My check engine light has gone on a couple of times and the mechanics fine nothing wrong and turn off the light. That's cool, but hanging around in car mechanic's lounges is getting to be a bit boring. Too many cups of coffee and glazed donuts I guess...

Is there a way I can turn off the light? I promise to bring the car in if it keeps going off...honest!

Thanks,

MIke

 

mine went on twice in the past 2 weeks...once, the O2 sensor...second time, a loose evap hose. I hope not to see it on for a while now.My guess is there should be a code left whenever it goes on. Resetting does not cure what set it off.

 

sooo...is your check engine light batting 50% or was there something wrong both times? My problem is that no one can find anything wrong...

 

Who is checking for the codes, a Lexus mechanic or a general mechanic? It is my understanding that Lexus has proprietary codes that non-Lexus code readers don't recognize. You may have to take it to a dealer to get the code read properly.

 

Many codes are 2nd trip...if they are setting and checking once, could be a reason they're seeing nothing.

 

Hi Bob...What does "2nd trip" mean? And is there a way to over ride the X*#$@/ engine light until I can park my butt in the dealership for a half day?

Thanks,

Mike

 

Well if you had port reader you can usually reset the light and erase trouble codes....regarding 2nd trip...see this http://www.google.com/search?q=dtc+2...&client=safari

 

so...there's nutton like "push button A in three timse, spin around clockwise three times on your right leg, put your change in your left pocket and then push button B once."...??

Mike

 

Not that I am aware of LOL

 

Buy a diagnostic tool and learn how to use it. You can read codes and turn off CEL. It will not fix your problem if a code is detected. Something like this for $60 from Amazon can save you time and money:

 

tefeni52355--

That's a terrific idea! I'm ordering it as soon as a get back from a few days of vacation! Will I need a decoder ring or something like that.to operate and read it..or will the info I need come with the diagnostic tool?

Thanks!

 

In setting up the Amazon order, I noticed that the tool comes with a book indicating the codes...Thanks again!

Mike

 

If you are going to start down this path you really need to read the book that comes with the scan tool/reader. To get a basic understanding of the DTC structure. There are guidelines/standards adopted by car manufacturers for the DTC or diagnostic trouble codes. Here's a link to a good (BUT NOT COMPLETE) list of trouble codes for Toyota/Lexus cars. Toyota/Lexus DTC codes in the form of a download and save PDF.
As I mentioned this list is not complete. For example it does not have the sliding roof trouble codes (B25##) where "B" represents a car Body code and is proprietary to Lexus and probably the SC430 too. Although I must admit I don't have the codes for the IS350c, so they could be used there too. We have been dealing with the B25## DTCs in other threads with sliding roof problems over the last few weeks.

To have a complete list of codes I know of two sources available to "the public"; a COMPLETE set of factory service manuals (by car model year) or an online subscription to TIS (Toyota Information Service). The latter being one where a two-day subscription is available for $15. TIS figuratively is the holy grail or repository of information about your car, specifically and generally. It even has your car's born on date and probably more that is not made available to the consumer.
I close with this for you to think about regarding CELs or dashboard MILs ...by clearing them and the history from you car you make the repair job more difficult for whomever will be fixing the problem thus increasing the time spent on it, as well as the cost of the repair. If you're not fixing the problem yourself, think twice before pressing that erase button.

 

Bob...Thank you for the words of wisdom and the links. I appreciate the advice!

MIke