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 Toyota Tercel DX, 4D Sedan, AutomaticFACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE
Diagnosis & Repair
- Connect scan tester to DLC3 connector. See Figure. Turn ignition on. Turn on scan tester. Monitor ECT sensor temperature. If temperature displayed is same as actual coolant temperature, inspect component and ECM connections. Problem is intermittent.
- If temperature displayed is 284°F (140°C) or more, go to step 5). If temperature displayed is -40°F (-40°C), turn ignition off. Disconnect ECT sensor connector. Connect a jumper wire between ECT sensor wiring harness connector terminals. Turn ignition on. Using scan tester, monitor ECT sensor temperature.
- If temperature displayed is 284°F (140°C) or more, replace ECT sensor and retest. If temperature displayed is less than 284°F (140°C), turn ignition off. Remove jumper wire. Access ECM behind glove box. Connect a jumper wire between terminals No. 3 (Green/Black wire) and No. 16 (Brown wire) at ECM E7 connector. See Figure.
- If temperature displayed on scan tester is 284°F (140°C) or more, inspect and repair circuits for open between ECT sensor wiring harness connector and ECM. See appropriate wiring diagram in WIRING DIAGRAMS article. If temperature displayed on scan tester is less than 284°F (140°C), replace ECM and retest.
- Turn ignition off. Disconnect ECT sensor connector. Turn ignition on. If temperature displayed on scan tester is -40°F (-40°C), replace ECT sensor and retest. If temperature displayed is not -40°F (-40°C), turn ignition off.
- Access ECM behind glove box. Disconnect ECM E7 connector. See Figure. Turn ignition on. If temperature displayed is -40°F (-40°C), inspect and repair circuits between ECT sensor and ECM for short. See appropriate wiring diagram in WIRING DIAGRAMS article. If temperature displayed by scan tester is not -40°F (-40°C), replace ECM and retest.
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:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.
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