2021 Toyota Land Cruiser Has A Check Engine Light

Troubleshooting the Check Engine Light in Your 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser: Common Causes and Solutions

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Reviewed by
Aisha
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 2021 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 2021 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 steps to diagnose the check engine light on a 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser?

To effectively diagnose the check engine light on your 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser, begin by checking for visible issues, such as ensuring that the gas cap is securely tightened and in good condition, as a loose or damaged cap is a common trigger for the light. If the gas cap appears fine, the next step is to utilize a diagnostic scanner, which can be connected to the vehicle's OBD-II port. This tool will retrieve error codes from the vehicle's computer system, providing valuable insights into the specific issues at hand. Once you have the error codes, take the time to interpret them carefully; they can indicate problems with various components, including the oxygen sensor, catalytic converter, or ignition system. If, after these steps, you still cannot pinpoint the cause of the check engine light, it may be wise to consult a qualified mechanic for further diagnostics and repairs. By following this structured approach, you can efficiently identify and address the underlying issues triggering the check engine light, empowering you to take control of your vehicle's maintenance.

What are the common problems that could cause the check engine light to illuminate in a 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser?

When the check engine light illuminates in a 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser, it often signals underlying issues that require attention. One of the most frequent culprits is a loose gas cap, which can disrupt the vehicle's evaporative emission control system. Additionally, a faulty oxygen sensor can lead to reduced fuel efficiency and increased emissions, prompting the warning light to activate. Problems with the catalytic converter, essential for minimizing harmful emissions, can also trigger the check engine light if it becomes inefficient or fails. Furthermore, issues with spark plugs or ignition coils can affect engine performance, while a malfunctioning mass airflow sensor can disrupt the air-fuel mixture, leading to similar alerts. Lastly, an engine misfire, often caused by faulty spark plugs or ignition coils, can illuminate the check engine light as well. If you encounter this warning, it is crucial to diagnose the issue promptly to avoid further complications and ensure your vehicle operates smoothly.

How urgent is it to address the check engine light in a 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser?

When the check engine light illuminates in your 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser, it is essential to recognize the urgency of the situation. This warning indicator is not merely a nuisance; it signifies potential issues within the engine or emissions system that could compromise your vehicle's performance and efficiency. Ignoring this warning can lead to escalating problems, including severe engine damage or costly repairs that could have been avoided with timely intervention. For DIY enthusiasts, the first step is to use an OBD-II scanner to retrieve diagnostic trouble codes, which can provide insight into the specific issue at hand. However, while some minor issues may be resolved at home, it is crucial to understand that certain problems require professional expertise. Therefore, addressing the check engine light promptly not only helps maintain your vehicle's functionality but also safeguards against safety risks and significant financial burdens in the future.

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