2016 Toyota Land Cruiser Check Engine Light On

Check Engine Light Issues in 2016 Toyota Land Cruiser and Their Resolutions

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Reviewed by
Andrew Hajjar
Written by RepairPal Car Genius
Updated January 14, 2025
0%
40% chance it's the
Emissions System
0%
60% chance it's
Something else
The most common reasons a 2016 Toyota Land Cruiser has a check engine light are an emissions system component, a sensor, or a catalytic converter.
  • Emissions System: A faulty emissions system component, such as an oxygen sensor or EGR valve, can lead to increased emissions and trigger the check engine light.
Proper diagnosis will determine the exact cause of your symptom, saving you money on unnecessary repairs. The diagnostic experts at RepairPal Certified shops have the right tools and experience to solve any symptom.

How much does it cost to fix a 2016 Toyota Land Cruiser has a check engine light?

Common Repairs

The total repair cost will vary based on the condition of your vehicle and the number of repairs needed to fix your symptom. Proper diagnosis will save you money by finding the exact repairs needed to fix your car right the first time.

A faulty oxygen sensor is one of the most common causes of a check engine light. Symptoms may include a decrease in fuel mileage, hesitation or misfiring from the engine, rough idling or even stalling. A faulty sensor may cause the vehicle to fail an emissions test.

Any time there is an emissions fault the check engine light will be displayed. The purpose of the check engine light is to inform the driver that an emission related fault has been found, and that there are on-board diagnostic (OBD) trouble codes stored in the powertrain or engine control module. Additionally, since the emissions systems are so intertwined into engine control and transmission control systems, symptoms may include nearly any sort of drivability concerns. This may include harsh shifting, failure to shift, hesitation on acceleration, jerking, engine failure to start or run, loss of power, or any number of other drivability issues.

Due to the nature of electrical systems on modern vehicles, the range of problems these can cause are nearly limitless. However, there is a way to categorize them in two ways. Permanent and intermittent problems. Permanent problems appear and remain. This may be the vehicle will not start, the radio does not work, or the door chime will not turn off among many, many others. These problems are more straight-forward to diagnose since they present themselves at all time. This means there will always be a fault to find. Intermittent electrical problems, however, can be difficult or impossible to locate, since they appear then disappear without warning. The best case scenario for an intermittent issue is when replicating the problem is easily accomplished and understood. This allows a technician to make an issue semi-permanent, allowing them to find the fault. Other issues that come and go without warning and cannot be replicated on demand must occur when the technician is servicing the vehicle, otherwise there is no problem to correct. It is most important to understand that electrical system faults always require inspection, and can include the vehicle working in any manner, or not working at all.

Like we noted in the last section, general diagnosis symptoms are the most vague of the bunch. There are several diagnostic spectrums, electrical diagnosis, drivability diagnostics, engine diagnostics, transmission diagnostics, and the list could continue for about 5 or 10 more spectrums of diagnostics. The most important take-away here, is that general diagnostics are diagnostics that have no other spectrum in which they fit, or the problem is unknown. This means that any vehicle left outside of a repair facility with the keys and an authorization to perform diagnosis will be diagnosed under the general diagnosis spectrum.

When the Check Engine Light comes on, you may experience engine performance issues such as poor acceleration, rough idling, or an engine that won't start. In some cases, no abnormal symptoms will be experienced. Other systems like the transmission or ABS can cause the Check Engine Light to illuminate and lights for those systems can come on at the same time. Similar lights may say "Check Engine Soon", "Malfunction Indicator Light" or just "Check". In rare case the engine can overheat.

What are the initial diagnostic steps to take for a check engine light on a 2016 Toyota Land Cruiser?

When the check engine light illuminates on your 2016 Toyota Land Cruiser, the first step is to check the basics, such as ensuring that the gas cap is securely tightened, as a loose cap is a frequent culprit. Next, observe the behavior of the light; a steady glow may indicate a minor issue, while a blinking light suggests a more serious problem that requires immediate attention. To delve deeper, consider using a code reader to access the trouble codes stored in your vehicle's onboard computer, which can provide valuable insights into the underlying issue. Common causes to be aware of include a failing catalytic converter, fouled spark plugs, or faulty sensors. Additionally, monitor any changes in your vehicle's performance, as a significant drop may indicate that the vehicle has entered limp mode, necessitating prompt service. If these initial steps do not resolve the issue or if you feel uncertain about the diagnosis, seeking professional assistance is advisable to ensure your vehicle is properly assessed and repaired. By following this structured approach, you can effectively troubleshoot the check engine light and maintain your Land Cruiser's performance.

What are the common problems that could cause the check engine light to illuminate in a 2016 Toyota Land Cruiser?

When the check engine light comes on in a 2016 Toyota Land Cruiser, it can indicate several common issues that DIY enthusiasts can investigate. One of the most straightforward problems to check is the gas cap; a loose or missing cap can lead to fuel vapor leaks and reduced fuel efficiency. Another frequent issue is a failing catalytic converter, especially in vehicles with higher mileage, which can significantly impact performance and fuel economy. Additionally, fouled spark plugs or worn spark plug wires can cause engine misfires, which may lead to further complications if not addressed promptly. A malfunctioning oxygen sensor is also a common culprit, as it can disrupt the engine's air-fuel mixture, resulting in poor performance. Other potential triggers for the check engine light include a faulty mass air flow sensor, emissions control problems, and ignition system faults. While less common, issues with the transmission or the vehicle's computer output circuit can also illuminate the light. If the check engine light is flashing, it signals a more serious issue, such as a severe engine misfire, which requires immediate attention to prevent further damage. By understanding these common problems, DIYers can effectively diagnose and potentially resolve the issue before seeking professional assistance.

How urgent is it to address the check engine light on my 2016 Toyota Land Cruiser?

When it comes to the check engine light on your 2016 Toyota Land Cruiser, understanding the urgency of the situation is crucial for both safety and vehicle longevity. A steady glow of the light typically indicates a minor issue, such as a loose gas cap or a faulty spark plug, which allows you to continue driving for a short period. However, it is essential to address these issues promptly to prevent them from escalating into more significant problems. On the other hand, a flashing check engine light is a clear signal that immediate action is required, as it often points to severe engine misfires that can lead to costly damage, such as a ruined catalytic converter. Additionally, any noticeable changes in your vehicle's performance, like reduced power or strange noises, should not be ignored, as they may indicate underlying issues that need professional attention. To accurately assess the situation, using a diagnostic scanner to read the engine fault codes is highly recommended, as this will provide insight into the specific problem at hand. Ultimately, while not every check engine light scenario is an emergency, timely intervention is key to maintaining your vehicle's health and ensuring your safety on the road.

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2016 Toyota Land Cruiser Check Engine Light Issues Explained