Engine light and the paper clip

[Rogorn]

(1) You do realize that we're saying you can read codes with an honest to goodness paperclip, right?

I think you should still be able to read them the first time the vehicle's shut off.

(2) Pretty sure there was a similar thread in the last day or two with a link to code translations.

(3) I'm guessing you don't have any manuals?? Factory manual is of course best, but at the very least drive back over to Vatozone and pick up a Hayne's.

Thanks, CJF.

(1) I got the paperclip part.

The part about reading the code even though the CEL doesn't stay lit is new to me. My understanding now is that even if the CEL turns off, I can read the code before restarting the engine the next time. I thought if the CEL went off, the code was cleared. In other words, intermittent condition and no retention.

If true, that could save me some expensive investigation. I was imagining some sort of code reader that would hook to the engine while driving around hoping for the CEL to come on!

(2) I'll try a search in the forum to see if I can find the thread.

and (3), for our LC, I only have the Haynes and possibly the Chilton's. Neither are all that helpful.

For both the Camry and my Celica, I have the Toyota Shop manuals. They are almost indispensible. Though to be truthful, when I rebuilt the engine on the Camry, summer before last, I needed to use all three (Toyota, Haynes, and Chilton's) as none of them mentioned everything I needed to know.

That's why actual experience is so valuable!

 

[CJF]

In my Haynes manual, pg 6-14 has the code reading procedure, pg 6-15 lists the translations.

Not so in yours?

Curtis

 

[photogod]

You can still read codes even though the check engine light is off. The codes remain stored in the computer untill you reset the system by removing the ECM fuse for a minute or so.

 

[Rogorn]

In my Haynes manual, pg 6-14 has the code reading procedure, pg 6-15 lists the translations.

CJF, Photogod,

I dug out my Haynes and sure enough, codes! I'm probably better off not having done that.

I couldn't believe what I was reading, or rather didn't want to. I have the dreaded [83, 84, 85] codes plus a 14. Not sure what the 14 means, but I've read up on the 83, 84, and 85 - something about needing a $1,400 part. Ouch!

 

[photogod]

Looks like all those codes are related to the ignition coil and igniter circut which prolly means a new ECM. 14 means no "IGF" signal to ECM 6 times in succession and no siginal input within 256 msec. I have no idea what that means other than there is aproblem with the computer and igniter.

 

[CJF]

I dug out my Haynes and sure enough, codes! I'm probably better off not having done that.

I couldn't believe what I was reading, or rather didn't want to. I have the dreaded [83, 84, 85] codes plus a 14. Not sure what the 14 means, but I've read up on the 83, 84, and 85 - something about needing a $1,400 part. Ouch!

Whoa!

1) Look for shorts.

2) Swap out an ECM from a willing friend's 'Cruiser.

3) Cruiserparts.net?

4) C-Dan.

Curtis

 

[Rogorn]

Thanks guys for the learnings, (1) I now know codes are accessible even if the CEL doesn't stay on, and (2) I'm pretty handy with the special tool known as the paperclip probe!

I've recovered from the initial shock of learning about the bad ECM module. I found a few other message threads regarding the 83, 84, 85 codes. One of the posts by CruiserDan contained links to a number of other threads discussing these codes.

In chronological order, I'll be:

1. clearing my codes
2. heading out today for a week long business trip <ugh>
3. making it a real priority to get the Toyota FSM from CruiserDan
4. looking into the TPS functions/mechanisms as posts from a few members seemed to indicate their [83, 84, 85] problems went away after cleaning and working on the TPC mechanism. One post from Slee indicated replacment of his throttle position sensor corrected the condition triggering those codes.

Anyone have an approximate cost of the throttle position sensor?

If, in the end, the codes remain persistent, then I'll look into a salvage yard or 3rd party aftermarket model using some links I found in other posts:

salvage - http://www.car-part.com/

after market ECU - http://www.ecudirect.com/index.asp

For those without 2 kids in college, there is the dealer ECM, 89661-60221, which roughly costs $1,600 plus tax!

This is more anecdotal evidence of "the bane of a new production run" as my '93 is one of the first. CruiserDan indicated in a post that the ECM part number was upgraded starting with vehicles manufactured May on.