Engine Management Light

[SAM LOVERS HER TOYOTAS]

Hello again experts...

Guys...my ENGINE MANAGEMENT LIGHT came back on a few days back after having it diagnosed 3 months ago and found it was one of the o2 sensors in the engine bay that triggered it off...the mechanic recons they can trigger the light often but doesnt mean the sensor needs replacing immediately...so i drove it around and no probs...but when it came back on...i read a recent forum on this site...people spoke about pulling the 15 amp EFI fuse out within the engine bay fuse box and putting it back in and the light would cancel out...and suprise suprise it worked a TREAT!!!

Now im worried...because i understand that its cancelled the light...but its still stored with the onboard computer!!! What im thinking is...will it come on again if its the same problem? And what if it doesnt come on again for another 3 months, does that mean everythings okay in the meantime?

The way i see it is if there was a serious problem even after doing the fuse trick the light would come straight back on if it was serious? Am i right in thinking this???

Any thought upon this matter??? Thank you in advance.

Sam

[richard.c]

Any thought upon this matter??? Thank you in advance.

Sam

Hi,

Not sure if your ECU is the same as my Mk1 Avensis, but when I remove that fuse or disconnect the Battery it will clear the ECU fault code memory and turn off the light.

If you have a 'hard' fault, say a physically broken sensor , then when you start up again, the lamp will come back on straight away.

Resetting the unit like that does not affect the way any new faults are recorded.

On my older unit I can read out the error code myself but think on your unit you needs a proper ' reader'

When is your MOT due ? - if there is a problem with your 02 sensor then its likely that will show up on the emmisions test.

The price of a failed MOT test might be cheaper that having a diagnostic test from Mr T, who always say it might not show the fault up anyway, but still costs you.

Usually get the best impartial MOT from your local council mot testing station, as they cannot repair you car, only test it.

[SAM LOVERS HER TOYOTAS]

Any thought upon this matter??? Thank you in advance.

Sam

Hi,

Not sure if your ECU is the same as my Mk1 Avensis, but when I remove that fuse or disconnect the Battery it will clear the ECU fault code memory and turn off the light.

If you have a 'hard' fault, say a physically broken sensor , then when you start up again, the lamp will come back on straight away.

Resetting the unit like that does not affect the way any new faults are recorded.

On my older unit I can read out the error code myself but think on your unit you needs a proper ' reader'

When is your MOT due ? - if there is a problem with your 02 sensor then its likely that will show up on the emmisions test.

The price of a failed MOT test might be cheaper that having a diagnostic test from Mr T, who always say it might not show the fault up anyway, but still costs you.

Usually get the best impartial MOT from your local council mot testing station, as they cannot repair you car, only test it.

Hi Richard

Your a star...thank you so much for your advice. My mot is due in September 2010, i really hope this o2 sensor wont affect the test then. as mentioned i had it diagnostic checked by my local mechanic, he's got a very complex bit of kit, and it came up that the 1 of the o2 sensors in the engine bay triggered the light, but like i said when you clear the light it drives fine for a few months before coming back on. Ang good advice about having it mot'd at my local council station, funny because i was just saying that to my partner yesterday infact! Do they charge for a re-test do you know??? Takecare.

Sammy

[richard.c]

Do they charge for a re-test do you know??? Takecare.

Sammy

Hi,

As far as I know they do not do re-test in that sense - you just book in for a complete new test - as they do not repair your car there and then like a garage they have to do a full test.

I was failed on three different points on my old Vauxhall by the main dealer, but after replacing the rear exhaust the council test station passed it straight away - just proved to me that some garages just invent faults.

You may find that the council testers seem very zealous or pedantic and give you plenty of Advisory notes, but do remember they test loads of Avensiss' as they have to test all the Taxis in their area, so they really know what to look for - I find it very helpful as I then know what to keep an eye on .

Also go with the tester / viewing area an watch the test, you get much better feedback when the tester knows you are interested in looking after your car.

Your O2 sensors are not that dear, I've just one but that costs nearly £400 ! - suggest you buy genuine Toyota sensors as I tried an after market one that proved not much good. Always push Toyota for some discount and do not be afraid to shop around, different T dealers may give better discounts.

[SAM LOVERS HER TOYOTAS]

Do they charge for a re-test do you know??? Takecare.

Sammy

Hi,

As far as I know they do not do re-test in that sense - you just book in for a complete new test - as they do not repair your car there and then like a garage they have to do a full test.

I was failed on three different points on my old Vauxhall by the main dealer, but after replacing the rear exhaust the council test station passed it straight away - just proved to me that some garages just invent faults.

You may find that the council testers seem very zealous or pedantic and give you plenty of Advisory notes, but do remember they test loads of Avensiss' as they have to test all the Taxis in their area, so they really know what to look for - I find it very helpful as I then know what to keep an eye on .

Also go with the tester / viewing area an watch the test, you get much better feedback when the tester knows you are interested in looking after your car.

Your O2 sensors are not that dear, I've just one but that costs nearly £400 ! - suggest you buy genuine Toyota sensors as I tried an after market one that proved not much good. Always push Toyota for some discount and do not be afraid to shop around, different T dealers may give better discounts.

Hi richard...

You just gave me a near heart attack!!! Tell me you didnt pay £400 for just 1 o2 sensor??? Are they that expensive???

[Beagh1958]

To Sam,

The garage you took your car to are talking a small bit of B------S. You say you have an MOT test coming up, if you have a faulty Lambda sensor, you may well find that your car might fail on the emissions. Even a small hole in your exhaust can cause an emission failure. If light keeps coming back on, you have an underlying fault. Should your lambda sensor be at fault, one of the problems it can cause is over fuelling due to in-correct signals to your ECM & over fuelling kills catalytic units.

Bring your car to another garage and have a diagnostics check carried out, post your trouble codes on forum & someone will come forward with help.

Regards, Beagh.

[richard.c]

You just gave me a near heart attack!!! Tell me you didnt pay £400 for just 1 o2 sensor??? Are they that expensive???

Hi,

Well don't worry - your vvti sensors are not that expensive, but yes the price is correct - Toyota list price £390 inc vat athough a bit of discount can bring the price down to about £350.

I previously bought an after market 02 sensor but that did not cure the problem, and actually gave me poorer running, although all tests and advice still point to the sensor.

Have the mot in a couple of weeks, am going to put it through with the existing sensor, which was right on the emissions limit last year, but am going to try someone else's fix ( a trucker ) - will let you know if it works.

If it doesn't is it worth £400 to fix a car worth ... well not much at 145K and 10 years old - would feel sick paying that if it did not cure the fault !!

I know it time to get another smaller car - as its the 'green' thing to do - but when you have had a transit van plough into your front end you really appreciate having long sturdy bonnet in front of you!

[SAM LOVERS HER TOYOTAS]

To Sam,

The garage you took your car to are talking a small bit of B------S. You say you have an MOT test coming up, if you have a faulty Lambda sensor, you may well find that your car might fail on the emissions. Even a small hole in your exhaust can cause an emission failure. If light keeps coming back on, you have an underlying fault. Should your lambda sensor be at fault, one of the problems it can cause is over fuelling due to in-correct signals to your ECM & over fuelling kills catalytic units.

Bring your car to another garage and have a diagnostics check carried out, post your trouble codes on forum & someone will come forward with help.

Regards, Beagh.

HI BEAGH,

The mot is only due in October 2010...so do you think il be okay in the meantime? My question is if the lambda sensor was faulty...wouldnt the engine light come back on...even after cancelling the light out by pulling the efi fuse?

[SAM LOVERS HER TOYOTAS]

You just gave me a near heart attack!!! Tell me you didnt pay £400 for just 1 o2 sensor??? Are they that expensive???

Hi,

Well don't worry - your vvti sensors are not that expensive, but yes the price is correct - Toyota list price £390 inc vat athough a bit of discount can bring the price down to about £350.

I previously bought an after market 02 sensor but that did not cure the problem, and actually gave me poorer running, although all tests and advice still point to the sensor.

Have the mot in a couple of weeks, am going to put it through with the existing sensor, which was right on the emissions limit last year, but am going to try someone else's fix ( a trucker ) - will let you know if it works.

If it doesn't is it worth £400 to fix a car worth ... well not much at 145K and 10 years old - would feel sick paying that if it did not cure the fault !!

I know it time to get another smaller car - as its the 'green' thing to do - but when you have had a transit van plough into your front end you really appreciate having long sturdy bonnet in front of you!

Richard,

You make me laugh about the transit coming at you...true though! Would never have survived that in my likkle micra! Hey please do let me know about your trucker's fix...would be interesting indeed! My MOT is due in october 2010 so a bit of a wait for me! Was thinking if i should remove all the o2 sensors (heard theres 4 in total in the engine bay & 1 near the cat?) and see if they can be cleaned in some way? May be they build up with soot or something?

[richard.c]

Was thinking if i should remove all the o2 sensors (heard theres 4 in total in the engine bay & 1 near the cat?) and see if they can be cleaned in some way? May be they build up with soot or something?

Hi,

You have several ECU sensors on the engine but think you only have three 02 sensors on yours - two pre cat and one post cat.

If you read the forums just removing the sensor can pop them out, and cleaning is more likely to kill them as well.

Think you would be better establishing what the error code actually is, when you had it 'read' what was the number ? - if it was an 02 sensor it should relate to which one.

See this list for the numbers at this ecu code helpsite

Visit My Website

Think your front sensors are half the price of the rear, but as Beagh1958 said establish the code then post the results here for the experts to cast their eyes on it.

When an error is flagged up and your light comes on, you cannot see if another error has occured, but if it does the ECU should store all the error codes, so ensure the guy reading it lists all the codes flagged - just incase you are getting more than one error type.

The reason your light comes on in the way it does, is that something is slightly out, possibly just a sensor, but an error reading is given when the ECU detect a condition beyond normal tolerances, but this might only occur one a week, so when you clear the fault code, it could be days before that condition occurs again.

[Beagh1958]

To Sam,

I was giving you a worse case problem, but believe me it happens all the time. The best thing you can do is bring your car to a proper garage who do not guess, guessing empties your pockets. Have a emission test carried out, atleast you will know if you have a pass or a fail & post your results hear. Make sure they plug diagnostic equipment into car & any error codes that may be stored, you can also post on forum.

One example error code that is very common is P0030 which denotes pre cat oxygen sensor, system wiring or ECM at fault ie: Engine Control Module, so you see that one code could be one of three faults. The days of guessing what may cause a fault are long gone. You could try www.Bosch.co.uk or Lucas website to track down local approved workshop who deal with auto-electrics. Your wasting your time pulling fuse out, if light keeps coming back-on you have a problem.

Regards, Beagh.

[mrstoppings]

LOTS OF TOYOTAS HAVE THIS PROBLEM.

I HAVE HAD THIS PROBLEM FIXED, THE SO CALLED ENGINE MANAGEMENT LIGHT KEEPS COMING ON. I HAD TIS PROBLEM FOR 3 MONTHS AND FINALLY IT HAS GONE. I HAD A NEW CAT, ECU RE PROGRAMME, 2 OXYGEN SENSORS, FAULT CODES SWTICHED OFF, HIGH OCTAIN FUEL PUT IN.....DOES ALL THIS WORK NO!

WHAT IT IS ELECTRICAL FAULT THAT NEEDS TO BE BYPASSED TO SOMEWHERE ELSE, WHERE I DONT NO. WHO CAN SOLVE THIS PROBLEM FOR YOU IS-

SPIROS GARAGE CAN FIX THIS PROBLEM: CONTACT NUMBER 02089615253.

TOYOTA KNOWS ABOUT THIS PROBLEM AND Bosch TRY TO SELL YOU A VERY EXPENSIVE CAT. I HAVE A AFTER MARKET CAT AND THAT ANOYING LIGHT HAS NEVER COME ON. OCTAIN FUEL IS GOOD THOUGH FOR THOSE LITTLE YARIS.

MY HAIR HAS NOW GROWN BACK AFTER SWEARING AT THIS LIGHT KEEP POPPING UP. WHAT A NIGHTMARE PROBLEM.

OH, WHEN YOU START THE CAR YOU WILL STILL SEE THAT !Removed! LIGHT WITH THE OTHERS, Battery, ABS, AIRBAG, OIL LIGHT AND YES THE ENGINE MANAGEMENT LIGHT GOES OFF! THANK GOD...CHEERS TO SPIROS TECH TEAM.

[mrstoppings]

To Sam,

MINE YARIS IS FIXED!!!!!! YES IT IS THE MOST ANOYING FAULT. IT IS A ELECTRICAL PROBLEM ON THE ENGINE MANAGEMENT WIRING, YOU NEED TO GET THIS BYPASSED. THE ONLY PEOPLE I KNOW WHO HAVE SOLVED THIS PROBLEM IS " SPIROS GARAGE" CONTACT NUMBER: 02089615253

HOW MANY TIMES I WANTED KICK THIS CAR. I HAD A NEW AFTER MARKET CAT FITTED, ECU RE-PROGRAMMED, 2 OXYGEN BANK SENSORS, FAULT CODES TAKEN OFF, HIGH OCTAIN FUEL PUT IN THE TANK 3 TIMES, BATTERY LEAD TAKEN OFF AFTER 10 SEC AND PUT ON. BUT THAT F-IN LIGHT STILL CAME UP, SO I TOOK BACK TO SPIROS GARAGE AFTER 2 - 3MONTHS AND THEY TRACED THE ENGINE MANAGEMENT WIRING AND BYPASSED IT AND YES FOR THE LAST 3 MONTHS AND DRIVING UP TO 80 MPH NO LIGHT ENGINE LIGHT HAS COME ON AGAIN.

ITS OK THEY DID'NT TAKE TH BULB OUT YOU WILL SEE WHEN START TH CAR, SO THERE YOU GO. FIXED! HOPE IT WILL HELP ALL THOSE TOYOTAS WITH THAT !Removed! YELLOW WARNING LIGHT.

THANKS TO SPIROS TECH TEAM. RICK AND HIS BLACK TOYOTA YARIS.

[t-spiritpete]

To Sam,

The garage you took your car to are talking a small bit of B------S. You say you have an MOT test coming up, if you have a faulty Lambda sensor, you may well find that your car might fail on the emissions. Even a small hole in your exhaust can cause an emission failure. If light keeps coming back on, you have an underlying fault. Should your lambda sensor be at fault, one of the problems it can cause is over fuelling due to in-correct signals to your ECM & over fuelling kills catalytic units.

Bring your car to another garage and have a diagnostics check carried out, post your trouble codes on forum & someone will come forward with help.

Regards, Beagh.

HI BEAGH,

The mot is only due in October 2010...so do you think il be okay in the meantime? My question is if the lambda sensor was faulty...wouldnt the engine light come back on...even after cancelling the light out by pulling the efi fuse?

Hi Sam, all the advice you have been given is spot on but try this one, get the engine to really hot then do the EFI fuse process, then take the car on a road where you can keep the engine revs over 4000rpm for a good 10 - 15 mins ie maybe keep in 3rd gear to make this happen. This will get the CAT and sensors really hot and hopefully clear any crap out from them, it has worked in my past experience with other cars I hope it will work for you and yours, it will only cost you a little fuel to try this one. Then see how long the car goes before the light comes back on ........ maybe never.

Best regards Pete

[SAM LOVERS HER TOYOTAS]

Hello again experts...

Guys...my ENGINE MANAGEMENT LIGHT came back on a few days back after having it diagnosed 3 months ago and found it was one of the o2 sensors in the engine bay that triggered it off...the mechanic recons they can trigger the light often but doesnt mean the sensor needs replacing immediately...so i drove it around and no probs...but when it came back on...i read a recent forum on this site...people spoke about pulling the 15 amp EFI fuse out within the engine bay fuse box and putting it back in and the light would cancel out...and suprise suprise it worked a TREAT!!!

Now im worried...because i understand that its cancelled the light...but its still stored with the onboard computer!!! What im thinking is...will it come on again if its the same problem? And what if it doesnt come on again for another 3 months, does that mean everythings okay in the meantime?

The way i see it is if there was a serious problem even after doing the fuse trick the light would come straight back on if it was serious? Am i right in thinking this???

Any thought upon this matter??? Thank you in advance.

Sam

Hi guys,

Thank you all so much for your continued support...and thank the lord for this website...so far my light is still off after removing/replacing the efi fuse recently...but then i have only driven a few miles a day to work and back...honestly this car really worries me and just dont feel like driving it. I have never experienced problems like these before...now i know your gonna come across a car in life that gives you nothing but trouble...so far i have been lucky...so it does get me down. Maybe i'll just sell it after my insurance runs out next year. But if the light does coem back on im gonna try what pete (t spirit pete!) said earlier...above...about driving it hot to clear out all the crap etc! Very interesting.

Sam

[Beagh1958]

To Sam,

Good advice from t-spiritpete, diesels need a right good thrashing every now & then to clear the pipes.

As to familiar ERROR CODE i posted as an example, If you read it carefully ( including other interested parties) you will clearly see WIRING CIRCUIT PROBLEM as potential problem.

Good to see mrstoppings found a decent mechanic who doesn't guess & found wiring fault. After having the mis-fortune of having people guessing what his fault was & emptying his wallet at the same time.

Regards, Beagh.

PS: I wouldn't give up on your Toyota just yet over yellow light.

[SAM LOVERS HER TOYOTAS]

To Sam,

Good advice from t-spiritpete, diesels need a right good thrashing every now & then to clear the pipes.

As to familiar ERROR CODE i posted as an example, If you read it carefully ( including other interested parties) you will clearly see WIRING CIRCUIT PROBLEM as potential problem.

Good to see mrstoppings found a decent mechanic who doesn't guess & found wiring fault. After having the mis-fortune of having people guessing what his fault was & emptying his wallet at the same time.

Regards, Beagh.

PS: I wouldn't give up on your Toyota just yet over yellow light.

THANK YOU BEAGH1958...mainly for telling me not give up on my Toyota as yet...it gives me confidence that things can be fixed as i go along...i pray it doesnt get any worse...i have taken all your advice and from others onboard...infact i print it out so i can read it when im outside with the car (sad i know)...gonna be a while before i can check my wiring etc as the weathers changed again...SNOW...but everything seems okay for now. I'll be filling up the tank in a day or two so i'll see how many miles i get this time! Other than that im looking foward to installing my new car stereo...got bluetooth...wahey...least i can drown out that horrible muffling/rumbling sound coming from some where under the car/or bonnet with my music! Takecare guys.

Sammy

p/s...im the kinda person who likes to attempt fixes myself...hate having to go to a mechanic...def hate going to toyota dealers!!!...so this website is a god send honestly...learn new things everyday...and then just repair em yourself!

[richard.c]

Hi Beagh,

name='Beagh1958'

As to familiar ERROR CODE i posted as an example, If you read it carefully ( including other interested parties) you will clearly see WIRING CIRCUIT PROBLEM as potential problem.

Any hint as to the where abouts of the wiring problem - I assume it would be somewhere between the sensor/s and the main ecu connector or can it be something less obvious ?

If its 'quote mrstoppings -something toyota knows about' is it a point common to all model of Avensis or are they all likely to be different ?