My check engine light is on. Is it safe to drive?

Basic rule that holds true with any vehicle, if the check engine light is on steady, and the vehicle is running ok with good oil pressure and not overheating, then it should be safe to drive until you can have the vehicle checked by your shop. If however the check engine light is flashing, and or you detect a performance problem, then it’s not recommended to drive the vehicle any distance.

My battery light is on in the dash. Is it safe to drive?

Normally when the battery light is on, that indicates a possible issue with the alternator. If indeed the alternator isn’t recharging the battery, you run the risk of being stranded if driven as the battery voltage will become depleted.

When should I have maintenance items like spark plugs, driveline fluids, timing belt, filters, etc?

By far the easiest way to keep up with all the maintenance items on your vehicle is to stay close to the Manufacturer’s recommended service schedule. Remember all vehicles may not have the same service intervals for a certain item. So It’s always best to check the owner's manual for your specific vehicle.

We are driving on a long trip soon, but my car isn’t due for any maintenance yet. Should I have the vehicle looked over before leaving?

Absolutely 100% you should have the vehicle checked over before driving on any long trips. Things like spare tire pressure, quick visual inspection of tires for nails/cuts and pressures. Visual inspection under the hood to assure no leaks and all fluid levels are good. These things take maybe 15 minutes and are totally worth the piece of mind while traveling long distances.

There is a warning light on in my dash. What should I do? It seems to be running ok.

Every warning light on the instrument panel has a purpose. Warning lights are there to alert us that a computer/module has detected an abnormality in one of the systems on your vehicle. If you’re not sure what the light indicates, there is a section in your owner's manual that will give detailed information related to the light in question.

I have noticed a fluid leak under my car when parking ?

Any fluid leak should be inspected by your shop to verify the source. Trying to identify fluid on your driveway or parking lot can be a bit tricky. Coolant while water based, can have an oily feel on your fingers and may lead you to think it’s engine oil. Engine oil and transmission fluid are similar, but transmission fluid if not too spent, will have a red look unless it’s a CVT transmission. Engine oil could be darker looking, or clear if you just had the oil changed recently. Brake fluid is usually clear, but oily feeling much like engine oil. Checking the under hood fluid levels many times can lead you in the right direction.

How often should I change my engine oil?

I don’t think any 2 vehicle manufacturers are the same. At Creech Import Repair, we recommend every 5,000 miles to change the oil and filter. Many mfg’s recommend longer intervals, but if they extend past 5k we highly recommend checking the engine oil level every 1,000 miles. By nature of design, any internal combustion engine is going to use or consume some amount of oil. Also detergent in oil is designed to suspend by-products of combustion, which is what eventually turns the engine oil dark. At some point the detergent content will become loaded and can’t store anymore. This is the point when the engine can start to gum up inside with deposits and can be harmful to your engine and shorten its life.

Common Toyota Repair Issues: 4 Big Issues and Solutions

Common Toyota Repair Issues. One of the many makes of vehicle we repair is Toyota. If you are having problems with your Toyota vehicle, Creech Import is Raleigh’s trusted Toyota repair service shop. We can handle both common and unusual automotive problems. Creech Import is Raleigh’s premier automotive repair and servicing shop. We pride ourselves in quality service to all makes of Toyota vehicles.

Overall, Toyota vehicles have an excellent reputation as one of the most reliable brands on the market. However, all vehicles will experience failures as they age. Furthermore, regular servicing and maintenance will promote the longevity of your Toyota truck, car, or SUV. Creech Import can handle all of the needs your Toyota vehicle may demand. Handling thsese issues can help your overall resale value and turning your car into an investment.

Toyota 4-Runner, Common Toyota Repair Issues:

4.0 liter Check engine light on code p0016 engine runs fine.

Problem:

VVT variable valve timing is having trouble controlling cam timing. Specifically for this code, it related to intake camshafts.

Solution:

Engine oil low or dirty. The timing chain is worn/stretched beyond the limit that tension can adjust.

Models affected: 2007 thru 2012 4 Runners with 4.0 liter. 2007 through 2010 FJ Cruisers 4.0 liter.

2007 thru 2012 Tacoma 4.0 liter 2007 thru 2010 Tundra 4.0 lite

Diagnostic:

Verify that engine oil is not low or in need of changing. Clear the code and then start the engine. Allow the vehicle to idle for an extended period of time. Check to see if the code returns without revving the engine. If it does then check the timing chain for possibly being stretched. If the code does not come back then manually operate the variable valve timing solenoid to see if the solenoid is sticking or the gear by seeing if the engine runs rough when the solenoid is not energized, indicating a sticking gear or bad solenoid.

Another problem we see frequently is the Toyota Highlander 2015-16 Brake pedal goes to the floor. The common culprit is a faulty anti-lock brake control module. In most cases, it’s recommended to replace this part with a new one.

Transmission repair is often required is on the Toyota Rav 4.

This is especially true for the 2002 Rav 4 model. Engine problems are can also be an issue with the Rav 4. If your Rav 4 is having transmission, mechanical, electrical, or other problems, call Creech Import today.

Water in the passenger floorboard

Cause, AC evaporator condensation drain line clogged, causing water to back up in evaporator case resulting in a leak.

Correction, flush evaporator drain line.

The Toyota Camry is one of the most popular commuter cars on the road – and for a reason.

The Camry is likely to provide reliable transportation for hundreds of thousands of miles. However, this kind of durability is entirely dependent on proper maintenance. If it is time for a tune-up for your Camry, Creech Import is committed to providing reliable, fast, and affordable services. Or, if your Camry is in need of a more serious repair – be it transmission, engine, electrical, or bodywork – Creech Import can also provide these services. For example, there are some common issues with the 2008 Toyota Camry

For example, there are some common issues with the 2008 Toyota Camry

Problem:

Check engine light on.

Other vehicles affected: 2005-2009 Avalon 3.5 | 2007-2009 Camry 3.5 | 2008-09 Highlander 3.5

2006-2009 RAV4 3.5 | 2007-2009 Sienna 3.5 | 2009 Venza 3.5

Symptom:

The engine may not want to start. Possible codes P0351, P0352, P0353, P0354, P0355, P0356 You can set in the computer. If the codes are cleared, some or all of the codes could come right back/hard failure.

Diagnostic:

Use a voltmeter to check the voltage on the IGF terminal. IGF is a White wire shared by all the ignition coils. There should be 5 volts present key on engine off.

If an ignition coil shorts out the IGF terminal, the Engine Control Module will not be able to see the IGF signal so all the codes will be set. If the failed coil is disconnected from the circuit the engine should start ok and run on the remaining 5 cylinders. A bad coil could short out the 5-volt reference.

Solution:

-Repair/fix. Replace ignition coil (s)

If the Camry had a sibling, it would be the Toyota Corolla. Like the Camry, it is notorious for the countless miles of problem-free transportation it can provide. Still, we all know that well-maintained vehicles will live longer lives, and the Toyota Corolla is no exception. Creech Import knows how to keep your Corolla on the road as long as possible. Although the Corolla has relatively few problems, they are most commonly subject to issues within the engine. Let the mechanics at Creech Import repair your troubled Corolla engine or any other failure your vehicle may experience.

2000 Toyota Solara Common Issues

Check engine light on, codes 0440, po441, p0446. Evaporative emissions incorrect purge flow and vent control valve fault. Known issues/components causing these codes are hose leak in the system, vent valve and purge failure, charcoal canister failure.

We hope you've enjoyed this article, "Common Toyota Repair Issues". We hope it will help you in the future.