T-Belt Warning Light in Toyota Hilux - Meaning and Considerations

Your Toyota Hilux is full of surprises but when you see something that tells you about the timing belt, you should take it as seriously as you can. The T-Belt warning light in some older Toyota Hilux models was introduced to remind you that it's time to change the belt.

In short, the T-Belt light in the Toyota Hilux means the timing belt needs to be changed, but there are other issues like battery problems or some electrical issues that can turn this light on. Also, the light goes on for several seconds when you start the ignition - that's OK. This light is just a reminder, it can't diagnose the condition of the timing belt in your Hilux.

When you see the T-Belt warning light in your Japanese pickup truck, it's always better to plan your visit to the dealership or to the repair shop and be prepared to spend some money on servicing your vehicle. Otherwise, bad things may happen.

Let's see why the light is on and what you should do!

T-Belt light - what's this and how to react?

Essentially, the T-Belt light in some models of the Toyota Hilux (and other Toyota cars) is the light that turns on at a certain interval. For example, it may go on every 60,000 miles or 8 years, whatever comes first.

The light is not backed up by some genius diagnostic tools that can check if the belt is dead or dying and warn you before it fails. Unfortunately, it works just the same as the oil-change reminder.

Anyway, it's never a good idea to ignore this light. Even if you don't think that it's now a good time to change the timing belt, you should go to a trusted repair shop and check this. Maybe, your vehicle already needs the timing belt to be changed and this will save your engine from being destroyed.

So, here's how you should react when you suddenly see the T-Belt light in your Hilux:

• don't worry, it's not a sign of immediate engine failure, this is just a way to warn you that the belt has already served enough and should be changed soon;
• in most cases, this light will go on the dash a little before the timing belt change interval is completely over;
• and still, you should plan the visit to the trusted repair shop as fast as you can and check everything;
• if you still need to drive a lot of miles after you see this light on the dash, you should drive carefully and avoid overloading the engine.

Don't panic - this light is not a clear sign that there is a problem with the engine. It only tells you that it's time to change the belt. But the belt can still go quite a few miles or days. Just be informed that the belt has already worked enough and needs replacement.

The T-Belt light is on after the belt replacement

Actually, the T-Belt light in your Toyota Hilux and the timing belt are living in different dimensions and never communicate with each other. It means that even if you replace the belt, the light will not know about this. And you should tell it to stop going on each time you turn on the engine.

In older Hilux models, you had to take the dash off the vehicle and use the special switch to set the timing belt reminder light to the new circle. It will then go off and start going on again only after the next interval approaches.

But in modern vehicles, you will just need to use the scanner. The good compatible scanner will allow you to reset the light and finally drive without this disturbing message on your dash that you can't erase in any other way.

Actually, the mechanic who changes the belt in your car should know how to do it. And if you take your vehicle from the repair and still see that the T-Belt light is on, you should ask the mechanic to solve this problem. This will take just a few minutes. But never reset the light before you change the belt. Because, in this case, you may just forget to actually change the belt.

The T-Belt light is on for 3 seconds and then off again

This is just how it should work. When you turn on the ignition in your vehicle, the ECU checks every single system including the timing belt reminder. So, it will turn on the lights on your dash for several seconds and then, when the test is successfully completed, the light will go off automatically.

If the light doesn't go off, then there is a problem with the system or the time has come and now you should change the belt. But if the light goes off without the need to reset it, this is just how the system should work. You don't need to pay for diagnostics or worry about possible timing belt problems till you see it blinking or being on when the engine is on.

How often should you change the belt in the Hilux?

The timing belt change interval depends on the type of engine. While some engines require timing belt change every 60,000 miles, other powerplants will be OK with the belt change every 90,000 miles. The manufacturer sets the T-Belt light to exactly the needed miles. But the light may start going on earlier than that - 1000 miles before the actual service is due.

I still recommend replacing the timing belt more often than the manufacturer suggests. Especially if you are using aftermarket belts and pulleys, or your engine has a lot of miles on it. Changing the timing belt every 40K miles is better because you guarantee that your engine won't have a lot of problems with the belt.

What are the symptoms saying that the Hilux needs a timing belt change?

Actually, there may be no symptoms at all and the belt may just brake or jump a tooth or two. This may lead to fatal engine failure. For example, the belt will break when you drive and one of the pistons will hit the valves. It will lead to broken or bent valves and a stuck head. As a result, the repair may cost you more than the replacement of the engine.

Here are some possible signs that the timing belt in the Hilux is about to die:

• whining or whirring noises that come from the timing belt cover;
• changes in timing - the engine works harshly;
• the T-Belt is on indicating that the change interval has already ended;
• the belt looks bad - has damage and cracks on it.

Even if you don't see the T-Belt light but know that the timing belt in your Hilux has already served you more than it should, the best thing you can do is to change it as soon as possible.

The old and worn-out belt can brake anytime and lead to huge issues with the engine. Although it's quite expensive to change the belt, the pulleys, and the water pump, it's way more expensive to repair or even replace the engine after the belt fails.

How much can you still drive when the T-Belt light is on?

In your Hilux, you have a pretty good OEM belt. It can actually live more than the manufacturer says. But a lot of Hilux owners decide to use an aftermarket belt when the OEM one needs to be changed. It means that the belt in the Hilux will have to be replaced earlier than initially because aftermarket belts are much less durable than OEM ones, as a rule.

That's why, you should remember that the T-Belt light is only good to pay attention to when you replace the timing belt for the first time. After you install the aftermarket belt, the original interval of 90,000 miles, for example. should not be applied anymore. You should only rely on the information that is provided by the belt manufacturer. As a rule, aftermarket belts should be replaced every 40,000 miles or so.

So, after you see the T-Belt light for the first time, you still have about 1,000 miles to change the belt. But after that, unless you use OEM parts to repair and maintain the engine, the light will not be your good friend. You should remember the new interval of belt change and stick to it.

What if I don't change the belt on time in my Hilux?

This is the worst scenario for your engine you can think of. I've seen Hilux engines with just 100,000 miles on them and they were severely injured because of the problems with the timing belt.

Here's what can happen:

• your belt will jump or brake making the timing of the pistons and valves incorrect;
• this may lead to the situation when the piston hits the valves that opened at the incorrect time;
• in most cases, thin valves will be bent after such hits;
• now, when the valves can't move, the entire head is blocked;
• also, the pistons can be damaged by valves, too;
• the engine can't run anymore;
• the repair will cost you a fortune.

Although, in some cases, the situation may be fine and you will install the new belt and drive further, in most cases, the broken belt is too bad for your engine.