- Place the car in park and press the emergency brake.
- Place the key in position II. Each dash light needs to be on. Never start the car.
- Open the hood by pulling the hood release.
- Look in the engine bay for the diagnostic port. Diagnosis Connector 1, or DLC1, is what this is.
- Terminals TE1 and E1 can be joined together by a copper wire or paper clip.
- Return inside the vehicle and tally the quantity of check engine light flashes.
Toyota automobiles with OBD-II technology cannot be repaired using this technique. The majority of vehicles manufactured in 2000 and later require a code reader to read the check engine trouble codes.
In This Article...
Without a scanner, how can I obtain my Toyota code?
As the codes for the check engine light flicker, take note. Then look up the code descriptions in your repair handbook to determine the precise problem.
For instance:
- Check engine codes 0 and 16 indicate problems with the Electronic Control Unit (ECU) and fuel injectors, respectively, if you have a Honda.
- If you own a Nissan, error code 22 and code 31 both point to fuel pump issues.
Let’s examine the alternative approach, which does not require a DTC scanner or engine code reader.
Step 1: Odometer Reset
While turning the ignition key ON, press the Trip and Reset buttons on the odometer. Release the odometer Reset and Trip buttons after turning the key to the ON position to see if the Diagnostic Trouble Code, or DTC, shows up on the odometer display.
You’ve generated a diagnostic trouble code without a code scanner if the error code appears. Make a note of each fault code and look up the DTC definitions in your manual.
Step 2 (Optional): Odometer Reset And Multiple Ignition Key Flips
Try again if the reset approach doesn’t succeed. This time, turn the ignition key ON, OFF, and then ON again while pressing the odometer trip and reset button.
It’s crucial to finish the action with the switch turned on. Next, let go of the reset and trip buttons for the odometer.
What if the error codes are still missing? This indicates that your vehicle likely does not accept OBDII codes. Try Step 3 in that situation.
Step 3 (Alternative): Use A Paper Clip Or Jumper Wire
A paper clip or jumper wire can also be used to obtain your engine code if your automobile supports OBD1 but doesn’t respond to the above technique.
Make sure your automobile is turned off first. next look behind the steering wheel for the diagnostic connector, or OBD port. Consult your owner’s handbook for the precise position.
The diagnostic connector has two terminals that you can see. Use a paperclip or jumper wire to connect them. In turn, a closed circuit will result.
The engine light will flash and display your fault code as soon as you turn the ignition to ON without starting your car.
The flash will manifest itself using the pulses and pauses described in the ignition key approach.
Let’s address some related queries now that you are aware of how to check OBDI and OBDII codes for engine light codes without a scanner.
Without a reader, how can I read the engine code?
You’ll need a pen and paper, jumping wires, a paperclip without a plastic exterior, and the repair handbook. Without starting the engine, turn the ignition on and off a few times, then end with the key in the on position.
Then, your automobile will look for any previously stored error codes. Until one lighttypically the “service engine light”remains on, all of the dash’s lights should turn on. Be on the lookout now as this box’s light begins to blink.
The difference between each pulse and the subsequent number that will pulse constitutes a break. Usually, a “0” will be represented by quick flashing. For instance, “20” is denoted by pulse, pulse, pause, then flashing. Note these codes, then look them up in your service manual to find out what they indicate. These frequently display your current odometer reading, and occasionally the code appears without even pulsating!
Can I use my phone to scan my OBD2?
Although the majority of Android scan tools support all five protocols, this does not mean that every device is compatible with them. However, why pick an Android scan tool? There are numerous advantages to this:
- Android is seen as a universal platform, much like Windows for the PC, thanks to its plug-and-play characteristics. Both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi OBD2 scanners can be used with Android smartphones and tablets. We are all aware that Apple and iOS are Bluetooth-incompatible and can only be utilized with Wi-Fi wireless OBD2 scanners. Why? We can all blame Apple for this because of their stringent wifi and sharing restrictions.
- The popularity (or market share/dominance) of Android versus iOS is a hotly contested topic. According to a recent survey from 2015, Apple had a staggering 44% of smartphone subscribers, outpacing the combined subscribers who purchased Android-powered handsets from Samsung, LG, Motorola, and HTC. However, Android is still widely used in the US and is far more prevalent abroad. Worldwide Android shipments in 2003 totaled 70.1%, vs just 21% for iOS. There are no valid arguments as to why Android Bluetooth scan tools are still in demand today.
- As we’ve already noted, the great selection of OBD apps available on Google Play makes it feasible for OBD2 scan tools for Android to be incredibly simple to use. You can use certain free apps, but in order to access all of the in-app features, much like the majority of Play Store games, you must purchase the paid version of the app.
How can I manually verify the code on my engine?
Without a scanner or code reader, there are numerous ways to access a check engine light code or multiple codes. Nevertheless, the method you use will depend on whether your car produces OBDI or OBDII errors.
Let’s look at a few ways to get your car’s codes:
Step 1: Turn The Ignition Key
Without starting the car, turn the ignition key ON and OFF. Repeat this process several timesusually three to fivewhile being sure to cease switching your key to the ON position.
Your car’s model will determine how many times you need to crank the ignition key.
But there’s a quick trick you can use. If all of the dashboard’s lights are on behind your steering wheel, you can cease turning the ignition key.
Not to worry if you accidently start the car. Simply restart, and your vehicle will search for any previously saved check engine light codes.
Step 2: Check Your Dashboard
Except for the service engine light, all of the dash lights will go out immediately after they turn on.
If the engine light codes appear on the odometer, make a note of each error code (DTC). Most modern cars or cars with the OBDII system can be repaired using this technique.
However, if your check engine or service engine light starts to pulse or flash instead of the odometer display, your car is OBD1. And your fault code is the flash that the engine light produces.
How do you interpret the code? It can be challenging to read a code from a check engine light blink.
Each engine light pulse corresponds to a digit, and the pause between pulses shows how far off the digits are from one another. A brief engine light flash serves as the representation for a zero.
How can you determine what the check engine light signifies?
Depending on the issue, if the check engine light comes on, it may flicker or be on all the time. A issue that requires immediate attention is indicated by a blinking light, or in some cars, a red light instead of a yellow or orange light. In either case, you ought to have the car looked at by a mechanic.
An engine misfire that is severe enough in late-model cars to send unburned fuel into the exhaust system, where it can quickly destroy the catalytic converter and necessitate an expensive repair, is typically indicated by a blinking light. If that occurs, you should turn down the engine and get the automobile or truck checked out as soon as you can.
Even if there is no immediate danger if the light is steady, you should make an appointment as soon as feasible. Even while your fuel mileage may be declining and your vehicle may be spewing unsafe amounts of hydrocarbons and other pollutants, you might not notice a decline in performance since modern automotive systems frequently try to adjust when there is a problem.
Jim Collins, a national training team leader for Ford Motor Co., claims that by leaving that light on and disregarding it, the customer may ultimately affect their financial situation. The car’s computer may in some severe circumstances lower power for you in an effort to lessen the likelihood of damage.
Here are some recommendations on what you should do if the check engine light illuminates:
- Search for a critical issue that need quick action. Look for any warning signs of low oil pressure or overheating on your dashboard in the gauges and lights. These circumstances call for you to stop and turn off the engine as soon as you can find a secure location to do so. On some cars, a yellow check engine light indicates troubleshoot, while a red one commands immediate stopping.
- Possibly tighten the gas cap. This frequently makes the issue go away. The light might not reset for a while, so keep that in mind. Some automobiles feature a secondary indicator that sounds when the gas cap is loose.
- Reduce the load and speed. Reduce your speed and make an effort to lessen the demands on the engine if the check engine light is on or you notice any major performance issues, including a lack of power. For instance, it would be wise to put an end to hauling a trailer. Get the car evaluated as soon as you can to avoid costly damage.
- If any built-in diagnostic tools are available, use them. Many contemporary vehicles feature built-in remote diagnostic capabilities that allow for reporting on fault codes and scheduling an appointment for service. Numerous automakers now support remote diagnostics and the option to book a service appointment, including Fiat Chrysler, Ford, Hyundai, Jaguar/Land Rover, and Volvo.
Are OBD2 codes commonplace?
OBD-II, a universal system for these diagnostic codes that required all vehicles to have a common connector to access vehicle information, was put into place by the auto industry in 1996.
What is Toyota DTC?
A DTC, or diagnostic trouble code, is a code used to identify problems with heavy machinery or vehicles. A DTC pinpoints the nature and location of the problem, as opposed to the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL), generally known as the check engine lights, which merely warns drivers that there is a problem. DTCs, which are also known as engine vehicle fault codes, can be read with a scanner that is plugged directly into a car’s port.
Drivers and fleet managers may find it useful to have a fundamental grasp of DTCs. Continue reading to find out more about DTCs, how they function, and how to read them.
Where can I locate trouble codes?
Five-digit codes called diagnostic trouble codes, commonly referred to as engine fault codes, are used to pinpoint a specific automotive issue. When the scanning device is connected to the OBD system, these codes are shown on the device.
The five-digit DTC typically consists of one letter and four numbers (e.g. P1234). Each unique set of letters and numbers corresponds to either a general issue with the vehicle or an error particular to the manufacturer.
A DTC will inform you – or a mechanic – what you need to test in order to diagnose the problem, but it won’t tell you which exact part of your car needs to be fixed or replaced.
Toyota Techstream: What is it?
To service Toyota, Scion, and Lexus vehicles, Techstream Lite enables Techstream diagnostic software to run on your PC (see minimum PC requirements). For less money than the complete TIS techstream system, Techstream Lite offers factory-level assistance for Toyota, Scion, and Lexus automobiles.