Check Engine Light.... How Smart Is The Tundra?

Hi,

Should I assume in a 2019 Tundra that with regular maintenance I should not worry about simple one off noises or feelings as a check engine light would activate with any real issues?

In other words is the Tundra computer more sensitive and accurate than my senses?

Sorry..... old guy used to staying WAY on top of old school truck and still getting used to a 2019 Tundra!



Thanks!

Trav

 

Is your check engine light on? Is there a trouble code in the center screen? Any symptoms?

 

So is there an issue or not?

 

I think the check engine light will only relate to things that have sensors on them. So, emissions issues, possibly air/fuel/spark issues, excessive temperature (both engine and transmission), low oil level, maybe low oil pressure. Possibly a few others I can't think of.

I don't think it's smart enough to identify issues with accessories such as ac compressor, power steering, or some brake issues (like pad/rotor wear). So I'd recommend staying on top of anything that seems abnormal just in case. As always, a question to this forum can often put your fears at ease, or confirm you might have an issue.

One instance in the "eased my fears" category that comes to mind is the noisy AC compressor when it's sat unused for a bit. Sounds like a rock grinder for a second or so when first turned on, but apparently this is completely normal. If it weren't for this forum, I'd have likely wasted a bunch of time fighting with the dealer over that one.

 

My Tundra was a contestant on "Are you smarter than a fifth grader?" and took home the winning prize. We were going to have it run as a contestant on "The Price is Right" but were rejected since Ford sponsors them with prizes.

So I would say the average Tundra is pretty smart.

 

This. We've owned 3 Toyotas in the past, and *literally* every time I've ever seen the CEL it has always been an O2 sensor.

 

No my Tundra is fine as far as I know. At idle it seems to have a, what on an older vehicle I'd call a slight out of timing sound.

That's what dot me to thinking as any timing issues would/should be watched like a hawk by the OBC brain....

I get that brakes and other mechanical components wouldn't be watched.

Thanks,

Trav

 

The 5.7 is noisy at idle. Not an issue.

 

That fan roar though.... the if I'm up, everybody's up at 4am wake up call...

 

Lol! Just today, I had my hood popped listening to my noisy valve train with a smile on my face.

 

The Tundra engine is a noisy beast. Some say it resembles the sound of a diesel.

 

I am Tundra, hear me roar!

 

I know what you are referring to...if you listen to the exhaust on start up it sounds like something is off. possible misfire or timing off. However I think its an exhaust flow or pulse issue (acoustics) with condensation in the pipes.

 

Yeah, the fan roar on the 5.7 is pretty loud, though so was the fan on my F150 5.0....and as far as busy/noisy engines go, the 3.4L on the 2000 4Runner we owned sounded like an insane sewing machine. LOL

 

It's funny!

I guess I had never spent time at the exhaust but was hitching up a trailer and had an issue so was back there for a few minutes as the Tundra was warm up idling and if it was my '69 Chevy I'd have grabbed the tach-dwell meter...changed the points!