Ask the Toyota mechanic!

Got a ? for the mechanic. This popped up on my dash. Truck runs normal. I can also turn the traction control button on and off. Which the indicator shows above the large words. But the large “traction control off” words stay on all the time as well as the check engine light. I’m thinking a sensor? If so, any idea as to where the sensor is? Thank you for any help/information you can give.

 

Do you have a way to pull engine codes? The traction light will come on for an engine code. Toyota likes to light up multiple lights that are not even related to the issue.

 

No. But I heard/read somewhere Auto Zone will do that for customers. Tomorrow I’ll go to auto zone to see if they do that.

 

Yes sir, when you know the code/codes report back.

 

Will do.

 

Can't figure out where to post this so here it goes. I have a 2013 Tundra Platinum with the 5.7 I just purchased. After it sits for a few hours it gives off a big blue cloud. And if I really get on it on the highway I lay out a blue smoke screen. Anything I should be checking? My initial thought was valve seals.

 

Likely valve seals or worn valve guides. How many miles? You could also pull the spark plugs and if all, some or one of the cylinders is burning oil. Another good test is to drive down a fairly long and steep hill. As you descend keep your foot off the throttle and shift to a lower gear allowing the engine revs to come up. This creates a high vacuum and will draw oil past the valves into the cylinders if the guides or valve seals are worn. After about a minute put the trans Into "D" and accelerate hard. Did the truck emit a big blue cloud?

 

Just went passed 113k, shouldn't be smoking but maybe from lack of driving. dried up seals maybe? I'll try that trick. gotta try that because I'm not a fan of 2 stroke trucks

 

Very unusual with that kind of mileage. If your burning enough oil to see it then ots a significant amount. The cats tend to clean it up. The worry is that you will plug the cats and they will need replacing.

 

Auto Zone did a code scan for me. Check engine light is pO171, PO174 which they said it’s running too lean. They said I need to replace the Mass Air Flow Sensor. Which I ordered.
Other code was C1201 which they said was the EV Control System Malfunction. They said they’re 4 different possible problems. I need to get it a more detailed scan. It’s really odd that both came on the same time.

 

I would look for a vaccum leak before I’d swap out the mass air sensor. You can also do a visual inspection of the mass air sensor for any buildup or debris on the small wires inside. They sell a specific cleaner just for it.

 

As already mentioned, check for a vacuum leak. Google how to find a vacuum leak. If you are leak free then clean the mass air flow sensor. Becarefull when you clean it and follow fhe instructions (youtube). Are you running an oiled air filter? They can contaminate the sensor. Remember that the parts store is always going to want to sell you a part.

 

Check engine light and large words of traction control off was on going to work this morning. When I started the truck up to go to work after our meeting, they didn’t come on. Started truck multiple times and they still didn’t come on. I went to auto zone to get my money back. And got some cleaners for the MAF sensor and throttle body. But, it’s strange that two codes came on the same time and went off the same time.

 

Clean the MAF and hopefully it doesn't come back. Are you using an oiled air filter (K&N)?

 

Not an oiled on. I have the Spectre.

 

Should be fine then. On the oiled filters, some of the oil could come off the filter and coat the MAF sensor and would result in a lean condition.

 

2015 Sr5 w bout 80K miles - Heat/ defrost on both outside side mirrors stopped working a few weeks back. The light inside turns on and turns off after about 15 mins. Fuse inside the cab (7.5) was good, changed it just in case- nothing. I have been looking in google machine for trouble shooting this issue, and cant seem to find what I need. My next guess would be a relay, but its a guess

 

The outside mirrors turn off automatically after about 15 minutes. From the owner's manual...

■ Defogging the outside rear view mirrors (if equipped)
Defogger is used to defog to remove raindrops, dew and frost from
the outside rear view mirrors.
The defogger will automatically turn off after approximately 15 minutes.
CrewMax models: Turning the back window defogger on will turn the outside
rear view mirror defoggers on.

 

Trying to work through some of the codes and troubleshooting procedures for the flashing 4hi/4lo situation and am somewhat lost on where to start. I think I have two separate issues, but all the codes convolute the process. Details are here:
https://www.tundras.com/threads/flashing-4lo-4hi-is-now-a-no-start-stuck-starter-issue.137888/

Would appreciate any guidance.

 

Ditto to all said - heat/defrost mirrors were working fine up until a few weeks back. They just stopped heating / defrosting, but both at same time. Thats why I thought it would be the fuse - but no cigar..

 

Know where to get a mongoose-plus mfc3 vim that doesn’t cost $530?

 

I haver a 2007 Tundra with 5.7. 4 new Toyota TPI sensors that were activated by Toyota dealer, and 4 new tires. My TPMS light is still on. What's up with this? Any clues?

 

Can I use this transfer case oil for my 2019 Tundra? My local Toyota dealer sold it to me as he said this is the oil they use for the transfer case.

 

I'm new to this and I'm not sure this is where to ask. My question is about my 2012 Tundra 5.7L crewmax flex fuel. Cold start up it spins and hesitantly starts like its bogging down unless I use a fuel treatment such as Lucas about every 2nd or 3rd tank. As long as I use treatment it's fine. I have cleaned the throttle body changed plugs air filters replaced battery. Any help would be appreciated.

 

Go back to the dealer. The sensors should have been working when you left. They did not program them correctly.

 

It should be fine. The transfer case calls for a GL4 oil which this is but also calls for a 75W oil. The oil you are showing is a 75W80 so going into 4WD may be slightly slower engaging if you live in a cold climate.

 

My experience is limited on flex fuel vehicles. We don’t have flex fuel Tundras in Canada. I do know there is a tsb for flex fuel vehicles in the US. Visit your dealer and ask about the tsb for flex fuel vehicles and if applies to your Tundra.

 

What is this hex bolt on the oil filter housing, that's leaking ? Can't find it in parts diagrams. 2016 & 2021 Tundra, 5.7. Thanks

 

Not sure maybe it just needs a new gasket or seal. If it could be a simple fix right?

 

Washer that's the word I was looking for