Old Avensis - Engine Light On

redape99

Just looking for a bit of a steer... have had a 2005 Avensis (petrol 1.6 hatchback) for a good while and it's provided pretty much trouble-free motoring up to 332,000km, serviced on or around schedule and passed NCT and serviced last both in March 2023.

Was coming down from Belfast to Dublin on Saturday night when engine light came on flashing and could feel a change in the engine, bit of struggling/misfiring, was only 20kms from destination so nursed it back OK. Oil levels fine and no overheating.

Only started it once since to reposition it and engine light stayed on not flashing, still misfiring kind of feeling about it.

Don't know much about what goes on under the bonnet so I'm weighing up is it worth getting it looked at or finally getting rid of it?!

Any input appreciated thanks.

Patrick2010

Suggest you get someone with one of those code readers things you can plug in to diagnose the error code. I've had an older Avensis than you with the engine light on for the last 3 years, apparently it indicates an air sensor issue but its hasn't affected the performance and its passed the NCT the last 3 years.

thomas anderson.

Sounds like a failed ignition coil

redape99

Thanks both that's interesting.

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121249024#Comment_121249024

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121249218#Comment_121249218

Would ignition coil be a biggish thing do you know or kind of routine after a while!?

Atlantic Dawn

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121249449#Comment_121249449

It's an easy job, little bit more work than a spark plug change. Maybe €70 for a Denso coil which would likely be what the original brand was. If that's the issue replacing 1 would resolve, there is 4, it would be recommended if you are going to keep the car a while to do all 4 as the others likely to go over similar lifespan.

Reading the fault will point you in the right direction.

standardg60

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121249449#Comment_121249449

Coils are an easy DIY job but you need to get the code read to confirm the issue first

cap.in.hand.

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121249449#Comment_121249449

The code reader will tell you which cylinder/cylinders are misfiring..

Replace ignition coil/coils also spark plugs.. simple enough DIY job from once you get the correct ignition coils and correct sparkplugs

redape99

Thanks again...

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121249470#Comment_121249470

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121249478#Comment_121249478

Sounds like it's worth getting diagnosed, I have a local garage in mind and think I can get a tow to it. Hopefully didn't do any/much further damage driving it slowly for those 20kms with the light flashing.

I'll report back in case it's useful for others, I'd say there're are still a good few of these Avensis knocking around!

Atlantic Dawn

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121249521#Comment_121249521

Not sure if you are someone who likes doing a bit of DIY on you car or not but I highly recommend getting a fault code reader. I've a very basic one and it has been great for saving money diagnosing where problems are.

Heres one...

https://www.micksgarage.com/d/multimeters-and-electronic-tools/products/3383940/obdii-car-diagnostic-tool-with-large-display-and-code-explanation-multi-lingual

Bigmac1euro

To diagnose the issue without a reader.

While engine is on and running remove the coils one by one until you notice no change from the engine as this will signal which coil has failed. I had this exact issue and replaced with a 2nd hand ignition coil from scrap yard for my 2004 avensis. Cost 20 euro to repair in total. No tester required.

Garage will charge you 50 euro just to plug it in.

redape99

Yep you're right I wouldn't be a DIYer on this at all.

Bigmac1euro

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121249568#Comment_121249568

It's honestly an extremely easy job. I have no clue about cars but my neighbour would be handy and we did it together but his input wouldn't be required only for his way of diagnosing the issue was genius in my opinion. There's only 4 coils - you can have it diagnosed and replaced in less than an hour once you've a rachet set. If not borrow a neighbours.

GavPJ

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121249542#Comment_121249542

Every tool box should have one of these in it. Cheap to buy and can help solve a lot of issues yourself.

mickdw

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121249580#Comment_121249580

To be fair, isolating a cylinder at a time as he did is mechanics most basic technique when engine is misfiring.

jj880

Another vote for the OBD code reader. Great job. Has saved me a fortune. Ive a cheap Bluetooth one I got for 5 euro. I leave in the obd port and read / clear faults with Torque Lite app (free app) on my android phone.

Would also say get the coils off and have a look into the spark plug bays before ordering anything. I had a small coolant leak into 1 of mine causing a misfire.

Bigmac1euro

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121249617#Comment_121249617

That's fair enough but he's not a mechanic so I thought it was impressive because I haven't a clue when it comes to this stuff.

redape99

Thanks for the detailed info all.

munsterfan2

Similar warning light on our Avensis Verso ( 2005 coming up on 300k ) OBDII reader gave a timing chain error. Been waiting for something big to go to replace with a small EV, (probably 2nd hand Kona) as kids all adults now

jj880

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121251269#Comment_121251269

If you want to use with Torque Lite app + android phone.

https://www.ebay.ie/itm/115916305068

7 euro including postage.

cml387

Probably a coil pack. No big problem

9935452

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121249543#Comment_121249543

I'd be slow in putting a second hand one in the car tbh.

I had a 1.4 petrol golf where the first one went at 60k miles.

The next at 65k, then the last 2 at 70k.

No more went up to 130k.

No gaurantees with second hand ones

mickdw

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121260513#Comment_121260513

Take a couple of used coil packs from breaker and they will probably get ya to 500k km

greasepalm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121260513#Comment_121260513

Nothing more reliable as a VW =constant repairs.

Toyotas have some fun waiting for something to happen.

ofcork

Had a p0420 code on my old 04 avensis for a few years always passed nct main dealer wanted 800 for a new cat,still running fine when i sold it.

redape99

Glad to say you were all right, quick diagnosis and repair with a new ignition coil and I was back on the road for not much more than the cost of a tank of petrol... think I'll hold on to it for another while.

mickdw

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121269485#Comment_121269485

Good stuff. Probably my least favourite car but they go forever.