‘Check engine’ light after alternator replacement

[Sliwka]

Hi Guys,

I was wandering if anyone of you had the same problem on Toyota Estima or any other make.

I had my alternator replaced and shortly after the car starts moving, check engine amber light pops up on dashboard. Whenever I switch off the engine and restart the light disappears. No matter for how long the engine is on but the car is not moving the light is off. Once wheels start turning even if accelerator pedal is not pressed the light pops up.

My mate connected small code reader but it showed connection error. Kwik fit plugged bigger advanced code reader but it didn’t give them an option to choose Estima model for some reason.

Different story is that the same guys fitted a different alternator only 13 months earlier and it started making the same noises that Toyotas alternator after 18 years.

It is Toyota Estima 2005 petrol non hybrid.

Can anyone help please as from what I have  read it’s MOT failure.

Regards,

Piotr

[JohnGW]

Sounds like a loose connection, the moving causes vibration and shows up the fault? Check Battery connections and earth connections. This fault is not the reason the alternator was replaced? All sounds related to this repair job. 

[Sliwka]

Thanks for your replay. There was no engine light fault before alternator replacement. I am seeing some other guy on Friday will see what he says.

[Sliwka]

Autolec device was able to scan whole system and read code error. It turned out to be a sensor on accelerator. Luckily I didn’t experience any problems with acceleration. Quick fix on tablet screen £30 job done, all ok. MC Mechanics Bexhill on sea highly recommended.