Check engine light, P0101 and P0172 codes. Safe to drive?

Yes the car is safe to drive.

The MAF sensor maybe dirty (or need replacement). They don't fail often so check your air filter, see if it's dirty and needs replacement also (since you have to remove filter to see the MAF sensor)

There is a MAF sensor cleaner you can buy for less than $10, just spray it on there (after you take it off the car). If cleaning it doesn't get rid of the check engine light, then go buy another used part from Ebay or something (original part would be best). You may be able to get them at junk yards too (since Gen 2 cars are becoming disposable)

 

Don't take the car to the dealer... It's way too old for that. Toyota dealers are warranty specialists. They're 100% guaranteed to try to replace the most expensive parts even if it's not necessary because that's how they get the most benefits for their business when they do warranty work. You need to find an honest mechanic who will fix your problem for lowest cost, not the highest.

 

Is this the same issue, or did it come back again : PO101 and PO172- Okay to drive one hour to dealer? | PriusChat

In case someone else finds this thread and needs the 2004 (dated) workups for those codes (DTCs) :

Here is the workup for DTC P0101 : https://share.qclt.com/%E4%B8%B0%E7%94%B0%E6%99%AE%E7%91%9E%E6%96%AF%E5%8E%9F%E5%8E%82%E8%8B%B1%E6%96%87%E6%89%8B%E5%86%8Cpdf%E6%A0%BC%E5%BC%8F/Repair%20Manual/04pruisr/05/2054m/cip0101.pdf

Here is the workup for DTC P0172 (and P0171) : https://share.qclt.com/%E4%B8%B0%E7%94%B0%E6%99%AE%E7%91%9E%E6%96%AF%E5%8E%9F%E5%8E%82%E8%8B%B1%E6%96%87%E6%89%8B%E5%86%8Cpdf%E6%A0%BC%E5%BC%8F/Repair%20Manual/04pruisr/05/2054m/cip0171.pdf

 

What did the dealer do last time; just cleaned up the MAF, throttle body, and butterfly valve?

Was there anything else listed on the invoice?

 

If you had the problem happen again, did the dealer ever really "fix it" in the first place?

What do you have to scan the car, and are you interested or capable of diagnosing this yourself?

Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.

 

The funny thing is that that part of the engine is no different from a Corolla, Yaris, or Camry. In fact, probably not a lot different from a myriad of mainstream cars.

 

I have the same recurring problem, happened around a month ago was replaced with a new air filter and now I have it again.

 

What codes do you have? Did you do anything besides replacing the air filter? Have you tried properly cleaning the MAF sensor and throttle body?

Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.

 

I replaced the MAF and air filter. PO101 is the only code I am getting. This was the first code since the replacement battery. I kept the original MAF and may just purchase some cleaner, clean and reinstall it.

 

Things just get curiouser and curiouser, had the CEL light on when I went to work today and again when I returned home, just about a half an hour ago I moved the car and no code. I am flummoxed here.

 

A bad catalytic converter would do that