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.
Testing Procedure
To ensure correct diagnosis and repair, testing should be done in the following sequence:
- Record Customer Complaint
Ensure all customer complaints or observations are recorded. Test drive vehicle with customer when necessary for malfunction verification. - DLC3 Inspection
Connect the OBD II scan tool or hand-held tester to DLC3. See Figure. If the display indicates a communication fault in the tool, inspect DLC3. See DATA LINK CONNECTOR NO. 3 INSPECTION under SCAN TOOL PROBLEMS. - Retrieve DTCs & Freeze Frame Data
Using Toyota hand-held tester or scan tool, retrieve diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) from engine control module (ECM) and record any freeze frame data (if applicable). See RETRIEVING DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES and FREEZE FRAME DATA . - Clear DTCs & Freeze Frame Data
Using Toyota hand-held tester or scan tool, clear DTCs and freeze frame data from ECM. See CLEARING DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES . - Visual Inspection
Inspect all electrical connectors and wiring for suspected circuit or component. Ensure all electrical connections are clean and tight. - Check Mode Diagnosis
Set the check mode diagnosis. See TWO-TRIP DETECTION LOGIC . - Confirm Symptoms
If the engine does not start, perform steps 9 and 10 first. If a malfunction occurs, go to the next step. If a malfunction does not occur, simulate symptom. Perform road test. Determine if original symptoms still exist, then go to the next step. - DTC Check
Check DTC. See SYSTEM OVERVIEW . If DTC is normal, go to the next step. If there is a malfunction code, go to step 11. - Basic Inspection
Perform basic inspection. See BASIC INSPECTION . If results are OK, go to the next step. If results are not good, inspect parts, then go to step 13. - Determine Symptom
If no DTCs are present and a driveability condition exists, diagnosis by symptom (i.e., ROUGH IDLE, ENGINE STALLS, etc.). See SYMPTOMS in appropriate TROUBLE SHOOTING - NO CODES article. If circuits are OK, inspect parts and go to step 13. If circuits are not good, go to the next step. - Diagnose & Repair Diagnostic Trouble Codes
For DTC descriptions, see DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE DEFINITIONS . Perform appropriate DTC test. See DIAGNOSTIC TESTS . If no DTCs are present and a no start condition exists, proceed to appropriate BASIC DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURES - V6 & V8 article. If results are OK, go to step 13. If the results are not good, go to the next step. - Intermittent Problem Check
Check for intermittent problems. See INTERMITTENT PROBLEMS CHECK (HAND-HELD TESTER ONLY) . - Verification Procedure
Identify problem and make necessary adjustments and repairs. After repairs have been completed, clear all DTCs from ECM. See CLEARING DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES . Perform road test. Ensure no DTCs exist and all symptoms and/or complaints have been repaired.
Use the Manual With the Right Hardware
Pair factory procedures with proven DIY tools so the instructions are easier to execute.
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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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