Toyota Repair Specialist For
Santa Barbara and Goleta

Here are a few answers to common questions. Mahneke Motors will evaluate and recommend service if necessary. Remember that warning lights and recommended service intervals are intended for your safety and the reliability of your vehicle.

How to turn off the maintenance light.

Turn the ignition key to the "OFF" position with the odometer reading shown. Turn the ignition key to the "ON" position while holding down the trip meter reset knob. Hold down the knob for at least 5 seconds. The odometer indicates "000000" and the light goes off. If the system fails to reset the light will continue flashing. On some later models you have to use trip A or trip B. Always try the odometer first.

Why Is The Check Engine Light On?

When the CHECK ENGINE LIGHT comes on it means the ECM (Electronic Control Module) has detected a malfunction. You will need a scanner to plug into the OBD II connector to retrieve the code. The code will not tell you the exact problem only which system has detected a malfunction. An example would be a P0130 (O2 Sensor Circuit Malfunction) that code does not mean the O2 sensor is defective only that there is a problem within that system. Make an appointment for diagnosis.

Brake Light On Dash

The brake light on the dash will come on if the parking brake is in use. This of course is normal. It will also come on if the brake master cylinder is low on fluid. If you look at the reservoir you will see a full line and also a low level line. If the fluid is below the low mark the light on the dash will come on. Get the brakes check to make sure there is no leak in the system and that the brakes are still in good condition.

HID Bulb - Intermittent Operation / Flickering

Some 2006 and 2009 model year Prius vehicles may exhibit a High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlight flicker or intermittent operation. HID bulbs are unlike Halogen light bulbs which simply stop working at the end of their useful life. As an HID bulb nears the service end-of-life it may exhibit a condition where the bulb may flicker or intermittently be inoperable similar to a fluorescent light bulb.

Coolant Leak and/or Abnormal Noise from Water Pump

Some 2008 and 2009 model year Scion vehicles may exhibit a small coolant leak and/or abnormal noise from the engine compartment originating at the water pump assembly.

Maintenance

How long your engine last. It all depends on maintenance. If you never change the oil the engine will have a short life. It is cheaper to change the oil than to change the engine. Check the maintenance schedule for your Toyota.

When Should the Timing Belt Be Replaced?

A Toyota with a 4-cylinder engine should have the timing belt replaced every 60,000 miles. V-6 and V-8 engines should have the timing belt replaced every 90,000 miles.

Some Toyota's have timing chains, which last a lot longer depending on how often you change the oil.