Fault Diagnosis?

[Alan Morgan]

I used to work on toyota's many moons ago. Back then if a carina had a warning light on it was faster to use a jump wire in the diag block and manually read the fault code than it was to plug it in to the diag equipment. A quick check in the manual and hey presto, low tech fast fault diagnosis!!! I now own a 02 plate 1.8vvti avensis and was wondering if you could still do the same? If so any info on pin locations and fault code numbers would be greatly appreciated My engine light has just popped on but the car is running fine with no noticeable difference in fuel consumption. Rang around for a few qoutes and they all want silly money just for plugging in the diag equipment. I think it's probably a lambda sensor but can't tell which one!

[pault38]

you can get an obd reader off fleabay for between 15-20 quid, i received mine this morning not that i had any faults on my avensis but i think its gonna come in handy in the future.

[gazza1286]

I believe that the 'later' Series 1 Avensis with VVTI engines are OBDII compliant. (on-board diagnosis) - You will need a code reader.

[Konrad C]

The Carina self diagnostic system was carried on to the pre vvti Avensis, along with the SRS and ABS codes.

As Gazza said, the phase 2 mk1 vvti Avensis dropped the engine codes. You will need an OBDII reader. The SRS and ABS codes can still be obtained by the jumper wire.

[Alan Morgan]

Thanks Guys, it is ironic that I last worked for a Toyota dealer before my car was made! lol

eBay have some from as little as £7.99 to use with a laptop and about £15 for a stand alone unit. Didn't expect them to be cheaper to buy than the amount charged for a garage to read the codes for you! ;)

Now all I have to do is wait for Mr Postman! :D