Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
1996 Lexus SC 400FACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE
NORMAL Mode Code Retrieval
- Connect scan tester to Data Link Connector (DLC) No. 3. See Fig 1. DLC No. 3 is located in fuse box at lower left of instrument panel. Turn ignition on with engine off. Turn scan tester on. Using scan tester manufacturer's instructions, check for DTCs and freeze-frame data.
- If scan tester displays UNABLE TO CONNECT TO VEHICLE, DLC No. 3 must be checked. See DLC NO. 3 INSPECTION under SCAN TESTER PROBLEMS. If scan tester does not display UNABLE TO CONNECT TO VEHICLE, go to next step.
- Record any DTCs and freeze-frame data displayed for system diagnosis. If driveability problem exists and no DTCs are present, go to TROUBLE SHOOTING - NO CODES article for diagnosis bysymptom.
- If any DTCs are present, perform appropriate circuit test. See DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) IDENTIFICATIONΒ table. For more information on freeze-frame data, see FREEZE-FRAME DATAΒ under INTRODUCTION. For information on 2-trip detection logic codes, see TWO-TRIP DETECTION LOGICΒ under INTRODUCTION.
- After repairs for DTC have been completed, DTCs must be cleared from ECM memory. See CLEARING DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODESΒ .
Factory Service Tools
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- β’ You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- β’ Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- β’ The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- β’ You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- β’ You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.
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