Engine Management Light - request to disable permanently

[Lezemore]

I own and love my 2004 Corolla now at 90k miles and running like new.  However the Engine Management Light (EML) has started to come on occasionally.  I reset it with a Code Reader I bought - the fault is always P0012 Camshaft Position Sensor retarded, , and this Forum suggests this could be due to a variety of reasons, mostly involving wear or stickiness within the VVT-i mechanicals.  My point is this - the car is now high mileage and low value.  It sounds sweet and I am prepared to acknowledge it could suffer from wear and tear.  But there is no driveability or noise problem and so, rather than undergo costly service now (as a pensioner), I prefer to wait until I can personally detect wear and tear.  Therefore, can anyone tell me how to permanently disable the EML?  I once worked for a taxi firm which regularly took its cars above 400k.  They simply black-taped the EML on every car as it annoyed their drivers.  Does anyone have a view?  I always managed my cars by sight and sound - I don't need these electronics except when I choose to invoke them, not to be told by the car electronics!

[oldcodger]

Hi,

Taking the EML bulb out was a common trick , though a bit harder today with the more modern dashboard.

However you will probably fall foul of the MOT as when they switch the igntion on, they check that EML is illuminated before the engine is started, then the light should go out  once the engine is running.  If it stays on or does not illumiate at  ignition on,  I believe under the current rules, its a MOTfailure.

Don't think 90k is a high mileage, I'm over that now, and fingers crossed, still running sweetly, so have you though about changing that sensor is its probably more likey to be a faulty sensor if everything is, as you say, sounding sweet.

Seems they can be had for under £100 from places like Micks Garage if you are not preparted for Toyotas prices.

If it was me, I would take a closer look as the sensor from the USA where they seem to seem for about $40, and I bet one will be compatible.