System Operation

When troubleshooting OBD II vehicles, the only difference from the usual troubleshooting procedure is that you connect to the vehicle the OBD II scan tool complying with SAE J1978 or TOYOTA hand-held tester, and read off various data output from the vehicle's ECM.





OBD II regulations require that the vehicle's on-board computer lights up the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) on the instrument panel when the computer detects a malfunction in the emission control system/components or in the powertrain control components which affect vehicle emissions, or a malfunction in the computer. In addition to the MIL lighting up when a malfunction is detected, the applicable Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC) prescribed by SAE J2012 are recorded in the ECM memory.

If the malfunction does not reoccur in 3 consecutive trips, the MIL goes off automatically but the DTCs remain recorded in the ECM memory.





To check the DTCs, connect the OBD II scan tool or TOYOTA hand-held tester to Data Link Connector 3 (DLC3) on the vehicle. The OBD II scan tool or TOYOTA hand-held tester also enables you to erase the DTCs and check freeze frame data and various forms of engine data. (For operating instructions, see the OBD II scan tool's instruction book.)
Reading Diagnostic Trouble Codes
Clearing Diagnostic Trouble Codes

DTCs include SAE controlled codes and manufacturer controlled codes.
SAE controlled codes must be set as prescribed by the SAE, while manufacturer controlled codes can be set freely by the manufacturer within the prescribed limits.

The diagnosis system operates in normal mode during normal vehicle use. It also has a check mode for technicians to simulate malfunction symptoms and troubleshoot. Most DTCs use 2 trip detection logic* to prevent erroneous detection, and ensure thorough malfunction detection.

By switching the ECM to check mode when troubleshooting, the technician can cause the MIL to light up for a malfunction that is only detected once or momentarily. (TOYOTA hand-held tester only) (See step 2)
With Manufacturer's Scan Tool

* 2 trip detection logic: When a malfunction is first detected, the malfunction is temporarily stored in the ECM memory. (1st trip)

If the same malfunction is detected again during the second drive test, this second detection causes the MIL to light up. (2nd trip)
(However, the IG switch must be turned OFF between the 1st trip and the 2nd trip.)

Freeze frame data:
Freeze frame data records the engine condition when a misfire (DTCs P0300 - P0308) or fuel trim malfunction.
(DTCs P0171, P0172) or other malfunction (first malfunction only), is detected. Because freeze frame data records the engine conditions (fuel system, calculated load, engine coolant temperature, fuel trim, engine speed, vehicle speed, etc.) when the malfunction is detected, when troubleshooting it is useful for determining whether the vehicle was running or stopped, the engine warmed up or not, the air-fuel ratio lean or rich, etc. at the time of the malfunction.

Priorities for troubleshooting:
If troubleshooting priorities for multiple DTCs are given in the applicable DTC chart, these should be followed.
If no instructions are given troubleshoot DTCs according to the following priorities.

1. DTCs other than fuel trim malfunction (DTCs P0171, P0172) and misfire (DTCs P0300 - P0308).
2. Fuel trim malfunction (DTCs P0171, P0172).
3. Misfire (DTCs P0300 - P0308).