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Toyota/Lexus OBD1 Systems
DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES - CODE RETRIEVAL PROCEDURE
3160g 123
Retrieving and using Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) for
troubleshooting vehicle operation is only one part of an
overall diagnostic strategy.
If your instrument panel indicator lights do not come on when
you turn on the ignition, please refer to your vehicle's service
manual. You may have problems in the car's circuitry. It is
recommended that you fix these problems before retrieving
DTCs from your vehicle’s computer.
DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES
Diagnostic Trouble Codes, or Fault Codes, can be used to identify
engine systems or components that are malfunctioning. The computer
records codes for the following two types of engine problems:
"Hard" Diagnostic Trouble Codes
"Hard" DTCs represent problems that are occurring now and cause
the instrument panel Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) or Check
Engine light to illuminate and remain on until the failure is repaired.
A DTC is stored in the vehicle's computer memory for each fault
detected. A Scan Tool or Diagnostic Tool can be used to retrieve
DTCs that are stored in the vehicle's computer memory.
Intermittent/History DTCs
Intermittent/History DTCs are stored in the computer's memory for
problems that occur intermittently, or for problems that happened in
the past but are not currently present. Intermittent DTCs may cause
the Malfunction Indicator light to flicker or stay on until the
intermittent malfunction goes away. However, the corresponding
fault code will be stored in memory as a history DTC. If the
malfunction that caused the history DTC to set does not recur within
a predetermined length of time (usually within 40-80 ignition key
start cycles), the computer will automatically erase the related fault
code from its memory.
CODE RETRIEVAL PROCEDURE
Never
replace a part based only on the DTC definition.
Each DTC has a set of testing procedures, instructions and
flow charts that must be followed to confirm the location of
the problem. This information is found in the vehicle's service
manual. Always refer to the vehicle's service manual for
detailed testing instructions.