Why is my Toyota Highlander check engine light on?

Alright so my Toyota Highlander check engine light came on outta nowhere and i was like what even is that, any of you guys ever had this happen? It started flickering a bit, then kept steady. first i thought maybe i just needed to check the gas but yeah i found out it wasn’t as simple as that at all.

i took it to the shop and they hooked it up to a scanner and gave me this code P0171. apparently, it’s something to do with the engine running too lean. they said it might be the MAF sensor or maybe a vacuum leak i think, but how do they even know for sure? i don’t drive the car like crazy, just normal stuff, but could that be why?

anyway, i’m waiting for them to replace a couple parts and hope that fixes it. had no idea the check engine light could mean so many different things. anyone else ever had weird codes pop up like that? what did you end up doing? i’m learning as i go here

Last summer in Toronto, my Highlander’s check engine light popped on outta nowhere :thinking:. I checked under the hood & saw some loose wires. Later, diagnosed a faulty O2 sensor, not a major prob but gotta be fixed quick. Learned my lesson about regular tune-ups to avoid this hassle! Hope that helps ya out!

I’ve had my Highlander parked in Toronto for a while now, and out of nowhere, bam, check engine light! I had my buddy check it out, thought it was just the gas cap, but nah. He found a loose wire. Trust me, always good to get it checked by a pro, ya know. Happened to a neighbor too; turned out it was just a tiny thing!

I had my Highlander’s check engine light turn on last week, driving through Seattle. First panic, then I figured it might just be a loose gas cap—or maybe something with the cat converter. Took it to the shop, they sorted it real quick! Always get those little things checked, folks.

I’ve had this same issue with my Highlander in Seattle. Turns out, it was just a loose gas cap. Man, never underestimate the simple fixes—it’s saved me a ton of $$$ on unnecessary repairs! Always start there before panicking.

I live in Alberta, Canada, and I’ve got that pesky check engine light on my Toyota Highlander. It popped up outta nowhere! My cousin said it might be something simple like the gas cap, but he also mentioned it could be my oxygen sensor acting up. Anyone else had this issue and found a fix? Frustrating, right?

I’ve got a similar issue with my Highlander out here in Ontario. Mine flickered on during a family road trip. After a quick scan, it turned out to be a loose gas cap. Seemed silly, but it was embarrassing to explain the delay. Just goes to show, sometimes the simplest things can trigger that stubborn check engine light!

I had the same issue with my Highlander in Denver—turned out an O2 sensor was bad! Thought it was just some random warning, but that check engine light was a headache waiting to happen. Took it to the shop and wham, fixed up in no time! Always better to get it checked ASAP to avoid bigger repairs later. Totally worth the peace of mind!

I’ve been driving my Toyota Highlander around California for a bit, and one day my check engine light decided to pop up. I had it towed to the nearest shop, and turns out it was just a loose gas cap. Sounds simple, but definitely gave me a scare for a moment. Anyone else had similar no-brainer issues?

I’ve got a 'Toyota Highlander back in Boise, & it started acting up. Thought I had it in the bag, but that pesky check engine light popped on like a jack-in-the-box. Had to haul it to the garage—turns out, it’s the O2 sensor. Just a heads-up for ya! Don’t sweat it; it’s fixable!

I had this issue with my Highlander in Calgary, and it turned out to be a dead battery cell. So annoying, right? Took it to the shop, and the mechanic nodded knowingly. Apparently, driving too much on battery power can mess things up. I’ve read online it could be something minor too like a loose gas cap or random sensor glitches. Just hope it isn’t something pricier. It’s nerve-wracking having that little orange light flashing. Anyone else had this bugging you?

I’ve been in San Diego with my Highlander, and bam, check engine light popped up outta nowhere. Thought it was just a sensor glitch at first, like a window acting funky. Took it to the shop—turned out to be the O2 sensor. Good thing it wasn’t the catalytic converter! Always check those codes, folks.

I’ve got a crazy story—my Highlander’s check engine light went off for no reason. I was driving around Toronto and had to pop into the shop. They said it was just a loose gas cap! Took it out, and voilà, no more warning light. Sounds simple, right? Just when ya least expect it, little things like these pop up!

I’ve got a 2018 Highlander, right, cruising around Calgary, and bam! Check engine light pops on. Thought it was nothing, but turns out it was the O2 sensor. Had it checked out at a local garage, and yeah, it was worth it—they fixed it up for a decent price. Now it’s running smooth like butter. You’re not alone, buddy; Toyota’s great, just keep it checked!

I had this happen to my Highlander last year right here in Ontario, Canada. The check engine light came on outta nowhere. Turns out, it was just a loose gas cap, lol. Thought I was havin’ bad camry vibes! Weird but no crisis. Lemme know if you find any solace in my story!

Living in Toronto, I’ve had my share of Highlander dramas. The check engine light came on out of nowhere last month – and trust me, it’s got nothing to do with a happy dance! I’ve checked the usual suspects like gas cap and spark plugs. I remember burning fuel like crazy before a buddy fixed a sensor undercarriage issue. Seriously, folks, it’s worth diving into sometimes!

I’ve had my Toyota Highlander since '19 in Michigan, and the check engine light popped up outta nowhere. I thought it was exhaust or something minor, but turns out it was the O2 sensor acting up. Had the mechanic take a peek, ended up being a pretty quick fix. Keeps ya on your toes, eh? Here’s hoping you sort it out fast!

I had something similar with my Highlander in Texas last month. My check engine light decided to show up outta nowhere. Thought it was just a sensor glitch, but turned out it was the EVAP system acting up. Pulled over and had this DIY-installed OBD tool. It confirmed there was a code, said something about a leak. Took it to the mechanic, and it was a loose hose. All fixed without breaking the bank. Always gotta get those codes checked early, saves u headaches later! :red_car::wrench:

Recently in Toronto, my Toyota Highlander’s check engine light popped on mid-drive, totally freaked me out! I’ve tried scanning it, and got some cryptic code. Ended up being a loose gas cap! Crazy how something simple can cause such a stress. FYI: Check your cap next time before heading to the shop! :red_car::sparkles:

I’ve got a Toyota Highlander too, and same thing happened to me here in Canada. Ran outta gas one day, idiot me, and now the check engine light’s been driving me nuts. Thought it’d reset after a drive but nah, been to shop several times. Anyone else with this headache? :unamused: