10th Feb 2010, 19:22

Re: Check Engine Light Hell. These posts sound like my story. I was told that I needed a new computer. I paid to have it replaced ($$$). THEN Toyota issues a recall, and, even though my car was running fine (no light on) I was forced to take it in for the "adjustment" to be able to register my car (of course, no reimbursement for the computer I didn't really need!)

A few weeks later, the light came back on and has been on ever since. Now I cannot re-register my car unless I get the light to go out for a smog check, and I don't have the money to get anything big fixed.

I tried the gas cap thing, and switched to better gas, but it is still on. We owned many Toyotas in my family, (some for 20 years) but I can no longer recommend them. We now own Honda's instead, and when people ask, I tell them DO NOT get the RAV4. This is sad as I used to LOVE my car. :(

8th Mar 2010, 09:41

I am having the same issues as everyone else, 2002 Rav4. Started out running rough, transmission changing problems. Removed CPU myself, sent it off to be repaired. That fixed the transmission issue.

Now the check engine light's back on, runs rough, had tune up, continue to get all the sensor codes along with misfire codes. Sometimes it runs perfectly and other days it skips. Anyone else run into this issue? Tired like everyone else of throwing money at it. Dealer is no help at all. They say replace the catalytic converter, but I am not convinced that is the issue after reading all the comments here. Seems more like a firing issue. This maybe my last Toyota for the family.

2nd Apr 2010, 17:42

Toyota RAV4 2001 AWD.

Engine light on for about 12 months, runs good all this time. Aircare needed for Feb 2010. The dealership reprogrammed the CPU, mechanic replaced O2 sensors. Engine light off. Aircare pass.

A month later it starts stalls at lights, and sometimes at stops for a few days, and one day driving for 60km, the RPM gauge drops quickly and briefly. At the same time the engine light flashes - but does not stay on - and the vehicle briefly stalls. Next day, take it to a Toyota dealership, fine, nothing wrong, engine light not on and no code.

Runs good for about 3-4 weeks. Then driving only 3 minutes from the house, the RPM gauge drops quickly and briefly. At the same time the engine light flashes and the vehicle dies. Won't start now.

Towed it to a mechanic, put in new crank sensors. Car starts, but runs rough. Engine light flashes and stalls. Then replaced new CPU; still the engine light flashes and stalls.

Can you help?

Thanks, David.

5th Apr 2010, 22:28

Re Toyota RAV4 2001 AWD 2nd Apr 2010, 17:42.

I guss the 1st new CPU was no good, replaced with another new CPU.

Drove 30 minutes, seems to be good. Oh my Rav has 240km. I hope it'll run good as long as I need it. Good luck to all.

26th May 2010, 21:36

CHEAP GAS... RAV4 DOES NOT LIKE IT.

After 126,000 miles on my 2001 RAV4, I filled it up at a mountain gas station, and the light went on. Have NEVER had this happen before... I agree with the person who said use only KNOWN gas, even though I always use only 87 octane, so NEVER again use those unknown gas stations. Dealer told me $2500 for a new catalytic converter and charged me $120 to read the code (P420, 430} for one minute check, using a code reader I could have bought for only $40 and done it myself.

So, filled the car with high octane GOOD GAS. Next day the LIGHT IS OFF!!! THANK YOU to the posting on 29th Jul 2009, 05:37

You are MY HERO.

19th Aug 2010, 13:34

I have a 2001 RAV4. The check engine light came on last week. Today, the dealer told me the E-Vap needed an exchange; cost $700 plus tax. I had a light on before, the ECM was reprogrammed by the same dealer. Another gasket on transmission for $15, but will charge me $200 for labor, so I decided to wait. I want shop around, anybody have good suggestions? Toyota, you can bet that is my last one for you to chew my bank account.

19th Aug 2010, 18:35

"I want shop around, anybody have good suggestions?"

I'd definitely steer clear of Toyota or Honda. Toyota has dropped to 21st place in quality rankings (out of 33 car makers) and Honda is now ranked lower than Ford, and dropping in quality like a brick. The Ford Escape is one of the best small SUV's built. I recommend them. Nothing from Japan comes remotely close.

17th Mar 2011, 19:02

I know this is an old issue, but I received from Toyota this year a letter regarding two issues.

ZTL - Certain 2001 through 2003 Model Year RAV4 vehicles. Customer Support Program-

Specific Malfunction Indicator Light "ON" Diagnostic codes and/or Harsh Shift of Automatic Transaxle.

They are offering Warranty Enhancement Coverage, so mention this to the dealer when you take this car in.

31st Oct 2012, 13:04

Thank you very much. Check engine light has been on for 2 years. Did what you told me and it's off now.

7th Aug 2014, 23:16

My 2010 RAV4 is running as rough as, and I can't work out the problem.

20th Jan 2015, 18:32

Hey, I took the cover off the fuse box, found 2x 20 amp fuses, but can't find anywhere where it says EFI1 fuse. Can you give me an idea which one or where it is in the fuse box?