Toyota RAV4 Engine Indicator Lights

chasiaw

I have a 2002 RAV 4 with 75,000 on it. The check engine light suddenly went on this morning. I have not gone to the dealer yet as it will be expensive to do so. I have an extended warranty but am not sure if they will cover the cost. As to the problem, is there a quick fix to this? Can I just do it myself?

See Also
OBD II Scan Tools (discussion)
Code Readers & Scan Tools (Amazon)

tidester

You need to find out why the warning light is coming on. Ignoring it can be very costly in the end.

tidester, host
SUVs and Smart Shopper

chasiaw

Thanks for the reply. I went to AutoZone yesterday and had a diagnostic check made, the code that was given was P0442 which says that it has an air leak. The guy at AutoZone told me that usually, it is from the gas cap. The cap is in tip top condition. Would you know anywhere else it can come from? If I remove the connection on the battery, will it help in resetting the light to turn off?

tidester

That code indicates that there is a leak somewhere in the evaporative control system with the gas cap being the most likely place for that to happen. However, it can be anywhere within the EVAP control system such as one of the hoses. Perhaps someone with RAV4 experience would tell us how to reset the light - anyone?

tidester, host
SUVs and Smart Shopper

chasiaw

Thanks for the help. I just hope that there will be no drastic effect to the car's engine if I use it. Thanks again.

jsdavis7

I have a 2004 RAV4 where the VSC TRAC warning light will come on while driving, and will go out after some time has passed, but no definite interval. The TRAC OFF light and Check Engine light also come on, and go off at the same time. No constant interval between time on and time off, nor between time off and time on. My mechanic thinks it might be a sensor, or a loose connection from a collision. Any other ideas?

tidester

A problem with a sensor or loose connection (from whatever cause) seem probable or it could some electronic control module. Anyone else have ideas?

tidester, host
SUVs and Smart Shopper

ginger_girl

My check engine light recently came on and I went to Auto Zone for a reading. They said it was the "temperature control sensor", which, after asking at a few repair shops found that this term/piece does not exist in a 2002 Rav4. They said it could be 2 other things that are closely related to that term (having to do with temp control) and would be around $200.00 to fix, and if not done soon could lead to greater engine problems ranging in the $2-3,000 range to fix. ICK! Anyone know of anything about this??

tidester

Could they be referring to an Intake Air Temperature (IAT) sensor? It measures the temperature of the air going into the engine and is used to adjust the fuel mixture. Does that $200 include installation?

tidester, host
SUVs and Smart Shopper

rav4u2

Last month, my 2007 Rav4 V6 Ltd showed the check engine, vsc & 4wd lights on. Went to my Toyota dealership immediately as requested. Cause: codes P0302 & P0304. 2 coils #2 & #4 misfiring, ordered and changed. 4 weeks later, same lights on and vehicle running rough. Back to dealership and cause was: codes P0300P0302/P0304/P0306 RE TSB2964 oil control valve bank 2. Intake & exhaust oil control valve changed. Now, 6 weeks later, same lights again! Code P0456. Evap control system leak. Cleaned loose fuel cap and tightened & resecured hose in clamp at fresh air box. Now all seems good and hopefully fixed the problem. All under warranty so happy. I had read this morning on your site about the gas cap and there you have it. Thank you. Hope this will help Rav4 owners with similar problems.

fredy3

Hi, Ihave a 2007 Rav4 sport
in summer 2007 the 3 warning light came on and to fix the problem I just had to retight my gas cap..the 3 light turns off
8 months later..recently the 3 warning light appears, after a computer checkout, my dealear ordered an oxygen sensor, its back order for 3 weeks so I will let you know next time how the repair whent.

otherwise I still love that hotrod.....acceleration and the driving is amazing !!!1

hubrist

I recently had the CEL come on (and a few seconds later the VSC and the 4wd light come on, which on another forum someone wrote that the CEL disables the VSc which disables the 4wd. Also as noted in another forum, this disable the cruise control). The gas cap was not fully tight, but I had had 140 miles since my last fill up (however, I was above 7,000 feet which seems to improve my mileage a lot but also meant a dealer was far away). Tightened the gas cap and 200 miles later the lights went off. The guys at autozone were great as it did say EVAP leak (and a sensor error) and they offered to disconnect my battery to reset it. The autozone guy thought it might take 30 short drives to reset the light. Thanks for the advice here!

fredy3

This text follow my message on march 31, 2009

The toyota dealer received my parts, I went to the dealer to replace the oxygen sensor located near to the cathalytic exaust system (there is four sensors on the catalytic exaust system, two up front and two at the back for a six cylinders engines)

So for the replcement of that oxygen sensor the dealer report me that during the installation they find the sensor wires were cutted (broken)....I beleived the original sensor was good....dealers dont spend enough time to find the problem and make the wrong diagnostic. But the 250.00$ sensor was on waranty...so they installed that new oxygen sensor and they repaired the broken wires and so far so good...no message anymore and the car running perfectly. I love that car amazing drive.
fredy3

fredy3

Rav4 2007 - All those 3 lights "on" again.
I went to the dealer today and they said its the oxygen sensors again but not the same they changed ! two others. They said it will cost me for one sensor between $400 to $600 it depend if they have to re doing the thred because the sensor are jamed. Also they said the fact that they have two error codes one for each sensor , if I change one sensor I may have the lights on again so I will have to replaced the second one, or , I changed both at the same time for the price between $800 to $1100. I said NO I take my car back and I will think about it. I told them this is no sense , these sensors are made to detect air exaust problems and I dont have any problem with air exaust I have big problem with these sensors !!! I am replacing these sensors every 7 months !!!
I take my car back tomorrow and I will see...I think TOYOTA have serious problem with these sensors and I dont have to pay for that !
Will see tomorrow.
Fredy3

edita

They all came on at the same time just this early morning. The manual says take the car to the dealer. In reading everyone's posting, it sounds like sensor problem which may or may not be covered by warranty anymore. When I wake up this morning, I will check the gas cap, clean it up and make sure it is secured. This cap for me really has never been secured. It does not click when I close it. If everything else fails, I will bring it to the dealer and will get back here for the result. In the meantime, if anyone has better news for me, please help!

dunezers

I have 114,000 miles on my RAV and my check engine light has come on. The code is an ECM error. Timing was close to getting a new set of tires at one store and oil change at my dealership. Could they have done something? Any ideas or is it going to be a really expensive ECM replacement?

fredy3

Hi !
First make sure your gas cap is secure.
Second, take your time before making any replacement by any garage or dealer. Most of the time you can drive months with these lights on. Maybe you will consume more gas but thats it. Nothing bad will happen to your engine.
Then you can ask questions to your dealer or other toyota dealer and see what they proposed and ask an estimated on paper. Take your time dont rush. Ask questions to others.
It is probably the oxy sensor...they cost alot...
good luk!

comem47

If you have an Autozone close by they usually scan and diagnose for free (hoping you'll buy the replacement parts from them, but there is no obligation) I know this is true for OBD-II scanning and not sure beyond that.

fredy3

Following my message on Jan 12, 2010 and for all the peoples who have the same problems...
After battleling months with toyota canada customer service, toyota concluded to pay for the estimated repair $250 and the dealer $150. So after all this battleling and driving three months with all 3 check engines lights on, I send my car for repair to the dealer.
I got my car repaired this week April 23, 2010. They replaced two oxygen sensors.
They told me the computer recorded warnings history on two oxygen sensors for three mounths and they decided to replaced those two oxy sensors.
I had to pay for this repair $550.00 can (included tax) instead of $900.00.
The dealer told me they did not charge the computer check fees, they lower the cost of those sensors and cut down the time labor to 1.8hrs
I hope the oxygen sensors will last longer then the original ones....

kdrenshaw

This morning the vsc trac and the trac off light and the check engine light all came on simutaneusly. After reading the manual it looks like something is wrong witht the VSC on the rav4 (2004) and that turned on the trac off and the check engine. I know that the car is in need of new brakes and shocks, but i haven't had time to install them yet. I have 135,000 miles on this rav. any ideas on why the VSC light may have come on?

fredy3

Hi !
First thing first ! you need to go for checking your car computer and have a diagnostic (you can go to the dealer for that, around 50$ for this job). Ask them an estimate for the repair and very important: write down the error codes and which parts they want to replaced and the time for the labor. If is cheap (ex: $200 go for it , but if is more expensive dont do any repair. From there you will know which are the error code(s) that your computer has recorded. Then take your time and come back with your error codes numbers ask questions and look on the web to find out what code are related to which parts in your engines and so on...

fredy3

I forgot ! it happen to me one time it was my gas cap that was not tight enough...your gas tank is pressurized and it could cause these warning light !

lwratchford

1999 rav4 engine light was on, I disconnected the battery then reconnected --the light stayed off for 4 days then came back on. Can't afford dealer mechs and I would like to know how to replace plugs and wires, if this could be the cause. Also the light went out for about 50 miles (city) on its OWN then came back on.

lwratchford

I went to Auto Zone too with a '99 Rav 4 and they said it could be electrical, some air/fuel sensor,faulty NAF/VAF sensor, or vacuum leak---big help?

fredy3

Hi ! many things you do ....first, if you really want to know where the problem is located in your engine you must connect an OBD meter . You can buy one if you like but they are expensive or you can find someone who has one. I dont know which way to explain you because I dont konw if you like to play inside your engine yourself or you want someone else to repaired ???? you can pay for a mecanic to have a report on paper and have them to explain you the codes.
So , when you have a reading of the OBD you tell me and I will guide you. Without that its very difficult to find out the problem. It is a good investment to pay just to have the reading and have them explain you the codes and ask questions..dont take any engagement for repair just ask me or other people what to do after....
If you smell a very strong taste of gas exaust at the exit of your muffler it is probably a flow sensor that when bad.
Good luck

hardihood07

I recently bought a 2008 certified rav4. Yesterday i noticed few light sensor stayed ON while i turned key on ACC (before starting engine). But when I started the engine, all sensors lit and cleared after few seconds, as normal. My question is: are those sensors supposed to stay lit while the key is on ACC before starting the engine?
or do i need to have the car checked?

wastedyears

Please, make your mechanic check the ABS computer. My RAV4 did the same thing, but the mechanical components were alright. After a while, I almost fell off a cliff because my brakes stopped responding properly. When further checked, my mechanic discovered that the ABS computer was damaged. The part alone costs a whooping $3 thousand bucks, not including labor. So, beware and take precautions. Your life may be endangered.

fredy3

hi ! it is normal that some warning lights are lit when the key is position to ACC and engine is OFF. After you start the engine all warning lights should goes OFF.

pmcandrew3

Hello...I have a 2009 rav4. I went to get a car wash today and after I was done, my malfunction indicator light, my slip indicator light and my cruise control light flashes. Is there any way the car wash set these warnings off? There are no noises or vibrations in the car

fredy3

Hi ! if you went to the car wash you may went fo refuelling your car today ?

if you added some gasoline in your car today you may didnt squeeze enought your gascap !!!!! if you re tighted your gascap and make sure the gas cap is correctly in position and drive a couple kilometers you may see all warning light goes off !!! if not let me know !!

greg215

The other day it was raining and I went to back up another car was coming so I slammed on the brakes. Then my engine light started to flash, VSC and 4WD lights came on. I had it towed to our mechanic just waiting on the test to come back now!

taccount

Hey, what turned out to be the problem? I have the same lights on. Please respond as soon as you can. Thanks!

stacey33

hi, need some advice. I have a 2003 2.0L turbo diesel. When accelerating, a couple of times the car has felt like it has held back and engine light has come on. On the last two occasions it has lost power and any acceleration. The car has then driven fine with the engine light still on on another day prior to getting it checked out. I have taken the car to toyota garage x 2 who ran a diagnostic check and couldn't find a fault. They have mentioned that if it keeps happening it could be the turbo but may not be!! Can anyone help me with some advice?

fredy3

If the toyota garage ran a diagnostic check, that means they erased the code and the code never came back. So first if the light come back they should not charge you any fees the recheck again. Second I hope they record the old error code and then they can compare and see if is the same code. If is the same they have to give you a better view of what is the problem and I much it cost to repaire. Also they may not give you the exact parts to replaced, sometime they replaced an all macanic assembly to make sure it will fix the problem but you should all take notes of what the dealer tell you to replaced and ask other toyota dealers what they suggest you to replaced. One more think ! you need to record the error code number to ask other toyota dealer...take your time to managed all this ...good lock !

awatch

Our 2009 TR4 car is currently with the dealer for the same lights coming on problem (check engine, vsc trac and the trac off light). The dealer (wants $285 to fix ) claims a rodent chewed through the wire and that's what's causing the issue. I plan to ask for the diagnostic code and about the gas cap etc. since I've read this forum. Apparrently, the auto industry is using soy based products in the wiring and it's a big issue because they claim it's an insurance, not warranty, issue. any comments out there?

fredy3

Hi ! I've never heard about "rodent chewed through the wire " the auto industry is using soy based products in the wiring" never heard about that ..

I believe it could be a delicious for some ones ... I think toyota is not responsible for that and you may have to pay for that ... maybe you can spray some "dielectric grease product" on the wiring, they will not be attracted by the taste and smell ...
good luck

stever

Never heard the soy based claim, but there are links about it on the net. But critters have been nesting in cars for years, especially ones parked outdoors most of their life. My sister had about $2,000 in damage to her '05 Subaru last year from some rodent chewing on her wiring. She made a claim on her insurance and they covered it.

Saw this a few years back at a Sierra trailhead where critters were damaging cars. Chicken wire fencing on the left, but I thought driving over a big tarp and then tying it up was clever.

fredy3

Thanks for the pictures I really like it... first time a saw that...loll

fredy3

Today , my toyota Rav4 2007 would not start. Battery seems dead so I pull de booster cables out and a good gentleman had boost my car and start up the engine. I was going to drive 200KM to go home it was about 17h00. After start up the engine I felt the steering becomes really hard to turn on and off like that and then it was fine. Then my dash odometer lignt was fliquering all the time than I decide to find a garage. At the garage they didnt have any mecanic guys but one guys was available to install a new battery. So they could not tell me if the battery was the problem but I figure out after 4 years and 146000KM and a lot of starting engines and strong winter here in canada !! I got lucky it was the battery...Yeeeeh I am at home right now and my car is sleeping well ! :shades:

stew16

Is any Rav-4 owners having issues with the start/stop button failing to start the car when pressed and your foot is on the brake? My start/stop button is beginning to have more problems, I push the button and nothing happens, I have to wait a few minutes before trying to start the car again of course the dealership can't replicate the problem, what else is new? This is the same button I'm supposed to use should the car began to accelerate, hopes it works better than it has when its been sitting still, what concerns me the most that the problem is quickly becoming a safety issue. :lemon:

ginsvallo

My front passenger airbag light on my 08 Rav4 LTD started coming on and staying on sometimes. Anyone experiencing this problem??

fredy3

Hi ! This problem is a recall from Toyota, you must go to any Toyota Dealers and ask for an appointment to repair and it's FREE. You should not pay for this recall.
Good Luck

macguyverchick

Figured I'd put this out there for those who think of having a remote start put in.

I have an '07 Rav4 that I bought Certified Used from a dealer. I bought into the extended warranty to save myself some mechanical and financial hassles. Yesterday I had a Compustar remote start installed at Future Shop (who guaranteed that if there are any issues with the vehicle due to the remote start they would fix it or be responsible for it). Toyota wanted about $700 for a remote start and FS $400 - hence why I went with FS.

Shortly after the install, as I back out of a parking spot, I start having transmission issues. The car now slams into gear. Check engine, VSC, & 4WD indicator lights all come on. Away to the dealer I go thinking I have a powertrain issue. They chalk it up to the remote start messing with PCU. I know a little about cars but electrical is beyond me. So 3 trips to FS and 3 trips to the dealer and nothing has changed. FS says there is nothing wrong with the install and that the problems have to be due to something else and Toyota just snickers and sneers at FS yet the dealer mechanics know NOTHING about remote starts (you would think they would know something about the ignition and wiring but I guess that is too much to ask). They say that the Rav4 should not have one and is not designed to have one. Why would Toyota create model of car and put remote starts in half of them if they are 'not supposed to have them' and sell them in Canada?

Really not impressed. Now spending more $$ to have the 'Toyota recommended company' uninstall the old remote start, fix my ignition wiring and install a brand new remote start that I am pretty sure is the same make and model as the one I already have. Hopefully when all is said and done the lights go out and stay out this time. This may be the only Toyota I ever buy considering what I read about the transmission issues. :mad:

fredy3

I there ! this is the reason why I bought the remote start from toyota dealer. I bought the full kit remote with alarm and unlock doors and remote start for $1000 ! yes very expensive but never had any problem with this kit. Except they replaced the micro-switch under the hood for a seal liquid mercure or lead free switch, no charge upgrade.

On my previous car I did the same as you did and I had all kind of problems so thats why I did this way. I think they all says its easy to install you wont have any problem I dont belived that !!!, the electrical wiring car system becomes more and more complicated you better have the dealers toutch that !! anyway good luck! you did the right move to have them install it :shades: ...

jenniferfowler

what is this(!) ? thought it was tires, put air in them and this (!) is still on?

kyfdx

Traction control? Do the squiggly lines look like the tracks your tires would make, if you were fishtailing?

fredy3

Hello ! can you give more details , explain what happen is it when your driving ? etc ... sounds like a VSC failure ...

junior22

The battery light came on yesterday on my 2005 RAV4. I have not replaced the original battery yet and assumed this was the problem. I bought a battery and was going to drop it off at my mechanic's this morning but while driving the radio stopped, the speedometer and odometer dials stopped working and all the warning lights went on. I turned around and went back home. I'm hoping it's just the battery.......can it be something else?

sassydeel

This is the tire pressure warning light that comes on when a tire is low. I had all four tires replaced and the light came on. Checked the tire pressure on all four and it was were it was supposed to be. Check your spare, that was the tire that was low. Aired it up and the light went off. I am having problems with the check engine, vsc and 4wd lights coming on. Happened the first time when I accelerated quickly from my gravel driveway, took it to the mechanic and $70 later the lights were off. He said there was nothing wrong. I did it again and the lights are on once more. I should not take off when I am mad (that is what happened both times). I came on this website looking for a way to turn the lights off. Any ideas????

fredy3

Hi there ! it doenst have anything to do with the acceleration quickly from your driveway ...you should go back to the same mecanic place and tell them you dont wont to pay again for resetting you cpu, ask them to recheck carefully before resetting the error codes and ask them what are the code numbers appearing in there obd2 computer. Also do a quick check if your gas cap is tight enough !!! it happend to me once that it was not tight enough, after you tight more drive a couple km shut off the engine restart the engine and see if it appears again.

fredy3

my RAV4 is a 2007 and my battery when so low that my steering wouldnt move freelly like usual ( it is an electromecanical steering control system) so when I replaced the battery all system lights an steering and so on when normal...