Toyota Service Of Pasadena "Independent Toyota Specialist"

My name is Daryl Mathews and I have been a Toyota Technician since 1972. On May 1, 1986 I opened my own Toyota repair shop. At first the name of my shop was Toyota Service of Pasadena, However after about 11 years Toyota USA claimed I was infringing on their trademark by using the word TOYOTA in the name of my repair shop. I changed the name to Daryl's Auto Service.

After over 20 years on Rustic Drive in Pasadena, Texas I have moved my shop to 2635 E. Sam Houston Pkwy. S. (Beltway 8), Pasadena, Texas 77503. If you need your Toyota repaired and are tired of the Dealer high prices call me at (281) 487-3870.

I am open Monday - Friday 8AM till 6PM

I accept the following credit cards

Click on the Toyota News Articles or the Toyota Recall link at the top left for the latest news from Toyota.

Technical Tips

I will add new tips as I can so check back often

How To Turn Off The Maintenance Light

Turn the ignition key to the "OFF" position with the odometer reading shown. Turn the ignition key to the "ON" position while holding down the trip meter reset knob. Hold down the knob for at least 5 seconds. The odometer indicates "000000" and the light goes off. If the system fails to reset the light will continue flashing. On some later models you have to use trip A or trip B. Always try the odometer first. .

Why Is The Check Engine Light On?

When the CHECK ENGINE LIGHT comes on it means the ECM (Electronic Control Module) has detected a malfunction. You will need a scanner to plug into the OBD II connector to retrieve the code. The code will not tell you the exact problem only which system has detected a malfunction. An example would be a P0130 (O2 Sensor Circuit Malfunction) that code does not mean the O2 sensor is defective only that there is a problem within that system. Using a Toyota repair manual you will need to diagnose this system to find the problem. If you have the code number there is a link on the left side that will show what the code means.

Brake Light On Dash

The brake light on the dash will come on if the parking brake is in use. This of course is normal. It will also come on if the brake master cylinder is low on fluid. If you look at the reservoir you will see a full line and also a low level line. If the fluid is below the low mark the light on the dash will come on. I would suggest you get the brakes check to make sure there is no leak in the system and that the brakes are still in good condition.

Windshield Wipers

In the winter time turn your windshield wipers off before turning off the engine. What happens is when you start it up the next day the blades could be frozen to the windshield and could cause the linkage to get damaged or damage the wiper motor. I would suggest that if your car sits out when it is freezing before starting the engine grab the wiper blades and pull them away from the windshield to make sure they are not stuck to it.

HID Bulb - Intermittent Operation / Flickering

Some 2006 and 2009 model year Prius vehicles may exhibit a High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlight flicker or intermittent operation. HID bulbs are unlike Halogen light bulbs which simply stop working at the end of their useful life. As an HID bulb nears the service end-of-life it may exhibit a condition where the bulb may flicker or intermittently be inoperable similar to a fluorescent light bulb.

Coolant Leak and/or Abnormal Noise from Water Pump

Some 2008 and 2009 model year Scion xD vehicles may exhibit a small coolant leak and/or abnormal noise from the engine compartment originating at the water pump assembly.

Maintenance

I get asked this all the time. How long will my engine last. It all depends on maintenance. If you never change the oil the engine will have a short life. I am old school and do as my Dad taught me, and that is change your oil every 3,000 miles. Remember this it is cheaper to change the oil than to change the engine. The maintenance schedule links to the left are for a 2005 Camry. At the top left there is a link you can check the maintenance schedule for your Toyota.

When Should the Timing Belt Be Replaced?

A Toyota with a 4-cylinder engine should have the timing belt replaced every 60,000 miles. V-6 and V-8 engines should have the timing belt replaced every 90,000 miles.

Some Toyota's have timing chains, which last a lot longer depending on how often you change the oil.

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"Independent Toyota Specialist"

Toyota Service Of Pasadena --- Also Known As --- Daryl's Auto Service

OBD II Codes

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Why Is The Check Engine Light On?