Check Engine light problem - 98 corolla

Oct 18, 2005 11 Replies

Model: 1998 Toyota Corolla



Check engine light came on couple of weeks back. I took it to a local mechanic who did some runs and said everything looks fine and he could not found anything. He resets the code. Charged $ 40. Check engine light came back on the same evening.



I took it to Toyota dealer and run some tests and said the car has passed all the tests and everything looks okay. They reset the code and charged around $ 100. Check engine light came back after abount 2 days. Asked me to come back for further tests if the light comes back.



Any advise how should I go about fixing this problem?


- Puneet



snipped-for-privacy@gmail.com wrote in news: snipped-for-privacy@g47g2000cwa.googlegroups.com:

First tell us the code numbers that were set.

Since you've already paid the dealer for an incorrect diagnosis (assuming the current code is the same as the code before) they are obligated to get to the bottom of it, and shouldn't charge you any more for further investigation. What code did the dealer find?

auto zone will read the code for you for free! or any auto parts store

Had the same thing. In my case it was the TPS. (Throttle Position Sensor) It took them 4 cracks at it before fixing this permanently... ask them what code they are receiving. (41?)

Had the same thing. In my case it was the TPS. (Throttle Position Sensor) It took them 4 cracks at it before fixing this permanently... ask them what code they are receiving. (41?)

JPL

Before you can fix anything, you need to find out why the light is coming on.

Go to an AutoZone Store. They have the code reader (OBD II Scan Tool) that will pull the codes and reset them. You can buy the tool for less than you have paid so far for service, but the really good news is, AutoZone lets you use the tool for free. In some states, THEY use the tool, saving you from looking for the place to plug it in.

PS Plugging it in involves connecting it to an exposed connector along the bottom edge of the dash board, in the area where your left leg rests while you are driving. Plug it in. Turn the Ignition to ON - not Start. Read the codes, use the buttons on the scan tool to move from code to code. Finally, reset the codes.

Bring your list of codes back here and post them.

41 is not the correct code. More correctly, it's an incomplete code. An actual code will be something like P0440, where there is a letter followed by 4 numeric digits.

"JPL

Yeah, I hope I won't be charged further. Here's what they said after the diagnostics test:

--------------------------- START --------------------------- For several weeks to complete all diagnostic tests. After that time the vehicle will need to be rechecked. Code P0441 ative test at this time passed system. also passed last time it ran self test. cleared code, must drive for a couple of weeks to see if malfunction light come back on.

--------------------------- END --------------------------- I plan to go back them to them (Toyota Dealer) soon and might also give a try at Autozone since they read the code for free.

Thanks a lot guys! All inputs are welcome.

I would post you guys with updates, if any.

- Puneet

Oh baby, you can be sure my gas cap is tight.

P0441 means that the evaporative emissions control system incorrect purge flow. People will post advice telling you to make sure that the gas cap is tightened until you hear several clicks. P0441 is not the code that you usually get from a loose gas cap, but you should tighten the gas cap any way.

The evaporative emissions control system prevents fumes from the fuel system from evaporating into the air. Basically, there is a gas cap that seals tightly and a canister that stores the fumes from the fuel tank. Under proper conditions, the engine sucks the fumes from the canister to burn them.

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