I have a super sensitive CEL light. It has lit up a few times in the past year. First time, the gas cap was loose Second time, I needed a new gas cap Third time, I let my gas get too low before I refilled it. Today it went on. It is insanely hot in Northern California. It was 104 degrees and I was driving with my A/C on but there wasn't much cool air coming out. Could the CEL be related to the hot weather?
It could be and it could be an over heat issue. The car will store the codes in history and you can get at them with Techstream. If you know a place that would scan it without charging you an arm and a leg, it would be worth it to see what it was. Eric
If the light is coming on that often you might want to buy a CAN OBD-II code reader yourself. I have a ScanGauge II that I keep in the car, but I've only had my check engine light come on once. Was a p0031. And you should also bookmark OBD-II Trouble Codes - DTC Codes Car Repair if you're frequently getting trouble codes.
Having a scanner would let you read the error codes as well as engine and other data. The prices range from $50 to as much as $1,500 with cost, quality and compatibility problems that need to be addressed. These units plug into a connector found at the bottom of the dashboard to the left the steering wheel: On Board Diagnostic (OBD) scanners have three major protocols of which our NHW11, 2001-03 Prius, uses:ISO-9141 - pins 7, 15 and for power, pins 4, 5 and 16 KWP2000 - variable length packets The problem is most scanners test the other protocol and the more recent CANbus, pins 7 and 14. This test sends signals to Ts, pin 14, and induces false codes in the brake system. We can help you make what is called a 'pig-tail' adapter that keeps this from happening: Restarting the car without the scanner clears the false codes but this is not common knowledge. So let's go over the options: Column 1 Column 2 Column 3 Column 4 Column 5 Column 6 Column 7 0 cost type characteristics 1 $50-150 generic OBD May not support ISO-9141 may not read all codes limited engineering data because of auto-scanning they needs pig-tail adapter 2 $10/mo $150 deposit Graham scanner I have two and rent them out selectable display values engine hybrid and battery ECU and codes 3 $175 scangauge Supports ISO-9141 but needs pig-tail type adapter reads some codes but others require programming XGAUGE using Vincent's table 4 $400 Auto Enguity requires laptop somewhat buggy it provides access to all controller and most vehicle data 5 $1 200-1 500 Techstream Lite requires laptop a Toyota product it should be pretty much the same features as the shop scanner Bob Wilson
