Toyota 4Runner: How To Proceed With Troubleshooting

Toyota 4Runner Service Manual / General / Introduction / How To Troubleshoot Ecu Controlled Systems / How To Proceed With Troubleshooting

HOW TO PROCEED WITH TROUBLESHOOTING

1. OPERATION FLOW

HINT:

Perform troubleshooting in accordance with the procedures below. The following is an outline of basic troubleshooting procedures. Confirm the troubleshooting procedures for the circuit you are working on before beginning troubleshooting.

2. 1.VEHICLE BROUGHT TO WORKSHOP

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3. 2.CUSTOMER PROBLEM ANALYSIS

(a) Ask the customer about the conditions and environment when the problem occurred.

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4. 3.INSPECT BATTERY VOLTAGE

Standard voltage:

11 to 14 V

If the voltage is below 11 V, recharge or replace the battery before proceeding.

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5. 4.SYMPTOM CONFIRMATION AND DTC (INCLUDING FREEZE FRAME DATA) CHECK

(a) Visually check the wire harnesses, connectors and fuses for open and short circuits.

(b) Warm up the engine to the normal operating temperature.

Result

Result	Proceed to
DTC is output	Go to step 5
DTC is not output	Go to step 6

6. 5.DTC CHART

(a) Check the results obtained in the DTC check. Then find the output DTC in the DTC chart. Look at the "Trouble Area" column for a list of potentially malfunctioning circuits and/or parts.

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Go to step 7

7. 6.PROBLEM SYMPTOMS TABLE

(a) Check the results obtained in the symptom confirmation. Then find the problem symptoms in the problem symptoms table. Look at the "Suspected Area" column for a list of potentially malfunctioning circuits and/or parts.

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8. 7.CIRCUIT INSPECTION OR PARTS INSPECTION

(a) Confirm the malfunctioning circuit or part.

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9. 8.ADJUST, REPAIR OR REPLACE

(a) Adjust, repair or replace the malfunctioning circuit or parts.

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10. 9.CONFIRMATION TEST

(a) After the adjustment, repairs or replacement, confirm that the malfunction no longer exists. If the malfunction does not reoccur, perform a confirmation test under the same conditions and in the same environment as when the malfunction occurred the first time.

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11. CUSTOMER PROBLEM ANALYSIS

HINT:

In troubleshooting, confirm that the problem symptoms have been accurately identified. Preconceptions should be discarded in order to make an accurate judgment. To clearly understand what the problem symptoms are, it is extremely important to ask the customer about the problem and the conditions at the time the malfunction occurred.
Gather as much information as possible for reference. Past problems that seem unrelated may also help in some cases.

The following 5 questions are important points in the problem analysis:

What	Vehicle model, system name
When	Date, time, occurrence frequency
Where	Road conditions
Under what conditions?	Running conditions, driving conditions, weather conditions
How did it happen?	Problem symptoms

12. SYMPTOM CONFIRMATION AND DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE

HINT:

The diagnostic system in the 4RUNNER has various functions.

The first function is the Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) check. A DTC is a code stored in the ECU memory whenever a malfunction in the signal circuits to the ECU occurs. In a DTC check, a previous malfunction DTC can be checked by a technician during troubleshooting.

Another function is the Input Signal Check, which checks if the signals from various switches are sent to the ECU correctly.

By using these functions, the problem areas can be narrowed down and troubleshooting is more effective. Diagnostic functions are incorporated in the following systems in the 4RUNNER.

System	DTC Check (Normal Mode)	DTC Check (Check Mode)	Freeze Frame Data	Sensor Check/Test Mode (Input Signal Check)	Data List	Active Test	Customize Parameter
1GR-FE SFI System	○	○	○	-	○	○	-
Cruise Control System	○	-	-	-	○	○	-
A750E Automatic Transmission System	○	○	○	-	○	○	-
A750F Automatic Transmission System	○	○	○	-	○	○	-
Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System	○	-	-	-	○	○	-
Tire Pressure Warning System	○	-	-	-	○	○	-
Vehicle Stability Control System (for Hydraulic Brake Booster)	○	-	○	○	○	○	-
Vehicle Stability Control System (for Vacuum Brake Booster)	○	-	○	○	○	○	-
Power Steering System	○	-	-	-	○	-	-
Steering Lock System	○	-	-	-	○	○	-
Audio and Visual System	○	-	-	-	○	-	-
Navigation System	○	-	-	-	○	-	-
Intuitive Parking Assist System	-	-	-	-	-	-	-
Rear View Monitor System (for Radio and Display Type)	○	-	-	-	-	-	-
Rear View Monitor System (for Navigation Receiver Type)	○	-	-	-	-	-	-
Garage Door Opener System	-	-	-	-	-	-	-
Safety Connect System	○	-	-	-	○	○	○
LIN Communication System	○	-	-	-	○	-	-
CAN Communication System	○	-	-	-	-	-	-
Power Door Lock Control System	-	-	-	-	○	○	○
Wireless Door Lock Control System (w/ Smart Key System)	○	-	-	-	○	○	○
Wireless Door Lock Control System (w/o Smart Key System)	○	-	-	-	○	○	○
Key Reminder Warning System	-	-	-	-	○	-	-
Smart Key System (for Start Function)	○	-	-	-	○	○	-
Smart Key System (for Entry Function)	○	-	-	-	○	○	○
Engine Immobiliser System (w/ Smart Key System)	○	-	-	-	○	○	-
Engine Immobiliser System (w/o Smart Key System)	○	-	-	-	○	○	-
Theft Deterrent System	-	-	-	-	○	○	-
Lighting System (for Interior)	-	-	-	-	○	○	○
Meter / Gauge System	○	-	-	-	○	○	○
Clock System	-	-	-	-	-	-	-
Airbag System	○	○	-	-	○	-	-
Occupant Classification System	○	-	-	-	○	-	-
Front Power Seat Control System	-	-	-	-	-	-	-
Seat Heater System	-	-	-	-	-	-	-
Seat Belt Warning System	-	-	-	-	○	○	○
Air Conditioning System (for Automatic Air Conditioning System)	○	-	-	-	○	○	○
Air Conditioning System (for Manual Air Conditioning System)	○	-	-	-	○	○	-
Power Window Control System	○	-	-	-	○	○	○
Window Defogger System	-	-	-	-	-	○	-
Sliding Roof System	○	-	-	-	○	○	○
Power Mirror Control System	-	-	-	-	-	-	-
Wiper and Washer System	-	-	-	-	-	○	○
Lighting System (for Exterior)	○	-	-	-	○	○	○
Horn System	-	-	-	-	-	-	-
Automatic Running Board System	○	-	-	-	-	○	-

In the DTC check, it is very important to determine whether the problem indicated by the DTC is either: 1) still occurring; or 2) occurred in the past but has since returned to normal. In addition, the DTC should be compared to the problem symptom to see if they are related. For this reason, DTCs should be checked before and after confirmation of symptoms (i.e., whether or not problem symptoms exist) to determine current system conditions, as shown in the flowchart below.

Never skip the DTC check. Failing to check DTCs may, depending on the case, result in unnecessary troubleshooting for systems operating normally or lead to repairs not related to the problem. Follow the procedures listed in the flowchart in the correct order.

The following flowchart shows how to proceed with troubleshooting using the DTC check. Directions from the flowchart will indicate how to proceed either to DTC troubleshooting or to the troubleshooting of each problem symptom.

13. 1.DTC CHECK

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14. 2.MAKE A NOTE OF DTC DISPLAYED AND THEN CLEAR MEMORY

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15. 3.SYMPTOM CONFIRMATION

Result

Result	Proceed to
No symptoms exist	Go to step 4
Symptoms exist	Go to step 5

16. 4.SIMULATION TEST USING SYMPTOM SIMULATION METHODS

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17. 5.DTC CHECK

Result

Result	Proceed to
DTC is not output	GO TO STEP 6
DTC is output	TROUBLESHOOTING OF PROBLEM INDICATED BY DTC

18. 6.SYMPTOM CONFIRMATION

Result

Result	Proceed to
Symptoms exist	TROUBLESHOOTING OF EACH PROBLEM SYMPTOM
No symptoms exist	SYSTEM NORMAL

If a DTC was displayed in the initial DTC check, the problem may have occurred in a wire harness or connector in that circuit in the past. Check the wire harness and connectors.

The problem is still occurring in a place other than the diagnostic circuit (the DTC displayed first is either for a past problem or a secondary problem).

19. SYMPTOM SIMULATION

HINT:

The most difficult case in troubleshooting is when no problem symptoms occur. In such a case, a thorough problem analysis must be carried out. A simulation of the same or similar conditions and environment in which the problem occurred in the customer vehicle should be carried out. No matter how much skill or experience a technician has, troubleshooting without confirming the problem symptoms will lead to important repairs being overlooked and mistakes or delays.

For example:

With a problem that only occurs when the engine is cold or as a result of vibration caused by the road during driving, the problem can never be determined if the symptoms are being checked on a stationary vehicle or on a vehicle with a warmed-up engine. Vibration, heat or water penetration (moisture) is difficult to reproduce. The symptom simulation tests below are effective substitutes for the conditions and can be applied on a stationary vehicle.

Important points in the symptom simulation test:

In the symptom simulation test, the problem symptoms as well as the problem area or parts must be confirmed. First, narrow down the possible problem circuits according to the symptoms. Then, connect the tester and carry out the symptom simulation test, judging whether the circuit being tested is defective or normal. Also, confirm the problem symptoms at the same time. Refer to the problem symptoms table for each system to narrow down the possible causes.

To reproduce DTCs, it is necessary to satisfy the respective DTC detection conditions.

(a) VIBRATION METHOD:

When a malfunction seems to occur as a result of vibration.

(1) PART AND SENSOR

Apply slight vibration with a finger to the part of the sensor suspected to be the cause of the problem, and check whether or not the malfunction occurs.

NOTICE:

Applying strong vibration to relays may open them.

(2) CONNECTORS

Slightly shake the connector vertically and horizontally.

(3) WIRE HARNESS

Slightly shake the wire harness vertically and horizontally.

HINT:

The connector joint and fulcrum of the vibration are the major areas that should be checked thoroughly.

(b) HEAT METHOD:

When a malfunction seems to occur when the area in question is heated.

(1) Heat the component that is the possible cause of the malfunction with a hair dryer or similar device. Check if the malfunction occurs.

NOTICE:

Do not heat to more than 60°C (140°F). Exceeding this temperature may damage components.
Do not apply heat directly to the parts in the ECU.

When a malfunction seems to occur on a rainy day or in high-humidity.

(1) Sprinkle water onto the vehicle and check if the malfunction occurs.

NOTICE:

Never sprinkle water directly into the engine compartment. Indirectly change the temperature and humidity by spraying water onto the front of the radiator.
Never apply water directly onto the electronic components.

HINT:

If the vehicle has or had a water leakage problem, the leakage may have damaged the ECU or connections. Look for evidence of corrosion or short circuits. Proceed with caution during water tests.

(d) HIGH ELECTRICAL LOAD METHOD:

When a malfunction seems to occur when the electrical load is excessive.

(1) Turn on the heater blower, headlights, rear window defogger and all other electrical loads. Check if the malfunction reoccurs.

20. DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE CHART

Look for output Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) (from the DTC checks) in the Diagnostic Trouble Code Chart of the appropriate section. Use the chart to determine the trouble area and the proper inspection procedure. A description of each column of the chart is below.

Item	Description
DTC No.	Indicates the diagnostic trouble code.
Detection Item	Indicates the system or details of the problem.
Trouble Area	Indicates the suspected areas of the problem.
See Page	Indicates the page where the inspection procedures for each circuit can be found, or where there are instructions for checks and repairs.

21. PROBLEM SYMPTOMS TABLE

When a "Normal" code is output during a DTC check but the problem is still occurring, use the Problem Symptoms Table. The suspected areas (circuits or parts) for each problem symptom are in the table. The suspected areas are listed in order of probability. A description of each column of the chart is below.

HINT:

In some cases, the problem is not detected by the diagnostic system even though a problem symptom is present. It is possible that the problem is occurring outside the detection range of the diagnostic system, or that the problem is occurring in a completely different system.

Item	Description
Symptom	-
Suspected Area	Indicates the circuit or part which needs to be checked.
See Page	Indicates the page where the flowchart for each circuit is located.

22. CIRCUIT INSPECTION

A description of the main areas of each circuit inspection is below.

Item	Description
Circuit Description	The major role and operation of the circuit and its component parts are explained.
DTC No., DTC Detection Condition, Trouble Area	Indicates the diagnostic trouble codes, diagnostic trouble code detection conditions, and trouble areas of a problem.
Wiring Diagram	This shows a wiring diagram of the circuit. Use this diagram together with an ELECTRICAL WIRING DIAGRAM to thoroughly understand the circuit.
Inspection Procedures	Use the inspection procedures to determine if the circuit is normal or abnormal. If abnormal, use the inspection procedures to determine whether the problem is located in the sensors, actuators, wire harnesses or ECU.
Inspection Procedure Connector Illustrations	Connector being checked is connected: Connections of tester are indicated by (+) or (-) after the terminal name. Connector being checked is disconnected: For illustrations of inspections between a connector and body ground, information about the body ground is not shown in the illustration.

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