2017, Toyota Camry Need Advice Please

[old bear]

Friday when starting my 2017 Camry the Check engine light came on and stayed on. Drove about 1 mile in hope the light would reset. Which it did not. Checked oil and coolant, both appeared to be fine. Car has 26,000 miles on it, and I've exceeded all factory recommended maintenance requirements.

Remembered I had gassed up two days before, so I checked the gas cap which I had not gotten closed all the way. Closed gas cap then called the service manager at my local independent garage. Was informed the loose gas cap was most likely the reason for the warning light. Manager also stated that the check engine light should reset after several "cycles."

So, my question is: Can I safely drive the car when the check engine light is still on?

Thanks all, Fred

 

[gman51]

Go to an AutoZone and have them pull the codes. See if they can erase a code if there is any to see if it shows a code again after you tightened the gas cap. It is better to have the codes checked to see what the problem is before driving far. AutoZone doesn't charge for pulling the codes.
I had an Mazda MX5 that not making sure the gas cap clicked three times would throw a check engine light.

 

[oldman10mm]

Normally can be driven safely when a SES light comes on, a flashing SES light is the major reason to not drive it. I drive for many months with the SES light on, but I have a code reader to find out what the light is for.
A SES light for a loose gas cap will reset itself after a few restart drives. The computer needs to be proved to that it's been corrected and then the light will go out by itself.
There are 3 types of codes; 'pending'-it found a problem, 'verified/confirmed'- the problem has continued after a few restarts, 'permanent'- stored in the computer and will typically vanish too.
A loose gas cap causes the EVAP monitor to sense a vacuum cannot be created in the gas tank. Engine vacuum pulls the vapors out of the tank and burns them in the normal combustion path.

 

[old bear]

Thanks guys. Consumer Reports also agrees about the Gas Cap fix should solve any problems.

 

[Farmer17]

Your car has a 3 year/36,000 mile factory warranty so you can take it to any Toyota dealer in the world and they will check it out and fix it for free.

 

[4barrel]

If the car is red it is probably the oxygen sensor if driven short distances in cooler weather. The engine runs richer in open loop and the o2 sensor has a heater wire. You could have AZ check the code and reset the light and drive some more. It may not come back on. It takes about 50 engine cranks to reset the light without a scan tool. Drive down and I will check for free.

 

[H Richard]

Last time I had that happen (Toyota Highlander), I drove it home checked the oil and coolant and the next day dropped by my mechanic's shop and had him read the code. He said was one of over 300 possible caused that cause emissions violation in California. Reset light and drove off.

 

[VaTom]

Have a 2016 Camry XLE V-6. Never had an issue. The power train warranty is for 5 years \ 60,000 miles. My wife had to have water pump replaced on 2015 Toyota Sienna Van and it was covered under power train even though 36 mo. warranty had ended.

Used to have the gas cap / emissions light issue on My Dodge Caravan.

 

[mike from st pete]

So, my question is: Can I safely drive the car when the check engine light is still on?

Thanks all, Fred


The check engine light has been on for about 13 years on my 1996 Mazda.

 

[sar4937]

In all my years in auto repair, I can't say I ever verified a loose gas cap setting a code. But the dealership service writers were advised to tell customers that, to keep from having to run the car through the shop, and hook up scan tools. You car has to complete a drive cycle, comprised of different types of conditions, the light will either go out or the ecm will reduce power. It sounds like you are still under warranty. The dealer should pull codes and note them in case it happens again.

 

[Rustyt1953]

The check engine light has been on for about 13 years on my 1996 Mazda.

I had a Toyota Paseo that still had electrical tape over the check engine light when I sold it.

 

[glenwolde]

I had a car that did that. I disconnected the battery cable for a few minutes. That reset the light. It also erased all my preset radio stations.

 

[madmikeb]

You can by all means drive the car with the CEL on. It should take about 6-8 cycles of the ignition switch to shut the light back off.
I've been a parts manager for a Toyota dealer for the last 32 years and we see this frequently.

 

[K-22]

Warning Lights

Friday when starting my 2017 Camry the Check engine light came on and stayed on. Drove about 1 mile in hope the light would reset. Which it did not. Checked oil and coolant, both appeared to be fine. Car has 26,000 miles on it, and I've exceeded all factory recommended maintenance requirements.

Remembered I had gassed up two days before, so I checked the gas cap which I had not gotten closed all the way. Closed gas cap then called the service manager at my local independent garage. Was informed the loose gas cap was most likely the reason for the warning light. Manager also stated that the check engine light should reset after several "cycles."

So, my question is: Can I safely drive the car when the check engine light is still on?

Thanks all, Fred

There is a multitude of things that will trigger a warning light.
Is the car safe to drive?
As a general rule, if the car is not overheating, smoking, making inappropriate noises, and does not exhibit diminished power, the car is most likely safe to drive until you can get the light checked out.
2017 Camry is a nice ride.
Best,
Gary

 

[GaryS]

The short answer, minus the palaver, is yes. A loose gas cap will set a soft code that will reset after x amount of start/stop cycles.

PS: Consumer Reports is a waste of time and money.

 

[ladder13]

I've had check engine lights and it never was the gas cap. Once was the CAT, and found out the emissions system was warranted for 80,000 miles. That was over 20 years ago though.
Best take it back to the dealer since it's under warranty.