36K miles check enging light on 03 Sienna

On Jul 20, 7:56 am, m....DeleteThis@privacy.net wrote:
> "Ray O" <rokigawaATtristarassociatesDOTcom> wrote:
> >I think you should have the computer scanned with a code scanner, which the
> >Toyota dealer can do.
>
> How much does that cost?
>
> I think its VERY expensive to let the dealer scan it!

Some places like NAPA, Kragen, and AutoZone do it for no charge and/or
let you use the scanner. Although I have to say, you can buy a
cheaper ODB II scanner for $100 from Kragen which will be useful many
times versus paying the dealer the same and it's one time. Once you
get the codes, you can look online or in a book to see what they mean.

You could go to an independent shop as well. They can likely pull the
codes. If you trust them, they might even pull the codes at no charge
or sometimes charge a fee that then gets applied to work you have done
there. You might shop around when it comes to reading the codes...
you can usually do that on the cheap and/or at a shop that won't gouge
you.

As to having work done, it may be best at the dealer and if it's a
complex problem, only the dealer will generally have the tools and the
wizards on staff to fix it properly.

Good luck!
 >> Stay informed about: 36K miles check enging light on 03 Sienna 

"Ray O" <rokigawaATtristarassociatesDOTcom> wrote:

>I think you should have the computer scanned with a code scanner, which the
>Toyota dealer can do.

How much does that cost?

I think its VERY expensive to let the dealer scan it!
 >> Stay informed about: 36K miles check enging light on 03 Sienna 

mrsteveo <mrsteveo RemoveThis @gmail.com> wrote:

>Although I have to say, you can buy a
>cheaper ODB II scanner for $100 from Kragen which will be useful many
>times versus paying the dealer the same and it's one time.

My thought as well....and what I would do actually...
just buy one

BUT....any advice on what brand/model scanner to buy?
 >> Stay informed about: 36K miles check enging light on 03 Sienna 

<me RemoveThis @privacy.net> wrote in message
news:9lo1a3ls82f8je9gij5a46sr221ddgc50a@4ax.com...
> mrsteveo <mrsteveo RemoveThis @gmail.com> wrote:
>
>>Although I have to say, you can buy a
>>cheaper ODB II scanner for $100 from Kragen which will be useful many
>>times versus paying the dealer the same and it's one time.
>
> My thought as well....and what I would do actually...
> just buy one
>
> BUT....any advice on what brand/model scanner to buy?

I bought an Actron OBD II scanner, they are pretty widely available at auto
parts stores and Sears Hardware.
I bought the cheapest scanner and wish I bought an upgraded one. The cheap
ones (~$75 or so) just read trouble codes and clear the memory, while
upgraded ones have more features like freeze frame data, the ability to
display actual sensor values, and read manufacturer-specific codes. Of
course, if you don't know how to interpret the data, then the basic scanner
is fine.

Or, you can go to an auto parts store like Autozone, borrow their scanner
for free, and report back here for suggested diagnosis. I would not trust
the diagnosis of the $7/hour help at the auto parts store.
--

Ray O
(correct punctuation to reply)
 >> Stay informed about: 36K miles check enging light on 03 Sienna 

"Ray O" <rokigawaATtristarassociatesDOTcom> wrote in message
news:v_qdnSxKkcspzD3bnZ2dnUVZ_hCdnZ2d@comcast.com...
>
> "RG" <rguy RemoveThis @cox.net> wrote in message
> news:0tWni.67742$wG2.44495@newsfe17.lga...
>> Hello,
>>
>> Any thoughts? Maintained perfectly since new. Going to the Toyota
>> Service tomorrow.
>>
>> Best regards,
>>
>> Rich
>>
>
> I think you should have the computer scanned with a code scanner, which
> the Toyota dealer can do.
> --
>

You absolutely need to ahve the computer scanned, as Ray said. I take issue
with him though, I think you can and should have it scanned independently of
the dealership. Odds favor a simple problem, like a gas cap that is not
properly sealed -- turned far enough -- and the scanner will tell you this
before you go to the dealership.

AutoZone auto parts stores will scan for you, and they will scan for free.
If you are in California, they will loan you the scanner for free and you go
outside and pull your own codes.

The Data Port is located along the bottom edge of the dashboard in the
vicinity of where you left knee rests as you are driving. Simply plug the
scan tool into the port and turn the ignition to ON but not START, and the
tool will display a list of collected codes. If the code(s) are in the range
of P0440 to P0456, then this indicates a leak in the Evaporative Emissions
Control System, and the most common source of this sort of trouble is
failure to secure the gas cap. Te be sure, there are other sources of
problems within this code range, but if they are an actual problem, the code
will repeat and no harm will come from continued operation until the trouble
is corrected. Let me say that differently, if you make a list of codes that
includes the Evap System, you can reset the computer and keep driving and
see if the Check light comes on again, and pull codes to see if the Evap
System is still acting up, then take steps beyond making sure the gas cap is
properly fitted.

If you pull codes and they are outside the range of P0440 to P0456, then you
have to make a judgement call as to whether or not you are prepared to
affect repairs.
 >> Stay informed about: 36K miles check enging light on 03 Sienna 

"Ray O" <rokigawaATtristarassociatesDOTcom> wrote in message
news:MuadndMefuw0zTzbnZ2dnUVZ_jidnZ2d@comcast.com...
>
> Or, you can go to an auto parts store like Autozone, borrow their scanner
> for free, and report back here for suggested diagnosis. I would not trust
> the diagnosis of the $7/hour help at the auto parts store.
> --

I'm with Ray on that one. Let them pull codes and come back here with the
results.

If the code(s) is(are) in the range of P0440 to P0456, then erase and start
over, then get on with life after making sure the gas cap is securely
tightened.

If you gas cap is the ratcheting type, you should always make it click
several times to be sure it is sealed. If it ratchets and you do not make it
click, then it might not be tight enough to make a seal, and the computer
can read the leak and report it.
 >> Stay informed about: 36K miles check enging light on 03 Sienna 

"Jeff Strickland" <crwlr.RemoveThis@verizon.net> wrote in message
news:UJcoi.67$Da.22@trnddc07...
>
> "Ray O" <rokigawaATtristarassociatesDOTcom> wrote in message
> news:MuadndMefuw0zTzbnZ2dnUVZ_jidnZ2d@comcast.com...
>>
>> Or, you can go to an auto parts store like Autozone, borrow their scanner
>> for free, and report back here for suggested diagnosis. I would not
>> trust the diagnosis of the $7/hour help at the auto parts store.
>> --
>
> I'm with Ray on that one. Let them pull codes and come back here with the
> results.
>
> If the code(s) is(are) in the range of P0440 to P0456, then erase and
> start over, then get on with life after making sure the gas cap is
> securely tightened.
>
> If you gas cap is the ratcheting type, you should always make it click
> several times to be sure it is sealed. If it ratchets and you do not make
> it click, then it might not be tight enough to make a seal, and the
> computer can read the leak and report it.
>

Only P0440, P0442, and P0456 could be caused by a loose gas cap.
--

Ray O
(correct punctuation to reply)
 >> Stay informed about: 36K miles check enging light on 03 Sienna 

<me.TakeThisOut@privacy.net>...
> "Ray O" :
>
>>I think you should have the computer scanned with a code scanner, which
>>the
>>Toyota dealer can do.
>
> How much does that cost?
>
> I think its VERY expensive to let the dealer scan it!

Scanning the codes is free if you take it to an Autozone or another parts
shop that does it for free. That is what I used to do. Then bring the
codes here and get good advice, then once you have an understanding of
what the codes really mean, then it would be time to fix it. Do not agree
to fix anything without first understanding the codes.

You asked later on what scanner to buy. I got this one: Actron CP9145,
but when I bought it it was on sale for about $100 or so.

Tomes
 >> Stay informed about: 36K miles check enging light on 03 Sienna 

Tomes wrote:
> <me.RemoveThis@privacy.net>...
>> "Ray O" :
>>
>>> I think you should have the computer scanned with a code scanner, which
>>> the
>>> Toyota dealer can do.
>> How much does that cost?
>>
>> I think its VERY expensive to let the dealer scan it!
>
> Scanning the codes is free if you take it to an Autozone or another parts
> shop that does it for free. That is what I used to do. Then bring the
> codes here and get good advice, then once you have an understanding of
> what the codes really mean, then it would be time to fix it. Do not agree
> to fix anything without first understanding the codes.
>
> You asked later on what scanner to buy. I got this one: Actron CP9145,
> but when I bought it it was on sale for about $100 or so.
>
> Tomes

Scanning the codes may be free. The van may have a 5 yr/60k warranty or
a longer emissions warranty.

Jeff
 >> Stay informed about: 36K miles check enging light on 03 Sienna 

Ray O wrote:
> "Jeff Strickland" <crwlr RemoveThis @verizon.net> wrote in message
> news:UJcoi.67$Da.22@trnddc07...
>> "Ray O" <rokigawaATtristarassociatesDOTcom> wrote in message
>> news:MuadndMefuw0zTzbnZ2dnUVZ_jidnZ2d@comcast.com...
>>> Or, you can go to an auto parts store like Autozone, borrow their scanner
>>> for free, and report back here for suggested diagnosis. I would not
>>> trust the diagnosis of the $7/hour help at the auto parts store.
>>> --
>> I'm with Ray on that one. Let them pull codes and come back here with the
>> results.
>>
>> If the code(s) is(are) in the range of P0440 to P0456, then erase and
>> start over, then get on with life after making sure the gas cap is
>> securely tightened.
>>
>> If you gas cap is the ratcheting type, you should always make it click
>> several times to be sure it is sealed. If it ratchets and you do not make
>> it click, then it might not be tight enough to make a seal, and the
>> computer can read the leak and report it.
>>
>
> Only P0440, P0442, and P0456 could be caused by a loose gas cap.

Or, alternatively, make sure the gas cap is tight, then go on your way
for a couple hundred miles. The computer will reset itself if things
return to normal.

Jeff
 >> Stay informed about: 36K miles check enging light on 03 Sienna 

"Ray O" <rokigawaATtristarassociatesDOTcom> wrote in message
news:mqGdnSEJToD_EzzbnZ2dnUVZ_qOknZ2d@comcast.com...
>
> "Jeff Strickland" <crwlr RemoveThis @verizon.net> wrote in message
> news:UJcoi.67$Da.22@trnddc07...
>>
>> "Ray O" <rokigawaATtristarassociatesDOTcom> wrote in message
>> news:MuadndMefuw0zTzbnZ2dnUVZ_jidnZ2d@comcast.com...
>>>
>>> Or, you can go to an auto parts store like Autozone, borrow their
>>> scanner for free, and report back here for suggested diagnosis. I would
>>> not trust the diagnosis of the $7/hour help at the auto parts store.
>>> --
>>
>> I'm with Ray on that one. Let them pull codes and come back here with the
>> results.
>>
>> If the code(s) is(are) in the range of P0440 to P0456, then erase and
>> start over, then get on with life after making sure the gas cap is
>> securely tightened.
>>
>> If you gas cap is the ratcheting type, you should always make it click
>> several times to be sure it is sealed. If it ratchets and you do not make
>> it click, then it might not be tight enough to make a seal, and the
>> computer can read the leak and report it.
>>
>
> Only P0440, P0442, and P0456 could be caused by a loose gas cap.


As a single code, I completely agree, but if these codes appear with others
within the range, they can all be from a loose cap. If the others in the
range appear in isolation then odds favor the problem NOT being the gas cap.
But, if the code appears in isolation, erasing it and waiting fir it to come
up again is a reasonably good strategy.
 >> Stay informed about: 36K miles check enging light on 03 Sienna 

"Jeff" <kidsdoc2000 DeleteThis @hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:sCmoi.150$Da.105@trnddc07...
> Tomes wrote:
>> <me DeleteThis @privacy.net>...
>>> "Ray O" :
>>>
>>>> I think you should have the computer scanned with a code scanner, which
>>>> the
>>>> Toyota dealer can do.
>>> How much does that cost?
>>>
>>> I think its VERY expensive to let the dealer scan it!
>>
>> Scanning the codes is free if you take it to an Autozone or another parts
>> shop that does it for free. That is what I used to do. Then bring the
>> codes here and get good advice, then once you have an understanding of
>> what the codes really mean, then it would be time to fix it. Do not
>> agree to fix anything without first understanding the codes.
>>
>> You asked later on what scanner to buy. I got this one: Actron CP9145,
>> but when I bought it it was on sale for about $100 or so.
>>
>> Tomes
>
> Scanning the codes may be free. The van may have a 5 yr/60k warranty or a
> longer emissions warranty.
>
> Jeff

I have said for a very long time that the dealership's Service Writer should
pull codes for free and then explain stuff like a loose gas cap. If the
problem is different, then the writer can leave the codes set as they are
and cycle the vehicle into the service bay for the technician to look at,
but for very simple problems, the codes can be reset and the vehcile sent on
its way.

Sadly, providing basic information has become a profit center ...
 >> Stay informed about: 36K miles check enging light on 03 Sienna 

Jeff Strickland wrote:
>
> "Jeff" <kidsdoc2000.TakeThisOut@hotmail.com> wrote in message
> news:sCmoi.150$Da.105@trnddc07...
>> Tomes wrote:
>>> <me.TakeThisOut@privacy.net>...
>>>> "Ray O" :
>>>>
>>>>> I think you should have the computer scanned with a code scanner,
>>>>> which the
>>>>> Toyota dealer can do.
>>>> How much does that cost?
>>>>
>>>> I think its VERY expensive to let the dealer scan it!
>>>
>>> Scanning the codes is free if you take it to an Autozone or another
>>> parts shop that does it for free. That is what I used to do. Then
>>> bring the codes here and get good advice, then once you have an
>>> understanding of what the codes really mean, then it would be time to
>>> fix it. Do not agree to fix anything without first understanding the
>>> codes.
>>>
>>> You asked later on what scanner to buy. I got this one: Actron
>>> CP9145, but when I bought it it was on sale for about $100 or so.
>>>
>>> Tomes
>>
>> Scanning the codes may be free. The van may have a 5 yr/60k warranty
>> or a longer emissions warranty.
>>
>> Jeff
>
> I have said for a very long time that the dealership's Service Writer
> should pull codes for free and then explain stuff like a loose gas cap.

Why for free? Are they not in business to make money?

> If the problem is different, then the writer can leave the codes set as
> they are and cycle the vehicle into the service bay for the technician
> to look at, but for very simple problems, the codes can be reset and the
> vehcile sent on its way.
>
> Sadly, providing basic information has become a profit center ...

You should lobby your Congressman and Senators to write a law requiring
a USB connector for the OBDII and a cable and software included with
each car, then.

They dealers are performing a service. They should get paid.

Jeff
 >> Stay informed about: 36K miles check enging light on 03 Sienna