Check engine light...am I being ripped off for diagnosis?

If it is only the Check Engine Light and no other warnings, you should be able to go to any Advance Auto, AutoZone, etc. and have them read it with their OBDII scanners. The CEL should be just a basic engine diagnostic and not a hybrid specific.

It will take someone with Toyota specific software to read any other diagnostics other than the CEL.

 

+1

 

my wife had the loose gas cap and the cel. i tightened the cap, but had to have the local mechanic shut the light off with his scanner. no charge.

 

Just one of the reasons for owning a Scangauge.

 

One of the dealers I have used in the past wanted 2 hr labor to look at any CEL or hybrid warning light on a Toyota hybrid, period. 2 hr of labor at $120/hr. Yes, I'm all for techs getting paid to do their work, but 2 hr seems a bit generous.

 

Buy a Obd2 scanner from any of the stores mentioned above,hook it up and see the reason for yourself, they are starting about $100 and up. You will need it for any car, it's a good investment.

About tightening the gas cap; if its not resolving the problem, there is a rubber ring on the cap, take it off flip it the other way and put it back. Still not working then buy that rubber ring from any auto parts store, shoul be less then $5 item.

Take care and enjoy the ride.

 

My 2008 is just under 80,000 and just last week the CEL light appeared. I took it to the dealer, where I was informed that the aux battery needed to be replaced. I had an issue with it last winter, so I was expecting that cost this year anyway. But, 40 miles after leaving the dealer, the light is on again. I am hesitant to take it straight back to the dealer, as I cannot afford them to replace anything and everything. They mentioned a water valve or coolant possibly causing the code. I have no idea what that entails.

Poisonjam, did you ever have it diagnosed?

 

Ask the dealer for the code or get it read free at an auto parts store. Always ask for the Diagnostic Trouble Codes & look them up yourself or ask for advice here before dropping money for unneeded repairs in the hope that the problem will be fixed.

After 3 starts a CEL will turn off but the code is stored.

 

Buy a Mini VCI with Techstream off Ebay. Connected to your laptop will give you the same capability as the dealer.
This will cost about $25. It will not only show every fault code on any system in the Prius or any Toyota, but will also tell you the area to check. It can clear codes and assist with service tasks that are difficult or impossible without the device.

John (Britrius)

 

Zvanični sajt Crne Gore - Pocetna: how was i the lucky one to be quoted here?

 

john, i love you man, but that post is from 2011.

 

Guess I should take more notice of post dates.

John (Britprius)