Service Indicator Lights on?

Tiny
CHINAFAN0223
  • MEMBER
  • 2004 TOYOTA SIENNA
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 150,000 MILES
Two years ago, my Check Engine Light came on. The mechanic said that both A/F sensors needed to be replaced but it was very expensive. This may affect my fuel efficiency but doesn't seem to affect anything else. I opted not to have the repair done. The Check Engine Light was not reset because I didn't have the repair done. Just a few days later the light went off on its own and didn't return for two years. But during those two years I saw the low tire pressure indicator light come on and off several times even though my tire pressure was fine, and I even saw the low engine oil light come one once even though my oil level was fine. The lights never stayed on for long. Just recently the Check Engine Light came back on but only stayed on for a day and now it is off again. My questions are, could there be a short in the wiring that is causing these lights to come on and off? If I truly have a problem that the 'Check Engine Light' comes on for, would it be the same problem that they diagnosed two years ago since the light never got reset? What would you recommend I do at this point so that I don't see these random lights come on? Thank you!
Sunday, October 9th, 2022 AT 12:04 PM

16 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,262 POSTS
Hi,

There is a chance the codes will be the same. The only way to be sure is to have the computer scanned during the time it is staying on. Most parts stores will do it free of charge.

As far as the other lights, was it the oil level light or the oil pressure light?

The idea that the tire pressure monitor sensor turned on and back off can be the result of a temperature change. This time of the year, I am overwhelmed with TPMS lights turning on. When the temperature drops, the air in the tire contracts and can drop low enough to turn the light on. Once things warm up, they go out.

I don't know if that is what you experienced. However, I don't feel this is a short. As long as the oil level is full and it's running well, it should be okay. But I would suggest having the computer scanned when it's on.

I do have a question. When the oil level light came on, was there any noise from the engine such as ticking or knocking?

Let me know.

Joe
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Sunday, October 9th, 2022 AT 6:16 PM
Tiny
CHINAFAN0223
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Hi Joe,

Thanks for your response. And thanks for letting me know that most parts stores will scan my service indicator light codes for free. The mechanic charged me $100.00 and I didn't want to do that again if it was just going to give me the same code.

I'm pretty sure it was the oil pressure light that came on. But it only lasted a drive of about one mile and then it never came on again.

The tire pressure light usually comes on after I've gotten my speed up like on the freeway but that would probably mean that the tire is warmer so that doesn't make sense.

It is hard to know how long the lights will stay on, but I can try to take it to a parts store the next time it happens.

Thanks again,
Paula
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Sunday, October 9th, 2022 AT 6:48 PM
Tiny
CHINAFAN0223
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I forgot to answer your last question. I don't think there was any noise when the oil light came on. My daughter was actually driving at that time and I'm sure she would have told me if there were any strange noises.
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Sunday, October 9th, 2022 AT 6:50 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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Hi,

If it were the oil pressure light and there were no engine noises, the sensor could be going bad. Also, absolutely take it to a parts store. I don't know where you are located, but if there is an AutoZone or Advance auto parts nearby, they will do it for you.

Let me know what you find.

Joe
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Sunday, October 9th, 2022 AT 8:08 PM
Tiny
CHINAFAN0223
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Thanks so much. Will do.
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Sunday, October 9th, 2022 AT 8:39 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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Hi,

You are very welcome. Once you have it done, ask them to write down the codes. Let me know what they are, and I will further guide you.

Take care,

Joe
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Monday, October 10th, 2022 AT 6:32 PM
Tiny
CHINAFAN0223
  • MEMBER
  • 9 POSTS
My check engine light has not been back on since my first message, but it occurred to me that it came on just as the car turned to 150,000 miles. Wondering if it turned on briefly just to remind me to get the 150,000 services done?
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Wednesday, October 26th, 2022 AT 3:40 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Hi,

If it happened right at 150,000, that is a possibility. The idea for it to come on at that exact point is very unlikely otherwise.

Let me know if it comes back on.

Joe
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Wednesday, October 26th, 2022 AT 6:13 PM
Tiny
CHINAFAN0223
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Hi Joe,

My Check Engine Light finally came back on (coincidentally immediately after having a new battery installed) and I had it check for free at AutoZone (thanks so much for that tip!) The code sounds like it is the same one from June 2020. The code number is P2238. The cost to replace an O2 sensor is $800 and if the PCM needed to be reprogrammed it would be another $300. Getting more estimates, then deciding if it's worth it for a 2004 car. Any advice?
Thanks so much,
Paula
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Saturday, May 13th, 2023 AT 12:47 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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Hi,

Is the vehicle still running okay? As far the price, that is crazy high. I attached a pic below showing all four sensors for under 100.00 dollars. So, that means they are charging 700 dollars to install them, which again, is crazy. I don't know what the hourly rate is, but they should be able to replace all four in around 3 hours. That would work out to over 230 dollars an hour. Ugh! That's a lot.

Regardless, let me know if there is anything I can do to help or if you have questions.

Take care,

Joe

See pic below.
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Saturday, May 13th, 2023 AT 10:56 PM
Tiny
CHINAFAN0223
  • MEMBER
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So far, the car is still driving fine. I'm going to call around on Monday to get some more quotes. Thanks for the information on costs. :)

Paula
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Sunday, May 14th, 2023 AT 9:56 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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Hi,

You are very welcome. If you have a chance, let me know how things turn out for you.

Take care,

Joe
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Sunday, May 14th, 2023 AT 7:36 PM
Tiny
CHINAFAN0223
  • MEMBER
  • 9 POSTS
So, I went ahead and had the one bad air fuel ratio sensor replaced by a shop that I have used before. Their total was $464. So, much less than the other quotes I had gotten. The interesting thing was once I saw the receipt it only showed $100 for labor and $320 for parts and that was only for one sensor. But at least I don't have to see the Check Engine Light any more. Until the next thing happens. :)

Paula
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Tuesday, May 16th, 2023 AT 4:28 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Hi,

Wow, that is an expensive sensor. The labor I can live with. LOL Regardless, is everything resolved at this point?

Let me know.

Joe
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Tuesday, May 16th, 2023 AT 8:02 PM
Tiny
CHINAFAN0223
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Yes, everything seems to be running smoothly. I will never understand how business like auto shops do their pricing though!

Thanks for your help.

Paula
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Wednesday, May 17th, 2023 AT 6:59 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,262 POSTS
Paula,

Thanks for letting me know. I'm glad it's working properly again. As far as pricing is concerned, they are all different. The secret for me is to get the parts at shop cost and then sell them for retail. That usually ends up being right around a 10% markup. Now that I told my secret, I hope people don't get mad. LOL

Regardless, let me know if anything changes. Also, there is no charge ever when you come here. LOL

Take care of yourself and feel free to come back anytime.

Joe
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Wednesday, May 17th, 2023 AT 7:53 PM

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