Engine light 2005 Prius, new to forum

I have never posted and may be in the wrong area. My engine light is on and also began smoking. I turned the AC off and the smoking stopped but the light stayed on. I am reading about a code sensor. Where do you get that and how do you use it. I also read that there are authorized dealers other than Toyota. How do you find that list? I am taking it to the dealer this morning and need to understand whether I am getting the best solution for a diagnosis. I read too to get the codes before letting anyone do the repairs. Help would be greatly appreciated. I have about 132k miles. I just moved to a new town.

 

From the engine- and the fluid levels were check at the last oil change - about 4 mos ago.

 

Ok. I am waiting at the dealer now. I asked for an oil change,and to check why the light is on. I have been here 2 hours- but they did have to take lunch. Thanks for the hint to check oil now that the car is older. I used to do that on the previous car, and it did not come to mind that I am now driving an older car. I hope that these folk are competent and honest.

 

Oops! Thank you. Let me see if I can repost over there. And thanks for the link.

 

Thanks. I am learning the site and have not reposted.




Ok, they completed the diagnosis. Costing about $400 to replace the ?cooling sensor - part is $88 and labor $99/hr. They think it will take about 3 hours due to the location of the part.

 

I need to use their language and report back tomorrow. I hope they are competent and honest. I did not write down the code because when he went back to get that I recognized it as the one discussed in the forum related to the malfunction warning light.

 

Yes, that's it! Oh, my--