Diagnosis System

1. When troubleshooting On-Board Diagnostic (OBD II) vehicles, the vehicle must be connected to the OBD II scan tool (complying with SAE J1987)

   Various data output from the vehicle's ECM can then be read.

2. OBD II regulations require that the vehicle's on board computer illuminates the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) on the instrument panel when the computer detects a malfunction in:
   1. The emission control system/components
   2. The power train control components (which affect vehicle emissions)
   3. The computer

   In addition, the applicable Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) prescribed by SAE J2012 are recorded in the ECM memory.

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

   Fig 1: Identifying Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL)

   Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
3. To check DTCs, connect the scan tool to the Data Link Connector 3 (DLC3) of the vehicle. The scan tool displays DTCs, the freeze frame data and a variety of the engine data.

The DTCs and freeze frame data can be erased with the scan tool (see DTC CHECK / CLEAR  ).

1. The diagnosis system operates in "normal mode" during normal vehicle use. In normal mode, "2 trip detection logic" is used to ensure accurate detection of malfunctions. "Check mode" is also available to technicians as an option. In check mode, "1 trip detection logic" is used for simulating malfunction symptoms and increasing the system's ability to detect malfunctions, including intermittent malfunctions.

1. When a malfunction is first detected, the malfunction is temporarily stored in the ECM memory (1st trip). If the ignition switch is turned OFF and then ON again, and the same malfunction is detected again, the MIL will illuminate.

Fig 2: Connecting Scan Tool To Data Link Connector 3 (Dlc3) Of Vehicle

Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002

1. The vehicle's ECM uses the ISO 9141-2 for communication protocol. The terminal arrangement of the DLC3 complies with SAE J1962 and matches the ISO 9141-2 format.

HINT:

Connect the cable of the intelligent tester to the DLC3, turn the ignition switch ON and attempt to use the intelligent tester. If the screen displays a communication error message, a problem exists in the vehicle side or the tester side. If communication is normal when the tester is connected to another vehicle, inspect the DLC3 on the original vehicle.

If communication is still not possible when the tester is connected to another vehicle, the problem is probably in the tester itself. Consult the Service Department listed in the tester's instruction manual.

1. Check that the MIL illuminates when turning the ignition switch ON.

   If the MIL does not illuminate, there is a problem in the MIL CIRCUIT .

2. When the engine is started, the MIL should turn off.