Equus 3173 User Manual
#3173
IMPORT COMPUTER
CODE READER
(FRONT COVER)
Table of Contents
Chapter Title Page No.
YOU CAN DO IT! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ii
1 GENERAL INFORMATION
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
GENERAL INFORMATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
VEHICLES COVERED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
BEFORE YOU BEGIN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
VEHICLE SERVICE MANUALS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
PRELIMINARY VEHICLE DIAGNOSIS
WORKSHEET . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
2 ABOUT IMPORT VEHICLE DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEMS
AUTOMOTIVE COMPUTER CONTROL SYSTEMS . . 9
ON-BOARD VEHICLE DIAGNOSTICS - (OBD I) . . . . 10
DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
3 HONDA/ACURA
OVERVIEW OF HONDA/ACURA DIAGNOSTIC
SYSTEMS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
CODE RETRIEVAL PROCEDURE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
ERASING CODES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
HONDA/ACURA FAULT CODE DEFINITIONS . . . . . 21
4 NISSAN/INFINITI
OVERVIEW OF NISSAN/INFINITI DIAGNOSTIC
SYSTEMS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
CODE RETRIEVAL PROCEDURE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
ERASING CODES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
NISSAN/INFINITI FAULT CODE DEFINITIONS . . . 34
5 TOYOTA/LEXUS
OVERVIEW OF TOYOTA/LEXUS DIAGNOSTIC
SYSTEMS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
CODE RETRIEVAL PROCEDURE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
ERASING CODES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
TOYOTA/LEXUS FAULT CODE DEFINITIONS . . . . 45
6 GLOSSARY
INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
GLOSSARY OF TERMS AND ABBREVIATIONS . . . 49
7 WARRANTY AND SERVICE
LIMITED ONE YEAR WARRANTY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE AND WARRANTY
SERVICE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
i
You Can Do It!
ii
1
Look up the Code Retrieval information for
your vehicle
•
Follow the step-by-step instructions.
2
Read Diagnostic Trouble
Codes
•
The codes are displayed by
either the “Check Engine” light
or at the vehicles computer.
3
Locate Problem Areas
•
Look up fault code descriptions
in the Fault Code Definition
list.
1
ri
lt
6
or
M
or
s
EV
iri
W
it
ui
CHECK ENGINE
Possible Cause
11)
Open or shorted signal circuit,
high O2 signal
Open signal in trans. Control unit
ECM
ght side
s / no malfunctions
cylinder misfire Wiring, fuel or ignition system,
No. 5 cylinder misfire Wiring, fuel or ignition system,
65 No. 4 cylinder misfire Wiring, fuel or ignition system,
ECM
ECM
ECM
ECM
66 No. 3 cylinder misfire Wiring, fuel or ignition system,
67 No. 2 cylinder misfire Wiring, fuel or ignition system,
68 No. 1 cylinder misfire Wiring, fuel or ignition system,
71 Random misfire Wiring, fuel or ignition system,
72 TWC function RH bank Catalytic converter, wiring, ECM
73 TWC function LH bank Catalytic converter, wiring, ECM
bank
76 Fuel injection system function RH Wiring, injector, oxygen sensor
77 Rear HO2S circuit Wiring, injector, oxygen sens
82 CKP sensor Wiring, CKP sensor, EC
84 A/T diagnosis communication line Wiring, ECM
85 CMP actuator - circuit malfunction Wiring, CMP sens
ECM
ECM
bank
86 Fuel injection system function LH Wiring, oxygen
circuit
87 Canister control solenoid valve Wiring,
91 Front HO2S heater circuit RH bank W
CKP sensor
T sensor
or circuit
4 TCC solenoid valve
HO2S heater circu
circ
General Information
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
1 Chapter 1
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
To avoid personal injury, instrument damage and/or
damage to equipment under test; do not operate the
Import Code Reader before reading this manual.
This manual describes common test procedures used by
experienced service personnel and technicians. Many test
procedures require precautions to avoid accidents that can
result in personal injury, and/or vehicle or equipment damage.
Always read your vehicle’s service manual and follow it’s safety
precautions before any test or service procedure is performed.
a. When an engine is running, it produces carbon monoxide
(a toxic and poisonous gas). To prevent serious injury or
death from carbon monoxide poisoning, operate a vehicle
ONLY in a well-ventilated area.
b. To protect your eyes from propelled objects as well as hot
or caustic liquids, always wear approved safety eye
protection.
c. When an engine is running, several objects rotate at a
very high rate of speed (electric cooling fans, pulleys,
serpentine and fan drive belts, etc.). To avoid serious
injury, always be conscious of moving parts, and keep a
safe distance from all these items as well as other
potentially moving objects.
d. Engine parts become extremely hot when the engine is
running. To prevent severe burns, avoid contact with hot
engine parts.
e. Before starting an engine for troubleshooting, make sure
the parking brake is engaged. Put the transmission in
“park” (for automatic transmission) or “neutral” (for
manual transmission). Block the drive wheels with a
suitable blocking device.
f. Connecting or disconnecting test equipment when the
ignition is “on” can cause a spark. This spark is
potentially damaging to the test equipment and to the
vehicle’s electronic components. Always turn the ignition
“off” before connecting or disconnecting any test
equipment.
g. To prevent damage to the on-board computer when taking
vehicle electrical measurements, always use a digital
multimeter with at least 10 Megohms of impedance.
General Information
GENERAL INFORMATION
Chapter 1 2
h. The vehicle’s battery produces highly flammable hydrogen
gas. To prevent an explosion, keep all sparks, high
temperature items or open flames away from the battery.
i. Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry when working on an
engine. Loose clothing can get caught on the fan, pulleys,
belts, etc. Jewelry is highly conductive, and can cause a
severe burn if it makes contact between a power source
and ground.
GENERAL INFORMATION
This Code Reader and manual are designed for use both by
consumers with little or no experience in retrieving codes, or
by experienced technicians. If you are having problems with
your vehicle and only want to know if any Diagnostic Trouble
Codes are present in the vehicle’s computer system, go directly
to Chapter 3 (for Honda/Acura), Chapter 4 (for Nissan/Infiniti)
or Chapter 5 (for Toyota/Lexus), and follow the simple
directions to retrieve the codes. The codes retrieved, and their
definitions, will give you valuable information and a starting
point from which to proceed to the next step.
Once the codes have been retrieved, you can choose to:
•
Take your vehicle to an Automotive Service Center
for repair: Take your vehicle, a copy of the completed
Preliminary Vehicle Diagnosis Worksheet (see page 6) and
diagnostic trouble codes retrieved to your technician for
evaluation. This will demonstrate to your technician that
you are an informed motorist and will also assist him in
pinpointing the location of the problem.
•
Attempt to fix the problem yourself: If you choose to fix
the problem yourself, read and follow all of the recommendations and procedures stated in the factory service
manual for your application.
General Information
VEHICLES COVERED
3 Chapter 1
VEHICLES COVERED
HONDA
Model Years Engine Model Years Engine
Accord 84-95 1.8, 2.0, Civic/CRX 87-95 1.5, 1.6
2.2, 2.7
Del Sol 93-95 1.5, 1.6 Odyssey 95 2.2, 2.3
Prelude 85-95 1.8, 2.0, 2.1
2.2, 2.3
ACURA
Model Years Engine Model Years Engine
Integra 86-95 1.6, 1.7, 1.8 Legend 86-95 2.5, 2.7, 3.2
NSX 91-95 3.0, 3.2 Vigor 92-94 2.5
NISSAN
Model Years Engine Model Years Engine
Altima 93-95 2.4 Axxess 90 2.4
Maxima 86-95 3.0 NX 91-94 1.6, 2.0
Pathfinder 87-95 2.4, 3.0 Hardbody 87-95 2.4, 3.0
Pickup
Pulsar 87-90 1.6, 1.8 Quest 93-95 3.0
Sentra 87-95 1.6, 2.0 Stanza 86-92 2.0, 2.4
Van 87-90 2.4 200SX 84-95 1.6, 1.8,
2.0, 3.0
240SX 89-95 2.4 300ZX 86-95 3.0
INFINITI
Model Years Engine Model Years Engine
G20 91-95 2.0 J30 93-95 3.0
M30 90-92 3.0 Q45 90-95 4.5
TOYOTA
Model Years Engine Model Years Engine
4 Runner 84-95 2.4, 3.0 Camry 84-93 2.0 (exc.
Diesel), 2.2,
2.5, 3.0
General Information
BEFORE YOU BEGIN
Chapter 1 4
BEFORE YOU BEGIN
•
Fix any known mechanical problems before performing
any test.
Complete a thorough vehicle inspection before starting any
diagnostic procedure. Loose or damaged hoses, wiring, or
electrical connectors are often responsible for poor engine
performance, and in some cases these items may cause a
“false” fault code. Check the following areas:
•
All fluid levels
•
Belts
•
Vacuum Hoses
•
Wiring and Connectors
Please read your vehicle’s service manual and perform all
required preliminary checks BEFORE retrieving fault codes.
TOYOTA (cont)
Model Years Engine Model Years Engine
Celica 86-95 1.6, 1.8, Corolla 86-95 1.6, 1.8
2.0, 2.2
Cressida 83-89 2.8 w/Super Cressida 86-92 2.8, 3.0
Monitor
Display
Land 88-94 4.0, 4.5 MR2 85-95 1.6, 2.0,
Cruiser 2.2
Paseo 92-95 1.5 Pickup 83-94 2.4 (exc.
Diesel), 3.0
Previa 91-95 2.4 (exc. SC) Supra 84-95 2.8, 3.0
T100 93-94 3.0 Tercel 89-94 1.5
Van 84-89 2.0,2.2
LEXUS
Model Years Engine Model Years Engine
ES250 90-91 2.5 ES300 92-93 3.0
GS300 93-95 3.0 LS400 90-94 4.0
SC300 92-95 3.0 SC400 92-95 4.0
General Information
VEHICLE SERVICE MANUALS
5 Chapter 1
VEHICLE SERVICE MANUALS
It is recommended that you consult the manufacturer’s service
manual for your vehicle before any test or repair procedures
are performed.
Contact your local car dealership, auto parts store or bookstore
for availability of these manuals. The following companies
publish valuable repair manuals and information:
■ ALLDATA, LLC
9412 Big Horn Blvd.
Elk Grove, California 95758
Phone: 1-916-684-5200
www.alldata.com
■ Haynes Publications
861 Lawrence Drive
Newbury Park, California 91320
Phone: 800-442-9637
www.haynes.com
■ Mitchell International
14145 Danielson Street
Poway, California 92064
Phone: 888-724-6742
www.mitchell.com
■ Motor Publications
5600 Crooks Road, Suite 200
Troy, Michigan 48098
Phone: 800-426-6867
www.motor.com
FACTORY SOURCES
Visit your local Acura, Honda, Infiniti, Lexus, Nissan and
Toyota dealerships to purchase a factory service manual, or
visit:
■ Helm Inc.
14310 Hamilton Avenue
Highland Park, Michigan 48203
Phone: 800-782-4356
www.helminc.com
General Information
PRELIMINARY VEHICLE DIAGNOSIS WORKSHEET
Chapter 1 6
PRELIMINARY VEHICLE DIAGNOSIS WORKSHEET
The purpose of this form is to help you gather preliminary information
on your vehicle before you retrieve codes. By having a complete
account of your vehicle's current problem(s), you will be able to
systematically pinpoint the problem(s) by comparing your answers to
the fault codes you retrieve. You can also provide this information to
your mechanic to assist in diagnosis and help avoid costly and
unnecessary repairs. It is important for you to complete this form to help
you and/or your mechanic have a clear understanding of your vehicle's
problems.
NAME:
DATE:
VIN*:
YEAR:
MAKE:
MODEL:
ENGINE SIZE:
VEHICLE MILEAGE:
*VIN: Vehicle Identification Number, found at the base of the
windshield on a metallic plate, or at the driver door latch area (consult
your vehicle owner's manual for location).
TRANSMISSION:
❑
Automatic
❑ Manual
Please check all applicable items in each category.
DESCRIBE THE PROBLEM:
General Information
PRELIMINARY VEHICLE DIAGNOSIS WORKSHEET
7 Chapter 1
WHEN DID YOU FIRST NOTICE THE PROBLEM:
❑ Just Started
❑ Started Last Week
❑ Started Last Month
❑ Other:
LIST ANY REPAIRS DONE IN THE PAST SIX MONTHS:
PROBLEMS STARTING
ENGINE QUITS OR STALLS
IDLING CONDITIONS
RUNNING CONDITIONS
❑ No symptoms
❑ Will not crank
❑ Cranks, but will not start
❑ Starts, but takes a long time
❑ No symptoms
❑ Right after starting
❑ When shifting into gear
❑ During steady-speed driving
❑ Right after vehicle comes to a stop
❑ While idling
❑ During acceleration
❑ When parking
❑ No symptoms
❑ Is too slow at all times
❑ Is too fast
❑ Is sometimes too fast or too slow
❑ Is rough or uneven
❑ Fluctuates up and down
❑ No symptoms
❑ Runs rough
❑ Lacks power
❑ Bucks and jerks
❑ Poor fuel economy
❑ Hesitates or stumbles on
accelerations
❑ Backfires
❑ Misfires or cuts out
❑ Engine knocks, pings or rattles
❑ Surges
❑ Dieseling or run-on
General Information
PRELIMINARY VEHICLE DIAGNOSIS WORKSHEET
Chapter 1 8
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS (if applicable)
PROBLEM OCCURS
❑ Morning ❑ Afternoon ❑ Anytime
ENGINE TEMPERATURE WHEN PROBLEM OCCURS
❑ Cold ❑ Warm ❑ Hot
DRIVING CONDITIONS WHEN PROBLEM OCCURS
DRIVING HABITS
GASOLINE USED
WEATHER CONDITIONS WHEN PROBLEM OCCURS
CHECK ENGINE LIGHT / DASH WARNING LIGHT
❑
Sometimes ON ❑ Always ON ❑ Never ON
PECULIAR SMELLS
STRANGE NOISES
❑ Short - less than 2 miles
❑ 2 - 10 miles
❑ Long - more than 10 miles
❑ Stop and go
❑ While turning
❑ While braking
❑ At gear engagement
❑ With A/C operating
❑ With headlights on
❑ During acceleration
❑ Mostly driving downhill
❑ Mostly driving uphill
❑ Mostly driving level
❑ Mostly driving curvy roads
❑ Mostly driving rough roads
❑ Mostly city driving
❑ Highway
❑ Park vehicle inside
❑ Park vehicle outside
❑ Drive less than 10 miles per day
❑ Drive 10 to 50 miles per day
❑ Drive more than 50 miles per day
❑ 87 Octane
❑ 89 Octane
❑ 91 Octane
❑ More than 91 Octane
❑ 32 - 55° F (0 - 13° C)
❑ Below freezing (32° F / 0° C)
❑ Above 55° F (13° C)
❑ "Hot"
❑ Sulfur ("rotten egg")
❑ Burning rubber
❑ Gasoline
❑ Burning oil
❑ Electrical
❑ Rattle
❑ Knock
❑ Squeak
❑ Other
❑ No symptoms
❑ Shifts too early or too late
❑ Changes gear incorrectly
❑ Vehicle does not move when in
gear
❑ Jerks or bucks
About Import Vehicle Diagnostic Systems
AUTOMOTIVE COMPUTER CONTROL SYSTEMS
9 Chapter 2
AUTOMOTIVE COMPUTER CONTROL SYSTEMS
The main purpose of the vehicle’s Computer Control System is
to provide maximum engine performance with the least
amount of air pollution and the best fuel efficiency possible.
The Computer Control System consists of the on-board
computer, and several related control devices (sensors,
switches, and actuators). Most on-board computers are located
inside the vehicle behind the dashboard, under the passenger’s
or driver’s seat, or behind the passenger side kick panel. Some
manufacturers may still position it in the engine compartment.
The sensors, switches, and actuators are devices such as
oxygen sensors, coolant temperature sensors, throttle position
sensors, fuel injectors, etc., that are located throughout the
engine, and are connected by electrical wiring to the on-board
computer.
The on-board computer is the heart of the Computer Control
System. The computer software contains several preprogrammed reference values that represent the ideal air/fuel
mixture, spark timing, transmission gear selection, etc., for
any driving condition. These values are programmed at the
factory and are specific to each vehicle model.
The on-board computer receives information (inputs) from
sensors and switches located throughout the engine. These
devices monitor critical engine conditions (coolant
temperature, engine speed, engine load, throttle position,
air/fuel ratio, etc.). The computer compares the actual values
received from these sensors with the reference values that are
programmed in it’s memory. The computer commands the
necessary corrections through operating output actuators as
needed so that the incoming sensor values match the preprogrammed reference values for that particular driving
condition.
Since vehicle operating conditions are constantly changing, the
computer continuously makes adjustments or corrections
(especially to the air/fuel mixture and spark timing) to keep all
the engine systems operating within the pre-programmed
reference values.
About Import Vehicle Diagnostic Systems
ON-BOARD VEHICLE DIAGNOSTICS (OBD I)
Chapter 2 10
NOTE:
The computer does not make the adjustments or
corrections directly. It commands other devices such as the fuel
injectors, idle air control, EGR valve or Ignition Module to
perform these functions. These devices are called Actuators
because they initiate an action in response to the commands of
the computer.
ON-BOARD VEHICLE DIAGNOSTICS (OBD I)
•
Beginning in 1988, California’s Air Resources Board
(CARB), and later, the Federal Government's
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), required
vehicle manufacturers to include a self diagnostic program
capable of identifying an emissions-related fault via the
vehicles On-Board Computers (some manufacturers used
OBD before it was required). The first generation of
Onboard Diagnostics came to be known as OBD I.
•
OBD I is a set of self-testing or self-diagnosing instructions
that are programmed into the vehicle’s on-board computer.
•
The program is specifically designed to detect failures in
the sensors, actuators, switches and wiring of the various
vehicle emissions-related systems (fuel injection system,
ignition system, EGR system, catalytic converter, etc.). If
the computer detects a failure in any one of these
components or systems, it alerts the driver by
illuminating the “Check Engine” light on the dash.
•
The computer also assigns a numeric code (OBD I systems
utilized a 2 or 3 digit code) for each specific problem that it
detects, and stores these codes in it’s memory for later
retrieval. The codes can be retrieved from the computer’s
memory with the use of a device called a “Code Reader” or
a “Scan Tool”.
NOTE:
With the exception of some 1994 and 1995 vehicles,
most vehicles from about 1982 to 1995 are equipped with
OBD I systems.
DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES
Diagnostic Trouble Codes, or Fault Codes, can be used to
identify engine systems or components that are malfunctioning.
The computer records codes for the following two types of
engine problems:
About Import Vehicle Diagnostic Systems
DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES
11 Chapter 2
•
“Hard” Codes. “Hard” codes are stored for problems
which are happening now. “Hard” codes cause the “Check
Engine” light to turn on. The light remains on as long as
the “hard” code is present.
•
“Intermittent” Codes. “Intermittent” codes are stored
for problems, which happened in the past but, are not
currently present or detected by the vehicle’s computer.
Intermittent problems may cause the “Check Engine”
light to flicker by briefly turning on and turning off when
the problem goes away. “Intermittent” codes stay in the
computer’s memory even when the problem is no longer
present. These intermittent problems may be caused by
faulty wiring, vehicle operating conditions, etc.
NOTE:
Not all vehicles store “Intermittent” codes.
About Import Vehicle Diagnostic Systems
Chapter 2 12
Honda/Acura
OVERVIEW OF HONDA/ACURA DIAGNOTIC SYSTEMS
13 Chapter 3
OVERVIEW OF HONDA/ACURA DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEMS
•
Retrieving codes from
Honda/Acura vehicles
requires the use of the two
terminal connector of code
retrieval tool as shown in Figure H1.
•
Honda/Acura vehicles use a variety of diagnostic systems
which use either the “Check Engine” light or LEDs (Light
Emitting Diodes) on the ECM (Engine Control Module) to
display diagnostic trouble codes.
•
To retrieve codes you will need to
access your vehicle’s computer test
connector or ECM.
•
Honda/Acura vehicles use a rectangular two-socket plastic connector,
usually light blue in color (H2).
NOTE:
Some Honda/Acura models do not require a tool to
retrieve codes. The “Tool Req?” column in the “Code Retrieval
Procedures Tables” on pages 14 through 17 will let you know if
a tool is required. If no tool is required, just follow the
procedures as indicated to retrieve codes.
“Check Engine” Light
•
The “Check Engine” light does more than alert you to a
potential problem. It also transmits the fault codes in the
computer’s memory through a series of blinks and pauses
when the vehicle is in diagnostic mode.
•
Your “Check Engine” light is located on your vehicle’s
instrument cluster, and may be labeled “PGM-FI”, “PGMCARB”, “CHECK”, or with a picture of an engine (Figure
H3).
NOTE:
If your “Check Engine” light does not come on when you
turn on the ignition, please refer to your vehicle’s service
manual. You may have a problem with the vehicle that is
preventing it from illuminating. You must fix this problem
before you can retrieve fault codes from the vehicle’s computer.
H1
H2
H3
HONDA
CONNECTOR
CHECK
CHECK ENGINE
Honda/Acura
CODE RETRIEVAL PROCEDURE
Chapter 3 14
CODE RETRIEVAL PROCEDURE
•
Always observe safety precautions whenever working on a
vehicle.
•
Fix any known mechanical problems before this test.
•
Warm up engine before this test.
•
Have a pencil and paper handy.
1. Locate your vehicle in the appropriate table (see below for
“Honda Code Retrieval Procedures”; see page 16 for
“Acura Code Retrieval Procedures”).
2. Follow the procedures applicable to your vehicle.
■ Refer to page 18 for “ECU/Test Connector Locations”,
(Figures H4 through H9).
■ Refer to page 19 for “Code Examples” (Figures H10
through H17).
3. Refer to pages 21 and 22 for “Honda/Acura Fault Code
Definitions”. Match the retrieved Diagnostic Trouble Codes
with those listed, read the associated definition(s), and
consult the vehicle’s service manual for further evaluation.
4. Refer to page 20 for the “Erasing Codes” procedure.
Consult the appropriate table for your vehicle (“Honda
Erasing Procedure” or “Acura Erasing Procedure”) and
follow the procedure listed.
Honda Code Retrieval Procedures
Tool
Model Years Eng. Req? Perform the following:
Accord 84-85 1.8 (F.I. N Procedure: Access ECU (located
only) under driver’s seat) (H4). Turn ignition
on and observe LEDs on ECU for
codes.
Codes: Codes are displayed using 4
LEDs labeled 8, 4, 2, 1 (H10).
Determine codes by adding LED values.
Examples: LED 8 and LED 1 on =
code 9 (8 + 1 = 9) (H11)
LED 4 on = code 4 (4 + 0 = 4)
(H12)
No LEDs = code 0
(H13)
When more than one code is present,
codes are separated by a 2 second pause.
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