/loose gas caps. That was my guess too.

$120 for an oil change? Wow some rich people must be really stupid. Glad you told them to shove it. BTW most cut rate brake shops will run specials for oil change/tire rotation for $19.99. Just ignore them when they tell you all the work you car needs done, it's a total scam. Purchase the OEM filter from Toyota and have them use it... Toyotas (and Hondas) factory filters have a rubber check valve that holds the oil in them so the engine doesn't starve for oil on start up. Aftermarket filters AFAIK don't have the check valve.

There's a reason why I now work on people instead of cars. They're easier to fix and they complain less than car owners!

[Munjibunga]

Originally Posted by runmikeyrun

I was a chevy mechanic before I started working on people. Lots of people came in with CEL because of faulty/loose gas caps. That was my guess too.

$120 for an oil change? Wow some rich people must be really stupid. Glad you told them to shove it. BTW most cut rate brake shops will run specials for oil change/tire rotation for $19.99. Just ignore them when they tell you all the work you car needs done, it's a total scam. Purchase the OEM filter from Toyota and have them use it... Toyotas (and Hondas) factory filters have a rubber check valve that holds the oil in them so the engine doesn't starve for oil on start up. Aftermarket filters AFAIK don't have the check valve.

There's a reason why I now work on people instead of cars. They're easier to fix and they complain less than car owners!

They always tell you they need to turn the rotors when you have new pads put on. I've never had it done.

[Time Monkey]

What motor is in that lexus?

[Munjibunga]

Originally Posted by Time Monkey

What motor is in that lexus?

Well, it's an engine, actually, but it's the 303 hp, 3.5 litre. (GS350)

[Time Monkey]

im curious if the traction control is electronic or vacuum controlled. the vacuum lines are kind of shoddy on those *engines

[guy n. cognito]

My last 4 cars have been purchased CPO from the dealer. As part of my deal, I always require them to throw in their maintenance package and extended warranty for free. That way, all I do is throw them the keys, pick up my loaner, and let them worry about the cost.

[Bob Lee (QSC)]

Yeah, a loose filler cap will trigger an evap system fault. In some cars it will self-reset after a few starts.