Fuel and Engine Management

Self Diagnosis


This function, which is very useful in locating intermittent system faults, has four modes of operation: U Check, Read Memory, D check and Clear Memory. All modes except Clear memory are used for fault diagnosis. If a fault is present, the relevant fault code will be displayed by the Check Engine warning lamp (or Check Engine Light, CEL) when the self diagnosis mode is activated.

U Check mode checks only those circuits that are essential for engine operation.

Read Memory mode displays fault codes that have been stored in the ECU memory relating to faults which have previously occurred in the system. This mode is most effective for diagnosing intermittent faults caused by poor contacts or loose wiring conectors.

D Check mode checks all circuits and components in the EFI system while the engine is running.

Clear Memory mode is used to clear the codes from the ECU memory after the fault has been rectified.

Two pairs of wiring connectors are used to activate the self diagnosis modes, the read memory connectors and the test mode conectors.

To access the connectors, remove the lower dashboard panel retaining screws and remove the panel. Behind the panel on the left hand side are two black, single pin male and female wiring connectors (figs 1 & 2) for the Read Memory. The green Test Mode connectors (fig 3) are taped to the wiring harness that passes over the steering column.

fig 1: Black read connectors   fig 2: black read connectors   fig 3:Green test connectors

The self diagnosis modes are activated using the following table:

MODE CONDITION READ CONNECTORS TEST CONNECTORS
U Check Ignition ON Disconnected Disconnected
Read Memory Ignition ON Connected Disconnected
D Check At idle Disconnected Connected
Clear Memory At idle Connected Connected

Note: The fault codes do not necessarily mean that the indicated component is faulty. The entire circuit - connectors, wiring harness and sensor - should be checked before renewing any components. If a fault is intermittent, check for loose or dirty wiring connections, especially earth points.

At the completion of all repairs, perform the D Check procedure to ensure that the fault has been rectified.

To Interpret Fault Codes

The fault codes are displayed as a series of flashes by the instrument cluster CEL after the self diagnosis mode is activated.

To identify the code number, count the number of times the CEL flashes. Each fault code comprises of two or more groups of flashes seperated by a 1.8 second pause. The first group represents tens and the second group represents single units.

eg: One 1.2 second flash followed by a 0.3 second pause, then another 0.2 second flash would represent code 11. Similarly, three 1.2 second flashes followed by five 0.2 second flashes would represent code 35. When two or more codes have failed, the code sequence flashes in ascending order, and loops back to continuously play all the codes.

The fault codes can be identified here.

Read Memory Mode

(1) Connect the read memory connectors and switch the ignition ON.
(2) If the CEL does not flash or illuminate, check the ECU power supply and earth circuits. Also check the condition of fuse #15 and the CEL bulb.
(3) If a fault has been recorded, the CEL will flash a fault code as previously described. Note the code number.

If there are no faults in the ECU memory, the CEL will flash at regular intervals.
(4)If a fault code is displayed, disconnect the read memory connectors and perform the D Check procedure. If the same code is displayed in D Check mode, check the circuit and sensor indicated by the code number.

If the code is not displayed in D Check mode, an intermittent fault is indicated. Check that all the wiring connections in the circuit are dry, clean and secure.

D Check Mode

(1) Run the engine until the vehilce is at normal operating temperature. Stop the engine.
(2) Connect the Test Mode connectors and switch the ignition ON. Again, if the CEL does not flash or illuminate, check the ECU power supply and earth circuits. Also check the condition of fuse #15 and the CEL bulb.
(3) Depress the throttle pedal fully. Return the pedal to the half throttle position for about 2 seconds, then release the pedal completely. On A/T models, push the Economy switch on the gear lever On and Off once.
(4) Start and run the engine. If the CEL displays a fault code, check the indicated circuit or sensor.
(5) If the CEL does not indicate a fault, road test the vehicle at a speed of more than 11km/h for at least one minute. On manual vehicles, shift up into fourth gear during the road test.
(6) Run the engine above 2000rpm and obvserve the CEL. If the lamp flashes regulary, it indicates that no faults are present. Switch the ignition off, and disconnect the green connectors.

If a fault code is displayed, do the checks for the indicated circuits/sensors. If there is more than one code shown, start with the lowest fault code and work in ascending order.

Clear Memory Mode

(1) Run the engine until the vehicle is at normal operating temperature. Stop the engine.
(2) Connect both the Read Memory and Test Mode connectors and switch the ignition ON. The CEL should illuminate.
(3) Depress the throttle pedal fully. Return the pedal to the half throttle position for about 2 seconds, then release the pedal completely. On A/T models, push the Economy switch on the gear lever On and Off once.
(4) Start the engine. If the CEL does not extinguish, record the code and rectify as necessary.
(5) Road test the vehicle at a speed of more than 11km/h for at least one minute. On manual vehicles, shift up into fourth gear during the road test.
(6) Run the engine above 2000rpm and obvserve the CEL. If the lamp flashes regulary, it indicates that no faults are present. Switch the ignition off, and disconnect the connectors.
If a fault code is displayed, do the checks for the indicated circuits/sensors. If there is more than one code shown, start with the lowest fault code and work in ascending order. After correcting each fault, perform the D Check procedure to confirm that the code is no longer present.



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