Why is the Corolla ECO light not on?
2 Answers
The Corolla ECO light not being illuminated indicates that the vehicle's ECO fuel-saving mode has been turned off. Here is more information about ECO: 1. The ECO mode is divided into active and non-active types. The difference lies in the fact that the active type has its own dedicated button, allowing the driver to choose whether to activate it. When the driver presses the ECO mode switch, the dashboard indicator light will illuminate, and the vehicle will automatically begin adjusting settings such as throttle opening, transmission shift logic, and air conditioning output power. 2. The non-active ECO mode does not have a dedicated button. When the dashboard ECO indicator light comes on, it serves only as a reminder function. The ECO system will automatically assess driving behavior, and if the current driving operation achieves the optimal fuel supply, the dashboard will simultaneously display the ECO indicator light. 3. Most vehicles use the active ECO driving mode, which means they have their own switch button. Therefore, the ECO mode can be activated during daily driving. However, it is unnecessary to activate the ECO mode when the speed exceeds 120 km/h, during idle parking, in N/P gear, or in manual mode, especially when climbing hills. Doing so would not reflect the economic and fuel-saving characteristics of ECO and could also affect the vehicle's power performance.
After my Corolla's ECO light stopped working, I pondered over it for quite a while. If the ECO mode indicator light isn't functioning, the first thing to check is the driving mode switch status. You might have accidentally pressed the sport mode button, switching to PWR mode. In this case, the ECO light naturally turns off—just look for the mode switch button near the steering wheel and switch it back. If you confirm the mode isn't incorrectly switched, it could be a signal transmission issue, such as poor contact in the wiring connecting the instrument cluster to the ECU signal, or signal interference blocking the eco-driving reminder function. I once encountered a loose connector—taking it to the repair shop to have the center console opened and the wiring harness reconnected tightly solved the problem. Of course, it’s also possible that the bulb or LED light is faulty. Nowadays, indicator lights on the instrument panel are integrated into the circuit board, and replacing them requires professional equipment for testing. I recommend first troubleshooting the mode switch issue, then checking if other indicator lights on the instrument panel are working normally. If that doesn’t help, have the mechanic read the fault codes during your next maintenance service.
