Check Engine Light on at 32k kilometers?

[WeeYari]

Originally Posted by barryware

In the US.. ALL the parts stores will read your codes for free.. They do this so you will buy the repair parts needed to correct the problem. Most other shops (Sears, Midas Muffler, etc.) will also read the codes for free in hopes you will let them fix the problem.

^ This.

I can't tell you how many times a Canadian on this site has posted concerning check engine light, and they will almost always get a 'most auto parts (ie. AutoZone) will scan for free' response.

We don't have AutoZone here with the closest comparable being PartsSource and NAPA. Both these operations do not extend this service under the hope that you will buy your parts from them. The closest we do get is the periodic special run by some shops who will wave the diagnostic fee if you have them perform the necessary repairs. Otherwise, it is pay for the read + parts + labour.

I'm not dumping here, just pointing out that the free diagnostic from your local parts store is not an applicable response for us.

[barryware]

Originally Posted by WeeYari

^ This.

I can't tell you how many times a Canadian on this site has posted concerning check engine light, and they will almost always get a 'most auto parts (ie. AutoZone) will scan for free' response.

We don't have AutoZone here with the closest comparable being PartsSource and NAPA. Both these operations do not extend this service under the hope that you will buy your parts from them. The closest we do get is the periodic special run by some shops who will wave the diagnostic fee if you have them perform the necessary repairs. Otherwise, it is pay for the read + parts + labour.

I'm not dumping here, just pointing out that the free diagnostic from your local parts store is not an applicable response for us.

Fair enough.. Another option would be to purchase a code reader. I see some pretty cheap ones but if the problem is anywhere other than the ecu (trans, body, power steering, etc..) it won't tell you much.

You could also purchase a device that does more than read codes. I bought a scanguage II and it is always connected to my yaris. My car does not have a tach so I bought it just for that. It gives all kinds of info and reads / clears codes (but not anything other than the ecu).

Since, I bought an additional cable so I can use it to read codes on other cars without having to dig out the cable that is installed in my yaris. It seems I read the codes on one car (for fun mostly), and I have now turned into the neighborhood / family code reader.

Then.. you have to interpret the code to pinpoint the problem. Sometimes, it is best to just bring it in.

The OP states he has low mileage and the car is a 2010. It was also indicated that the car is under warranty. They charge for reading codes in Canada when the car is under warranty?

My yaris came with a 36k mile / 3 year warranty which is pretty poor. Not unlike the Honda's though.

My wifes GM car came with a 4 year / 50k mile warranty (bumper to bumper) and 100k on the engine and drive train.

What about battery testing... Do the stores in Canada charge for a battery test?

[WeeYari]

Originally Posted by barryware

Fair enough.. Another option would be to purchase a code reader. I see some pretty cheap ones but if the problem is anywhere other than the ecu (trans, body, power steering, etc..) it won't tell you much.

I personally have one.

Originally Posted by barryware

Since, I bought an additional cable so I can use it to read codes on other cars without having to dig out the cable that is installed in my yaris. It seems I read the codes on one car (for fun mostly), and I have now turned into the neighborhood / family code reader.

Likewise. Since getting mine, I have done approx. $700 worth or reads.

Originally Posted by barryware

They charge for reading codes in Canada when the car is under warranty?

Usually, yes.

Originally Posted by barryware

What about battery testing... Do the stores in Canada charge for a battery test?

Some do, some don't

[barryware]

Originally Posted by WeeYari

Usually, yes.

Boy oh boy.. I would have a problem with that.. My car is under warranty.. CEL came on.. Fix it!

[caper26]

Originally Posted by barryware

Boy oh boy.. I would have a problem with that.. My car is under warranty.. CEL came on.. Fix it!

Yes, that is my beef.

[Neurotic Hapi Snak]

Originally Posted by barryware

Fair enough.. Another option would be to purchase a code reader. I see some pretty cheap ones but if the problem is anywhere other than the ecu (trans, body, power steering, etc..) it won't tell you much.

You could also purchase a device that does more than read codes. I bought a scanguage II and it is always connected to my yaris. My car does not have a tach so I bought it just for that. It gives all kinds of info and reads / clears codes (but not anything other than the ecu).

Since, I bought an additional cable so I can use it to read codes on other cars without having to dig out the cable that is installed in my yaris. It seems I read the codes on one car (for fun mostly), and I have now turned into the neighborhood / family code reader.

Then.. you have to interpret the code to pinpoint the problem. Sometimes, it is best to just bring it in.

The OP states he has low mileage and the car is a 2010. It was also indicated that the car is under warranty. They charge for reading codes in Canada when the car is under warranty?

My yaris came with a 36k mile / 3 year warranty which is pretty poor. Not unlike the Honda's though.

My wifes GM car came with a 4 year / 50k mile warranty (bumper to bumper) and 100k on the engine and drive train.

What about battery testing... Do the stores in Canada charge for a battery test?

Toyota also has an extended powertrain warranty, 5 years/ 60k miles.