Jim Grant's Tech Tips

'98 Toyota 4Runner, Check Engine Light

Q: The "Check Engine Light" on my '98 Toyota 4Runner came on about 5 months ago. I called the Toyota dealership and asked them about it and they said to have all the fluids checked and if everything looks OK it is probably the emissions. The 4Runner is driving fine but I would like to be able to reset the "Check Engine Light" to ensure that if I do have a problem I will know. Is there any way to do this, or do I have to take it to the dealership to get it done?

- Joel N.

A: You can have any repair facility with an OBD II scan tool check your vehicle's computer and receive a report on the code or codes that are causing the Check Engine Light to come on. That same facility can turn the Check Engine Light off and clear the codes after they have been recorded. If I owned your vehicle I would want to know why the Check Engine Light is on and what it requires to correct the problem.