2000 Toyota RAV4 Base, FWD, StandardFACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE

Starter Signal Circuit: RAV4

  1. If using scan tool, go to next step. If scan tool is not available, go to step  5.
  2. Connect scan tool to data link connector No. 3. See Figure. Turn ignition on and then turn scan tool on. Read STA signal display on scan tool with ignition on, and with ignition switch in START position and engine cranking. STA signal display should read OFF with ignition on, and ON with ignition switch in START position. If STA signal display is not as specified, go to next step. If STA signal display is as specified, diagnose by symptom. See TROUBLE SHOOTING - NO CODES article.
  3. Check for open in wiring harness and electrical connectors between ECM and junction connectors J6 and J7. See appropriate wiring diagram in STARTERS article in STARTING & CHARGING SYSTEMS. ECM is located behind instrument panel, near front of center console. For illustration of ECM location, see THEORY & OPERATION article. Junction connectors J6 and J7 are located near center console. See Fig 1.
    Fig 1: Locating Junction Connectors J6 & J7 (RAV4)
    G99H52396Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
  4. If wiring harness or electrical connector is defective, repair as necessary. If wiring harness and electrical connectors are okay, check ECM ground circuit. See WIRING DIAGRAMS article. If ECM ground circuit is defective, repair ground circuit as necessary. If ECM ground circuit is okay, replace ECM.
  5. Remove driver-side carpet cover from driver's side of center console for access to ECM. ECM is located behind instrument panel, near front of center console. For illustration of ECM location, see THEORY & OPERATION article.
  6. Note ECM electrical connector terminals. See Figure. Using voltmeter, check voltage between body ground and terminal No. 11 (Black wire) at ECM electrical connector E6 with ignition in START position and engine cranking. This is the STA terminal at ECM.
  7. Voltage should be 6 volts or more. If voltage is not within specification, go to next step. If voltage is within specification, diagnose by symptom. See TROUBLE SHOOTING - NO CODES article.
  8. Check for open in wiring harness and electrical connectors between ECM and junction connectors J6 and J7. See appropriate wiring diagram in STARTERS article in STARTING & CHARGING SYSTEMS. Junction connectors J6 and J7 are located near center console. See Fig 1.
  9. If wiring harness or electrical connector is defective, repair as necessary. If wiring harness and electrical connectors are okay, check ECM ground circuit. See WIRING DIAGRAMS article. If ECM ground circuit is defective, repair ground circuit as necessary. If ECM ground circuit is okay, replace ECM.
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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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