1997 Toyota Rav 4 Engine Check light sensor and how to check diagnostics codes

Asked by White_Horse May 17, 2010 at 11:05 AM about the 1997 Toyota RAV4

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

Hello my girl friends Toyota check light will come on every once in a while then stay off for weeks so I was wondering is the check light a sensor that could be dirty? Whatever the problem is it's minor so if anyone know's if it's just a sensor and where it's located I can just get to it and clean it up. Some sensors on engines will short out after a few years from carbon build up, dirt, oil, ect. So it's always good to take them out once in a while and clean it with a degreaser. And I know it works for mustangs but can you take a paper clip into one of the holes of the computer to get a diagnostic code read out from the dash lights?

If someone has any information on that please let me know on here.
Thank you.

4 Answers

195

my '99 has the check light on... first occasionally and now always because i need either to line the pipe to the fuel tank or get a new one. does she smell fuel ever? just as the check engine light will go on if the fuel cap is loose, it will go on if there is a any hole in that pipe... my mechanic also said he'll need to check the sensor for the fuel gage... probably doesn't help in your particular situation but, in case it does, i thought i'd mention it...

4 people found this helpful.
40

rava4 hi my engine light wont go off just had new cat fitted they turn it of it cimes back on when i drive help

4 people found this helpful.
755

You need to have the codes read from your check engine light. You can buy an OBD11 code reader from your local auto parts store to read the code. Once you read the code a better answer can be given. There are hundreds of codes that represent different problems with your car. Different codes will give different recommendations to solve your problem. Get the problem code first. The OBD11 connector for your car is below the steering wheel, plug scanner into car and read code. Post code to get diagnosis...

5 people found this helpful.
6,905

Ck obd2'also did they replace sensor when replacing convetor the sensor 02 obd will tell you.

Your Answer:

RAV4

Looking for a Used RAV4 in your area?

CarGurus has 35,043 nationwide RAV4 listings starting at $2,495.

ZIP:

Own this car?

Share your experience with others.

1997 Toyota RAV4

Review another car

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    CHARLES DEFAZIO
    Reputation
    4,870
  • #2
    Evie Hunt
    Reputation
    4,290
  • #3
    kathymay22
    Reputation
    3,370
View All

Know more, shop wisely

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Honda CR-V
2,065 Great Deals out of 39,325 listings starting at $800
Used Toyota Camry
2,288 Great Deals out of 45,657 listings starting at $975
Used Toyota 4Runner
973 Great Deals out of 10,618 listings starting at $3,000
Used Toyota Tacoma
2,179 Great Deals out of 56,130 listings starting at $3,499
Used Toyota Corolla
1,593 Great Deals out of 29,048 listings starting at $1,900
Used Subaru Forester
1,078 Great Deals out of 37,139 listings starting at $925
Used Honda Accord
1,595 Great Deals out of 30,359 listings starting at $800
Used Honda Civic
1,467 Great Deals out of 29,331 listings starting at $995

Used Cars for Sale

2025 Toyota RAV4 For Sale
9,097 listings starting at $27,022
2024 Toyota RAV4 For Sale
277 Great Deals out of 4,208 listings starting at $23,650
2023 Toyota RAV4 For Sale
275 Great Deals out of 3,247 listings starting at $20,594
2022 Toyota RAV4 For Sale
267 Great Deals out of 3,479 listings starting at $18,299
2021 Toyota RAV4 For Sale
285 Great Deals out of 3,894 listings starting at $13,759

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.