Trouble Shooting

2004 Toyota Matrix XR, FWD, StandardSECTION Trouble Shooting
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2002 Toyota Avalon. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
  1. Trouble shooting of an engine immobilizer system complaint begins with verification of the customer problem. Perform Customer Problem Analysis (Engine Immobilizer System Check List). See Fig 1.
  2. Retrieve and record any Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs). See RETRIEVING DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODESΒ  under SELF-DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM. Clear DTCs and go to next step.
  3. If problem does not occur, review conditions under which problem occurred for customer. For example, if the problem occurs on rainy days or during high humidity conditions, sprinkle water onto vehicle and see if malfunction occurs. DO NOT sprinkle water directly into engine compartment or onto electronic components. Visually inspect for signs of mechanical and electrical damage. Inspect for blown fuses and damaged relays. Inspect for loose or corroded connections, damaged wiring harnesses and/or switches. Check for a broken or partially broken wire inside insulation, which could cause system malfunction but prove good in a continuity/voltage check with system disconnected. Ensure any aftermarket electronic equipment is properly installed. If fault is found, repair as necessary. If problem still cannot be created, go to next step.
  4. Retrieve and record any Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs). See RETRIEVING DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODESΒ . If DTCs are present and match those recorded earlier, fault is current in engine immobilizer system. Perform associated DTC test. If no DTCs are present, but symptom is present, trouble shoot engine immobilizer system by symptom and perform associated test. See SYMPTOM INDEXΒ  table under SYSTEM TESTS. When performing trouble shooting for engine immobilizer system, it may be necessary to perform pin voltage tests on Engine Control Module (ECM) ensure proper voltage or input/output signals exist. See PIN VOLTAGE TESTSΒ  when directed by trouble shooting procedure.
  5. After problem has been identified and repaired, confirm repairs have resolved complaint. See CONFIRMATION TESTΒ  under SYSTEM TESTS.
Fig 1: Customer Problem Analysis (Engine Immobilizer System Check List)
G00124387Courtesy of Β© TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
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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.