Why does my check engine light keep lighting up?

CLAIRE LIND-SILVESTRI

MEMBER
2000 TOYOTA CAMRY

The check engine light on my 2000 Camry goes on with no apparent reason. My dad gave me this car, and he had this problem as well. He has taken the car in to be checked at least 5 times and nothing has been found. My previous car was a 1998 Camry, same problem. I am tired of paying 200-300 dollars for a short term fix. Is this a problem inherent in these Camrys? Help!

2 Replies

ASEMASTER6371

MECHANIC
52,797 POSTS

No, the light is on for a reason. We need the codes to help you further. There are codes when the light comes on.

Roy

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Thursday, July 19th, 2012 AT 4:03 PM

WRENCHTECH

MECHANIC
20,761 POSTS

The "check engine" light is an indicator for a system that monitors many electronic functions in the system, also called the "malfunction indicator lamp" (MIL). It can come on for any of hundreds of different causes from any of the systems that the computer monitors. Some are very important and can lead to further component or engine damage and some are emissions related not as serious but still a problem and need to be repaired.

Your first step is to have the computer scanned to retrieve the trouble codes that were set when the check engine light came on. Those codes will give you specific information about what the computer saw and will get you pointed in the right direction to find your problem. With a 1996 or newer and some 95 cars and you have an AutoZone or Advanced auto parts in your area, they will read them for free. Once you have these code numbers, we can be a lot more specific about what your problem may be.