Check Engine Trac Off

My 1999 ES300 had a check engine and trac off light. What does this mean?

The CEL is on because the computer is storing a diagnostic code. Your traction control is off because Toyota computers turn traction control off when they store a diagnostic code as a fail-safe.

Go somewhere & just get the car scanned for free. Autozone does it. Write down the number they give you. It'll be a "P0000".
While he's got it plugged in, ask him to reset any codes that come up.


From there we can figure out what the symptoms, or problems the computer says you have, maybe troubleshoot a little bit, and fix it.
Or the worse case... You get to find out exactly what needs to be done before you go to a mechanic, so you don't get raped.

It just happened to me today. I took it into the local Lexus dealer and he asked if I had just gassed up. Turns out I hadn't put the gas cap on tightly enough, and the car detected insufficient pressure. You have to go to the dealer to get the code reset, but I was in and out in 10 minutes for $0. (It took longer to drive to the dealer!)

I had the same thing happen to me, and the dealership said 9 times out of 10, the problem is either a loose or 'bad' gas cap. I had mine replaced, and it was fine for a week. When the lights came on again, I took it back and it turns out the there was a exhaust line leak. They retightened the lines and everything has been fine.

The code is 440 - Exhaust System.