HI all,

How do I get the engine computer to spit out the diagnostic codes at me? I know, I can pay a dealer lots of $$$, but there is always a way to do it without the dealer. Federal law requires that a method exist that does not require specialized equipment.

For example, on our other vehicle, you use a clip lead to connect together two terminals under the dashboard, then turn the ignition on, off, on in relatively quick sequence. Then watch the "check engine" light. It will blink a couple of times, then pause, then a couple more times, then pause, then a few more times. Then a long pause. Then the blinking starts again. You write down all these three-digit sequences of blinks and those are the diagnostics.

The procedure is probably written up in the service manual, but said manual is more costly than a repair, so I haven't shelled out the big bucks. I'm hoping that someone else, who likes to pour $$$ in their rig, has said manual and can answer the question.

The truck in question:

1994 2WD "Deluxe". V6 auto-slugmatic. Extra cab.
166,000 miles

Symptom: VERY sluggish engine from a standing start, feels almost like it's misfiring, or not getting fuel. Once the engine is reasonably above idle speed, the power seems normal - weak, but that's standard for this engine/transmission in 1994. "Check engine" light does not come on. Dealer claims it's either normal, or time to rebuild, but doesn't seem to have a clue about how to determine which.

Thanks!

 

Here follow this link and you should be all set.

http://www.off-road.com/toyota/tech/codes/index.html


This was true up until 1996.....after that you cannot pull codes on most vehicles without an OBD II code reader.

 

all right thanks. Hopefully I can it done tomorrow and then I will report back with the problem.

 

I don't know if OBD1 readers exist, but I paid 52$ for and OBDII read off eBay, which paid for itself many times over now as my CE light comes on daily, I even reset it as I drive now, LOL

 

Yes, there were OBD I readers but they had proprietary connectors.
OBD II standardized the interface for all vehicles starting in 1996.