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'02 Echo - Last week "malfuntion indicator lamp" symbolcame on. Took to mechanic and told it was "emission control system leaking from control valve on charcoal canister" and they supposedly corrected leak ($80 diagnosis test). Same symbol came on again yesterday, took back to mechanic and told almost $1,000 for labor and part ($747) to repair. Said I could still drive but would have to be fixed in any case before January '12 inspection. Can you tell me if this info is correct or am I stuck with this huge bill? Thanks. XXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXkarla-mod40852.0232417014
Country: United StatesMake: ToyotaModel: EchoYear: 2002 Already Tried: see original inquiry
Whether that diagnosis is correct or not depends on what the diagnostic trouble codes were and how they arrived at the conclusion that the canister etc has to be replaced, the first thing I would need to know is what the diagnostic codes were, they should have been recorded on your repair order, if you do not have the code numbers you can have the codes retrieved at most autoparts stores like Autozone, Advance Auto, Kragen etc., they can help you get the codes and they do this for free, please record the code numbers or have them give you a printout and then I will be able to better help you with this
Experience: TOYOTA MASTER TECH, ASE CERTIFIED
The bill states "PO440...Emission..."; does this help in giving me an answer?
This could be something simple or more complicated, this code shows that there is a leak in the emission control fuel evap system, the first thing I would suggest doing is to look under the hood for any breather or vacuum hoses that may be disconnected, especially to the air filter. The second thing would be to check the gas cap, check to see if it's on and tight, about 80% of the time when this code shows up is because of a loose or missing gas cap or an aftermarket cap or maybe just a cap that doesn't seal correctly anymore, if in doubt replace the fuel cap and reset the light by disconnecting the battery for a minute or so. It may take a few days for the light to come back on if that wasn't the problem. If the light comes back it's a little more complicated and you may have to go to the dealer to have the system tested for leaks or a malfunctioning component. This not a serious problem and does not affect driveability or vehicle safety, it is merely a malfunction of the fuel vapor recovery system which supposed to redirect fuel vapors from the tank and the charcoal canister back into the intake system of the engine.