CEL Comes on Every Few Weeks

ta4

New Member
#1
The check engine light comes on periodically in my 2000 Corolla CE.

It comes on for a few days or a week, then goes off for a few days or several weeks.

The computer code is a "cam sensor" error. I had the cam sensor replaced with an after-market part, and then a Toyota part when that didn't work. Those had NO improvement - no change at all. The CEL kept coming on.

My mechanic worked hard to find the problem but couldn't. Then, I had the Toyota dealer look at it and they couldn't figure it out and said they would have to take apart the engine to find the problem which would cost big $$$ (more than the car is worth).

It's sad because it only has 70K and it's super clean and still rides like new, amazingly.

Over the last year of observing the CEL, I suspect it comes on when the oil gets too low. It burns oil of course - the common problem with these engines (wrong size rings, or whatever). If top off the oil every week, the CEL tends not to come on - but still occasionally it will. Or, I could be completely wrong about that association.

Any ideas what the real problem is?

Thanks.

Terry
Chicago, IL
 
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