Basic Troubleshooting Guide
- Bring Vehicle to Workshop
- Analyze Customer's Problem Ask the customer about the conditions and environment relative to the issue. (Use CUSTOMER PROBLEM ANALYSIS SHEET).
- Verify Symptom, and then Check DTC and Freeze Frame Data Connect the GDS to Diagnostic Link Connector (DLC). Record the DTC and Freeze Frame Data. NOTE: To erase DTC and Freeze Frame Data, refer to Step 5 .
- Confirm the Inspection Procedure for the System or Part Using the SYMPTOM TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE CHART, choose the correct inspection procedure for the system or part to be checked.
- Erase the DTC and Freeze Frame Data WARNING: NEVER erase DTC and Freeze Frame Data before completing Step 2 : MIL/DTC in CUSTOMER PROBLEM ANALYSIS SHEET.
- Inspect Vehicle Visually Go to Step 11 , if you recognize the problem.
- Recreate (Simulate) Symptoms of the DTC Try to recreate or simulate the symptoms and conditions of the malfunction as described by customer. If DTC(s) is/are displayed, simulate the condition according to troubleshooting procedure for the DTC.
- Confirm Symptoms of Problem If DTC(s) is/are not displayed, go to next step. If DTC(s) is/are displayed, go to Step 11 .
- Recreate (Simulate) Symptom Try to recreate or simulate the condition of the malfunction as described by the customer.
- Check the DTC If DTC(s) does (do) not occur, refer to INTERMITTENT PROBLEM PROCEDURE in BASIC INSPECTION PROCEDURE. If DTC(s) occur(s), go to next step.
- Perform Troubleshooting Procedure for DTC
- Adjust or repair the vehicle
- Confirmation test
- END
Scheme 26
Basic Inspection Procedure
Measuring Condition of Electronic Parts' Resistance
The measured resistance at high temperature after vehicle running may be high or low. So all resistance must be measured at ambient temperature (20°C, 68°F), unless stated otherwise.
Note. The measured resistance in except for ambient temperature (20°C, 68°F) is reference value.
Intermittent Problem Inspection Procedure
Sometimes the most difficult case in troubleshooting is when a problem symptom occurs but does not occur again during testing. An example would be if a problem appears only when the vehicle is cold but has not appeared when warm. In this case, the technician should thoroughly make out a "Customer Problem Analysis Sheet" and recreate (simulate) the environment and condition which occurred when the vehicle was having the issue.
Scheme 27
- Clear Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC).
- Inspect connector connection, and check terminal for poor connections, loose wires, bent, broken or corroded pins, and then verify that the connectors are always securely fastened.
- Slightly shake the connector and wiring harness vertically and horizontally.
- Repair or replace the component that has a problem.
- Verify that the problem has disappeared with the road test. Simulating Vibration Sensors and Actuators : Slightly vibrate sensors, actuators or relays with finger. WARNING: Strong vibration may break sensors, actuators or relays Connectors and Harness : Lightly shake the connector and wiring harness vertically and then horizontally. Simulating Heat Heat components suspected of causing the malfunction with a hair dryer or other heat source. WARNING: DO NOT heat components to the point where they may be damaged. DO NOT heat the ECM directly. Simulating Water Sprinkling Sprinkle water onto vehicle to simulate a rainy day or a high humidity condition. WARNING: DO NOT sprinkle water directly into the engine compartment or electronic components. Simulating Electrical Load Turn on all electrical systems to simulate excessive electrical loads (Radios, fans, lights, rear window defogger, etc.).
Scheme 28
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Scheme 33
- Handling of Connector Never pull on the wiring harness when disconnecting connectors. When removing the connector with a lock, press or pull locking lever. Listen for a click when locking connectors. This sound indicates that they are securely locked. When a tester is used to check for continuity, or to measure voltage, always insert tester probe from wire harness side. Check waterproof connector terminals from the connector side. Waterproof connectors cannot be accessed from harness side. NOTE: Use a fine wire to prevent damage to the terminal. Do not damage the terminal when inserting the tester lead.
- Checking Point for Connector While the connector is connected: Hold the connector, check connecting condition and locking efficiency. When the connector is disconnected: Check missed terminal, crimped terminal or broken core wire by slightly pulling the wire harness. Visually check for rust, contamination, deformation and bend. Check terminal tightening condition: Insert a spare male terminal into a female terminal, and then check terminal tightening conditions. Pull lightly on individual wires to ensure that each wire is secured in the terminal.
- Repair Method of Connector Terminal Clean the contact points using air gun and/or shop rag. NOTE: Never use sand paper when polishing the contact points, otherwise the contact point may be damaged. In case of abnormal contact pressure, replace the female terminal.
Wire Harness Inspection Procedure
- Before removing the wire harness, check the wire harness position and crimping in order to restore it correctly.
- Check whether the wire harness is twisted, pulled or loosened.
- Check whether the temperature of the wire harness is abnormally high.
- Check whether the wire harness is rotating, moving or vibrating against the sharp edge of a part.
- Check the connection between the wire harness and any installed part.
- If the covering of wire harness is damaged; secure, repair or replace the harness.
Scheme 34
Scheme 35
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Scheme 37
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Scheme 39
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Scheme 41
- Check Open Circuit Procedures for Open Circuit Continuity Check Voltage Check If an open circuit occurs (as seen in [ (Scheme 33) ]), it can be found by performing Step 2 (Continuity Check Method) or Step 3 (Voltage Check Method) as shown below. Continuity Check Method NOTE: When measuring for resistance, lightly shake the wire harness above and below or side to side. Specification (Resistance) 1ohms or less --> Normal Circuit 1Mohms or Higher --> Open Circuit Disconnect connectors (A), (C) and measure resistance between connector (A) and (C) as shown in [ (Scheme 34) ]. In [ (Scheme 34).] the measured resistance of line 1 and 2 is higher than 1Mohms and below 1 ohms respectively. Specifically the open circuit is line 1 (Line 2 is normal). To find exact break point, check sub line of line 1 as described in next step. Disconnect connector (B), and measure for resistance between connector (C) and (B1) and between (B2) and (A) as shown in [ (Scheme 35) ]. In this case the measured resistance between connector (C) and (B1) is higher than 1Mohms and the open circuit is between terminal 1 of connector (C) and terminal 1 of connector (B1). Voltage Check Method With each connector still connected, measure the voltage between the chassis ground and terminal 1 of each connectors (A), (B) and (C) as shown in []. The measured voltage of each connector is 5V, 5V and 0V respectively. So the open circuit is between connector (C) and (B).
- Check Short Circuit Test Method for Short to Ground Circuit Continuity Check with Chassis Ground If short to ground circuit occurs as shown in [ (Scheme 37) ], the broken point can be found by performing Step 2 (Continuity Check Method with Chassis Ground) as shown below. Continuity Check Method (with Chassis Ground) NOTE: Lightly shake the wire harness above and below, or from side to side when measuring the resistance. Specification (Resistance) 1ohms or less --> Short to Ground Circuit 1Mohms or Higher --> Normal Circuit Disconnect connectors (A), (C) and measure for resistance between connector (A) and Chassis Ground as shown in [ (Scheme 38) ]. The measured resistance of line 1 and 2 in this example is below 1 ohms and higher than 1Mohms respectively. Specifically the short to ground circuit is line 1 (Line 2 is normal). To find exact broken point, check the sub line of line 1 as described in the following step. Disconnect connector (B), and measure the resistance between connector (A) and chassis ground, and between (B1) and chassis ground as shown in [ (Scheme 39) ]. The measured resistance between connector (B1) and chassis ground is 1ohms or less. The short to ground circuit is between terminal 1 of connector (C) and terminal 1 of connector (B1).
- Testing For Voltage Drop This test checks for voltage drop along a wire, or through a connection or switch. Connect the positive lead of a voltmeter to the end of the wire (or to the side of the connector or switch) closest to the battery. Connect the negative lead to the other end of the wire. (or the other side of the connector or switch) Operate the circuit. The voltmeter will show the difference in voltage between the two points. A difference, or drop of more than 0.1 volts (50mV in 5V circuits), may indicate a problem. Check the circuit for loose or dirty connections.
Symptom Troubleshooting Guide Chart
| Main symptom | Diagnostic procedure | Also check for |
|---|---|---|
| Unable to start (Engine does not turn over) | Test the battery Test the starter Inhibitor switch (A/T) or clutch start switch (M/T) | |
| Unable to start (Incomplete combustion) | Test the battery Check the fuel pressure Check the ignition circuit Troubleshooting the immobilizer system (In case of immobilizer lamp flashing) | DTC Low compression Intake air leaks Slipped or broken timing belt Contaminated fuel |
| Difficult to start | Test the battery Check the fuel pressure Check the ECT sensor and circuit (Check DTC) Check the ignition circuit | DTC Low compression Intake air leaks Contaminated fuel Weak ignition spark |
| Poor idling (Rough, unstable or incorrect Idle) | Check the fuel pressure Check the Injector Check the long term fuel trim and short term fuel trim (Refer to CUSTOMER DATASTREAM) Check the idle speed control circuit (Check DTC) Inspect and test the Throttle Body Check the ECT sensor and circuit (Check DTC) | DTC Low compression Intake air leaks Contaminated fuel Weak ignition spark |
| Engine stall | Test the Battery Check the fuel pressure Check the idle speed control circuit (Check DTC) Check the ignition circuit Check the CKPS Circuit (Check DTC) | DTC Intake air leaks Contaminated fuel Weak ignition spark |
| Poor driving (Surge) | Check the fuel pressure Inspect and test Throttle Body Check the ignition circuit Check the ECT Sensor and Circuit (Check DTC) Test the exhaust system for a possible restriction Check the long term fuel trim and short term fuel trim (Refer to CUSTOMER DATASTREAM) | DTC Low compression Intake air leaks Contaminated fuel Weak ignition spark |
| Knocking | Check the fuel pressure Inspect the engine coolant Inspect the radiator and the electric cooling fan Check the spark plugs | DTC Contaminated fuel |
| Poor fuel economy | Check customer's driving habitsIs A/C on full time or the defroster mode on? Are tires at correct pressure? Is excessively heavy load being carried? Is acceleration too much, too often? Check the fuel pressure Check the injector Test the exhaust system for a possible restriction Check the ECT sensor and circuit | DTC Low compression Intake air leaks Contaminated fuel Weak ignition spark |
| Hard to refuel (Overflow during refueling) | Test the canister close valve Inspect the fuel filler hose/pipe Pinched, kinked or blocked? Filler hose is torn Inspect the fuel tank vapor vent hose between the EVAP. canister and air filter Check the EVAP. canister | Malfunctioning gas station filling nozzle (If this problem occurs at a specific gas station during refueling) |