Check engine light/(!) mark, Toyota Corolla?

Question

Ok, I have a 2008 Toyota Corolla. It's got about 114,000 miles on it. My check engine light came on about a week ago...but only was on for like 2 days. By the time I got to Autozone for them to check it for me it was off. It was off for about 3 days and then came on again. Again it was on for like 2 days. So this morning I get to my car to go to work (~7:45am so it was maybe 40 degrees or so) and the check engine light is on (like it has been the past two days) and the (!) mark is lit up too. I think the (!) is something about my tire pressure?? But, today after work when I was planning on heading to Autozone, the check engine light is no longer on.

So, what gives?  I checked my gas cap for cracks/to make sure it was on correctly and there's no issue there....so why is my check engine light going on/off?  Can they read it even if it's off? And am I right about the tire pressure....because I just got my oil changed within the last month and they checked the pressure/filled them and that light has never came on in the 3 yrs I've had the car and I know for a fact that my tire pressure has been low before.

Help, LOL.

JES · Accepted Answer

Even if the light goes out, it has "thrown" a code. Unless the code is cleared with diagnostic tool it is still there. Your owners manual should tell you what each dash light means and what to do.

? · Answer

Check Engine Light Toyota Corolla

Holey Mufflers · Answer

to add,
what ever the issue is, it's intermitant. and the CEL only illuminates when a code is active. but the code will remain in memory. so don't remove battery terminals or remove the 15 amp EFI main fuse. doing so clears the computer.
the CEL will not lite due to incorrect tire pressure. not to say you may or may not have that issue, it's not the cause of the CEL.

here's your biggest tip. 
never, ever, listen, buy, or adjust anything a counter person from an auto parts store might suggest. sure, they have scanner tools. but they are in no way a qualified *diagnostic* tech. codes need to be interpreted. and sensors need to be tested. not simply replaced. and they will sell you parts all day. needed or not, good intentions or not. that just what they do.

since the vehicle does run, and otherwise has no issues (?), likely~ it's nothing serious or the computer would send the management system into limp mode. wouldn't be able to get past say 1700 rpm. on some of the newer ones with an auto tranmission, that will also limit the transmission to first gear.

recomend, local reputable ASE shop or the dealer for code retrieval and diagnossis..
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thanks Terrence. i missed that. if all that's lit is the (!), then there is no CEL issue. i assumed there was both the (!) and CEL lit. read a little to much onto this.

Currey · Answer

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Check engine light/(!) mark, Toyota Corolla?
Ok, I have a 2008 Toyota Corolla. It&#39;s got about 114,000 miles on it. My check engine light came on about a week ago...but only was on for like 2 days. By the time I got to Autozone for them to check it for me it was off. It was off for about 3 days and then came on again. Again it was on for...

Anonymous · Answer

You can't turn it off. The car's computer is actually telling you to have the car serviced for needed repairs or a simple oil change. Have it checked before you end up with a stalled car or something.

Terrence B · Answer

Thumbs up to Holey Mufflers, but might I add: That "!" light is not the Check engine light. It's your tire pressure light. Check your tire pressure again.

Anonymous · Answer

Mine came on in my pickup. It turned out to be there was corrosion on the battery poles.

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Check engine light/(!) mark, Toyota Corolla?

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