I have a 97 Toyota 4-Runner that I‘ve had for 3 years it is in perfect condition. Just recently the check engine light came on I have never had that in 3 years. My dad said maybe it‘s the gas cap but I got gas last week i make sure the gas cap clicks so that cant be it. (Trying to ask my dad for help he‘s no help) My car was looked at not to long ago with no problems I don‘t want my car to stop on me in the middle of where I need to go. Does the oil have something to do with the engine? Should I wait a week to see if the check engine light is still on to get it inspected? I‘m trying to learn about cars and I need help.
This Site Might Help You. RE: My Toyota 1997 4-Runner Check Engine Light? I have a 97 Toyota 4-Runner that I've had for 3 years it is in perfect condition. Just recently the check engine light came on I have never had that in 3 years. My dad said maybe it's the gas cap but I got gas last week i make sure the gas cap clicks so that cant be it. (Trying to ask.
The gas cap is one of 500 things that can turn the light on. You have an OBDII vehicle. The best thing to do is invest in a decent Code Reader/Scanner. The decent ones start at $50 and most auto parts stores sell them or search online. The great thing is they'll work on any car sold in the U.S. from 1996 to present day so you'll always need it and use it kinda like a screwdriver. I don't know why everyone doesn't have one yet. The Check Engine light is for the engines computer system which includes emission controls and all it's sensors and solenoid's. When the light comes on, that means the computer has flagged a problem and has set a trouble code. So step one is to plug into the diagnostic connector, that is 24 from the steering column on all vehicles 1996 and newer, with a code reader and see what the trouble codes are. For example, code P0442 is the universal loose gas cap code. But it also be a small air leak anywhere on the fuel tank. P stands for Powertrain, then the following numbers are specific to the area the problem is. In Missouri, you can get codes checked for free at Autozone but MO is currently trying to follow Cali by making it illegal for Autozone to clear the codes. If you do go there, get the code numbers and run!! Like Davey said, THEY ARE NOT AUTO TECHNICIAN'S. Long story short, your next step is to get the code numbers from the vehicles computer. Write them down, then go from there. Come back and post the codes in a new question.
