New Member - 1998 LX470 (Australian version). Warning lights/faults. (1 Viewer)

[kevan66]

G'day all,

I've been reading through various threads getting myself emerged into 4x4 and IH8Mud specifically. This is my first 4WD which I picked up for a nice price, it has 340,000kms on the clock, however I have noticed some faults that will randomly appear whilst I'm driving along, and then disappear. I was wondering if anyone had similary faults to these and what their fix was for it.

Additionally, on my latest tank I only got about 485kms (20L/100km) and believe the car is running richer than it should. Is there any way to get into the Australian ECUs and tune them? I'm aware that my ECU likely uses M-OBD. Any help is appreciated.

P.S I should have a Mini ELM327 Bluetooth reader arriving tomorrow.

 

[Notracks5150]

I gonna jump in here and add my status gauges volt, oil, fuel, temp behave erratic when cabin temp is high and tend to behave properly after a restart and A/C has run for a while.
98 LX470 USA.
Kevan66 I'm suspecting an issue with the instrument cluster in my case.
Hopefully someone has some insight for us both.

 

[excessive]

low / weak voltage can cause this, check the most simple things first

 

[XAlent]

I'd put a voltmeter on the battery and see what it's at, particularly when the fault is apparent. Showing 18 volts there and that's not good though it might be a symptom of your issue and not the actual problem. Usually strange dash lights is a sign of low volts/ alternator on the way out/ alternator plugs loose.

Put some new O2 sensors on it and see if that improves 'economy' but they are notoriously thirsty and 20/100 isn't unheard of and is probably close to normal

 

[Wilsil]

I'd put a voltmeter on the battery and see what it's at, particularly when the fault is apparent. Showing 18 volts there and that's not good though it might be a symptom of your issue and not the actual problem. Usually strange dash lights is a sign of low volts/ alternator on the way out/ alternator plugs loose.

Put some new O2 sensors on it and see if that improves 'economy' but they are notoriously thirsty and 20/100 isn't unheard of and is probably close to normal

Don't think it has O2 sensors?

But yeah, maybe the alternator is on it's way out.
As you said, it's M-ODB so not sure if your bluetooth will work.
What does work is the Techstream.
Where in Australia are you? I am in WA.

 

[kevan66]

I'd put a voltmeter on the battery and see what it's at, particularly when the fault is apparent. Showing 18 volts there and that's not good though it might be a symptom of your issue and not the actual problem. Usually strange dash lights is a sign of low volts/ alternator on the way out/ alternator plugs loose.

Put some new O2 sensors on it and see if that improves 'economy' but they are notoriously thirsty and 20/100 isn't unheard of and is probably close to normal

I'll have a look with the voltmeter and see what readings are at. I'll try and get in tomorrow to have a look at alternator plugs and let you guys know. Thank you for the information so far.

 

[kevan66]

Don't think it has O2 sensors?

But yeah, maybe the alternator is on it's way out.
As you said, it's M-ODB so not sure if your bluetooth will work.
What does work is the Techstream.
Where in Australia are you? I am in WA.

I'm in Adelaide, what kind of techstream cable and version are you using as this will be my next bet to try and get into the ECU.

The OBD2 plug I bought did not work.

 

[XAlent]

I'd have thought it would have O2 sensors being 1UZFE. I've also been wrong before
Should have 4. 2 pre-catalytic convertors, and 2 post

 

[Wilsil]

It has been years when I got it, sill working on XP

 

[kevan66]

SOLVED: The issue was in the alternators voltage regulator. Simple voltage testing on the battery when it was spiking was showing 18V+ directly from the battery. I checked the positive fuse box and wiring surrounding my clamps, power etc and could not see anything wrong with them. I had a sneaking suspicion that my altnerator was shot... more specifically the voltage regulator. Since installing the new one, I have not had any more voltage spikes and the car has been driving great.

Apologies for the delay in posting, was doing a full front end bushing + ball joint replacement.

 

[XAlent]

They really don't like high or low voltages but generally bring up enough lights to let you know something's wrong.
Once you've got a bit more seat time and get to used to where the gauges sit in normal driving you'll notice these things more readily

What were you using to connect to the Bluetooth dongle? Torque Pro? I'm not sure if it's the same with the V8's, but with the diesel's you need to put a code in to help connect properly

Might be worth a try

 

[kevan66]

They really don't like high or low voltages but generally bring up enough lights to let you know something's wrong.
Once you've got a bit more seat time and get to used to where the gauges sit in normal driving you'll notice these things more readily

What were you using to connect to the Bluetooth dongle? Torque Pro? I'm not sure if it's the same with the V8's, but with the diesel's you need to put a code in to help connect properly

Might be worth a try

I was using Torque Pro, I'll have a look into Techstream as well this week as now the AHC is playing up. What year model have you got as any help with the MOBD systems are great.

 

[willyroo]

I'll have a look into Techstream as well

If you go down that path, start reading the Techstream in 5 minutes thread.

This mini-VCI connector is working for me, with a W10 laptop and the Windows 7 virtual machine x64 (as per the thread above). This includes AHC readings and testing.

USB to OBD2 MINI VCI Single diagnostic Cable Suitable For Toyota TIS Techstream | eBay Australia

Q: Is MINI VCI FOR TOYOTA TIS Techstream compatible with apple computer?. TIS Techstream works on windows xp and windows7, For apple computer, it. -Single cable Compatible with MINI VCI For TOYOTA is cost-effective.

www.ebay.com.au

 

[XAlent]

What year model have you got as any help with the MOBD systems are great.

Mine is a 98 HDJ101 but those Torquepro codes work on the Australian HDJ100s as well. I dont know about the V8's, just thought it might be worth you trying. Techstream would be much better if you can get that up and running