Check Engine Light Toyta Yaris 2008

Maintenance/Repairs
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1

My housekeeper is having trouble with Check Engine Light coming on and getting a good SMOG check.
She says whenever someone works on the car, like changing the oil or even putting air in the tires, the light goes off.
Of course the light goes back on if the car is smogged.
She has been to Maita Toyota for tests but quit at $300 even though there were more tests.
She took it to our mechanic, who is excellent, next to SMOG station but can’t get it to pass.
Anybody got and ideas to resolve problem?

2

She needs to get the OBDII codes that describe why the CEL is on. Both shops that worked on the car should have that information. If not, car parts stores will usually check the car and give her the codes. Once we know the codes, we might be able to help.

2 Likes
3

So the car is not worth the money to find the actual problem?

Assuming the mechanic IS excellent, the cost to get it to pass seems to exceed the car’s value, her ability, or her willingness to pay for the needed repairs.

While any car can be fixed indefinitely, it takes more and more money to achieve this. To me, this seems like the time to walk away from this car and find a better one. Maybe not the answer you expected or your housekeeper wants but there it is.

4 Likes
4

In my neck of the woods (St. Louis and vicinity) a dealer would sell a 2008 Yaris for $4,000-5,600. It may or may not be worth fixing but it sounds like the OP has already given up. A proper diagnosis costs money and if $300 is too much it’s time to move on to another vehicle, preferably something with some warranty left. Of course, that will cost money too…

5

It might be that the housekeeper can’t afford it on her wages.

2 Likes
6

Very possible. Since the post was from her employer, maybe the OP could advance her the money.

4 Likes
7

And then, the next time the car needs a $300 repair, what then?

1 Like
8

To be fair, we’re not talking about a $300 repair, we’re talking about $300 in diagnostics with no repair in sight. That might well be a frustrating situation for someone who owns an old, cheap car.

9

It may well be, but if you’re not prepared to spend $300 to preserve your only way to get to work, you’re in a bad spot.