Check light on after driving with the cooling system low on fluid and the engine hot?

1997 TOYOTA RAV4
300,000 MILES
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ANNQUENETTE HALL
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  • 1 POST
I ran my vehicle hot by accident. Then I put water back in it the next day the check engine light came on and it has not turned off. did I blow a head gasket or something when it running it hot? I accidentally left the radiator cap off for about one hour then I noticed the needle had gone to hot.
Jul 11, 2022 at 11:25 AM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 110,240 POSTS
Hi,

Anything is possible. What I need you to do is get your hands on a scan tool so we can identify what is turning the check engine light on.

Here is a quick video showing how it is done:

https://youtu.be/b2IJGfImVvw

If you don't have a scanner, often times most parts stores will lend one to you.

Let me know.

Joe
Jul 11, 2022 at 2:36 PM
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