Check Engine Light on at 32k kilometers?

[CTScott]

You need to have someone read the code, as there are hundreds of reasons why it could come on (from as benign as loose gas cap). Most auto parts stores will read codes for no charge.

[caper26]

#1 and #4 cylinder misfire, and a corresponding 'random' misfire code.
wtf? Code is cleared for a couple days now, but I noticed my mileage went to pot about 9 months after I bought the car (which corresponded to fall/winter in Canada). Need to get an oil change soon so I will talk to the dealship and see what they say about it. Hate paying for detailed diagnostics when I have an extended warranty which should cover that sort of crap.

[CTScott]

Originally Posted by caper26

#1 and #4 cylinder misfire, and a corresponding 'random' misfire code.
wtf? Code is cleared for a couple days now, but I noticed my mileage went to pot about 9 months after I bought the car (which corresponded to fall/winter in Canada). Need to get an oil change soon so I will talk to the dealship and see what they say about it. Hate paying for detailed diagnostics when I have an extended warranty which should cover that sort of crap.

Typically that is caused by spark plug or coil issues. My bet is fouled plugs from some bad gas.

[WeeYari]

Originally Posted by CTScott

Most auto parts stores will read codes for no charge.

That's an American luxury. Very hard pressed in Canada to find someone who will not soak you for an easy $100 to plug in a code reader.

[Exiwolfman]

Originally Posted by WeeYari

That's an American luxury. Very hard pressed in Canada to find someone who will not soak you for an easy $100 to plug in a code reader.

just to let u know our pc with build in code reader and everything else possible that one can do to a toyota is $ 6k to buy we got 3 of them...anyone is welcome to buy a cheap just code reader at CT...that is once choice but as for free i dont agree...the place pays good money for the equipment i pay crazy money for my tools went to school also...so what makes u think it should be free ..warrant will cover lots ...but dont expect anyone to do anything free.

just my 2 cents on this ....at least we will get it right the first time not like ur average shop.

[barryware]

Originally Posted by Exiwolfman

just to let u know our pc with build in code reader and everything else possible that one can do to a toyota is $ 6k to buy we got 3 of them...anyone is welcome to buy a cheap just code reader at CT...that is once choice but as for free i dont agree...the place pays good money for the equipment i pay crazy money for my tools went to school also...so what makes u think it should be free ..warrant will cover lots ...but dont expect anyone to do anything free.

just my 2 cents on this ....at least we will get it right the first time not like ur average shop.

In the US.. ALL the parts stores will read your codes for free.. They do this so you will buy the repair parts needed to correct the problem. Most other shops (Sears, Midas Muffler, etc.) will also read the codes for free in hopes you will let them fix the problem.

Most can only read the ECM.. Any of the other computers on the car (power steering, body, A/C, etc.) takes the techstream or some other sophisticated, expensive head tool which some shops have, and some do not.

My 2 cents..

[WeeYari]

Originally Posted by barryware

In the US.. ALL the parts stores will read your codes for free.. They do this so you will buy the repair parts needed to correct the problem. Most other shops (Sears, Midas Muffler, etc.) will also read the codes for free in hopes you will let them fix the problem.

^ This.

I can't tell you how many times a Canadian on this site has posted concerning check engine light, and they will almost always get a 'most auto parts (ie. AutoZone) will scan for free' response.

We don't have AutoZone here with the closest comparable being PartsSource and NAPA. Both these operations do not extend this service under the hope that you will buy your parts from them. The closest we do get is the periodic special run by some shops who will wave the diagnostic fee if you have them perform the necessary repairs. Otherwise, it is pay for the read + parts + labour.

I'm not dumping here, just pointing out that the free diagnostic from your local parts store is not an applicable response for us.

[barryware]

Originally Posted by WeeYari

^ This.

I can't tell you how many times a Canadian on this site has posted concerning check engine light, and they will almost always get a 'most auto parts (ie. AutoZone) will scan for free' response.

We don't have AutoZone here with the closest comparable being PartsSource and NAPA. Both these operations do not extend this service under the hope that you will buy your parts from them. The closest we do get is the periodic special run by some shops who will wave the diagnostic fee if you have them perform the necessary repairs. Otherwise, it is pay for the read + parts + labour.

I'm not dumping here, just pointing out that the free diagnostic from your local parts store is not an applicable response for us.

Fair enough.. Another option would be to purchase a code reader. I see some pretty cheap ones but if the problem is anywhere other than the ecu (trans, body, power steering, etc..) it won't tell you much.

You could also purchase a device that does more than read codes. I bought a scanguage II and it is always connected to my yaris. My car does not have a tach so I bought it just for that. It gives all kinds of info and reads / clears codes (but not anything other than the ecu).

Since, I bought an additional cable so I can use it to read codes on other cars without having to dig out the cable that is installed in my yaris. It seems I read the codes on one car (for fun mostly), and I have now turned into the neighborhood / family code reader.

Then.. you have to interpret the code to pinpoint the problem. Sometimes, it is best to just bring it in.

The OP states he has low mileage and the car is a 2010. It was also indicated that the car is under warranty. They charge for reading codes in Canada when the car is under warranty?

My yaris came with a 36k mile / 3 year warranty which is pretty poor. Not unlike the Honda's though.

My wifes GM car came with a 4 year / 50k mile warranty (bumper to bumper) and 100k on the engine and drive train.

What about battery testing... Do the stores in Canada charge for a battery test?

[WeeYari]

Originally Posted by barryware

Fair enough.. Another option would be to purchase a code reader. I see some pretty cheap ones but if the problem is anywhere other than the ecu (trans, body, power steering, etc..) it won't tell you much.

I personally have one.

Originally Posted by barryware

Since, I bought an additional cable so I can use it to read codes on other cars without having to dig out the cable that is installed in my yaris. It seems I read the codes on one car (for fun mostly), and I have now turned into the neighborhood / family code reader.

Likewise. Since getting mine, I have done approx. $700 worth or reads.

Originally Posted by barryware

They charge for reading codes in Canada when the car is under warranty?

Usually, yes.

Originally Posted by barryware

What about battery testing... Do the stores in Canada charge for a battery test?

Some do, some don't

[Neurotic Hapi Snak]

Originally Posted by barryware

Fair enough.. Another option would be to purchase a code reader. I see some pretty cheap ones but if the problem is anywhere other than the ecu (trans, body, power steering, etc..) it won't tell you much.

You could also purchase a device that does more than read codes. I bought a scanguage II and it is always connected to my yaris. My car does not have a tach so I bought it just for that. It gives all kinds of info and reads / clears codes (but not anything other than the ecu).

Since, I bought an additional cable so I can use it to read codes on other cars without having to dig out the cable that is installed in my yaris. It seems I read the codes on one car (for fun mostly), and I have now turned into the neighborhood / family code reader.

Then.. you have to interpret the code to pinpoint the problem. Sometimes, it is best to just bring it in.

The OP states he has low mileage and the car is a 2010. It was also indicated that the car is under warranty. They charge for reading codes in Canada when the car is under warranty?

My yaris came with a 36k mile / 3 year warranty which is pretty poor. Not unlike the Honda's though.

My wifes GM car came with a 4 year / 50k mile warranty (bumper to bumper) and 100k on the engine and drive train.

What about battery testing... Do the stores in Canada charge for a battery test?

Toyota also has an extended powertrain warranty, 5 years/ 60k miles.

[caper26]

Originally Posted by Exiwolfman

just to let u know our pc with build in code reader and everything else possible that one can do to a toyota is $ 6k to buy we got 3 of them...anyone is welcome to buy a cheap just code reader at CT...that is once choice but as for free i dont agree...the place pays good money for the equipment i pay crazy money for my tools went to school also...so what makes u think it should be free ..warrant will cover lots ...but dont expect anyone to do anything free.

just my 2 cents on this ....at least we will get it right the first time not like ur average shop.

Scan should be free as a loyal customer who will get the repairs or parts at that shop.
When you get a brake job, do they charge you "diagnostic fees" of $30 to tell you that you need new brakes? No.
We pay mechanics to find the problem and fix it. Just because they want to use a computer at MY expense, doesn't sit right with me.

[dj92]

Originally Posted by caper26

We pay mechanics to find the problem and fix it. Just because they want to use a computer at MY expense, doesn't sit right with me.

Often poorly done work (e.g. not checking a battery that was in fact dead and blaming it on the ECM) let me come to the decision to fix my cars on my own, including maintenance.
In the end, it saves me a lot.
I had changed the air filters in less than half a minute, changing oil and its filter were done in less than an hour.
~20€ or so for the 3 filters, 50 for a canister of oil that's still got about 2l in it, that's totally okay for me to spend that every second or third year.
Paying the workshop 100€ in addition (some rumors said even 200€) isn't at all.
I lose the rust warranty, but if it rusts too bad in about 10 years or so, the saved money will be by far enough to fix it