Toyota Corolla Quiz
Introduction

Symptom confirmation and diagnostic trouble code

In this manual: Introduction
Introduction — 31Preparation — 32Service specifications — 19Diagnostics — 497Engine control system — 6Fuel — 13Emission control — 28Exhaust — 3Cooling — 13Lubrication — 7Ignition — 3Starting & charging — 13Front suspension — 12Rear suspension — 9Tire & wheel — 1Drive shaft / propeller shaft — 15Brake — 42Automatic transmission / trans — 47Clutch — 19Steering column — 9Power steering — 11Heater & air conditioner — 20Supplemental restraint system — 27Seat belt — 12Lighting — 18Wiper & washer — 9Audio & visual — 12Wiring — 1Communication system — 1Windshield/windowglass/mirror — 31Seat — 10Theft deterrent & door lock — 10Sliding roof/convertible — 8Engine hood/door — 12Exterior/interior trim — 20Vehicle control system — 1Cruise control — 5Maintenance — 8
~3min read
Hint

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  • the diagnostic system in corolla has various functions. The first function is the diagnostic trouble code (dtc) check, in which a malfunction in the signal circuits to the ecu is stored in code form in the ecu memory. Another function is the input signal check, which checks if the signals from various switches are sent to the ecu correctly. By using these check functions, it is possible to quickly narrow down potential problem areas and troubleshooting can be performed effectively. The diagnostic functions are incorporated in the following systems in the corolla.
System Diagnostic trouble code check Input signal check (sensor check) Diagnostic test mode (active test)
Sfi system check mode)

(With check mode)
Abs with ebd system  
Electronic controlled automatic transaxle [ect] check mode)

(With check mode)

  
Supplemental restraint system  
Cruise control system  
  • In the dtc check, it is very important to determine whether the problem indicated by the dtc is still occurring or has occurred in the past but returned to normal at present. In addition during the problem symptom check, it a check must be made on whether the malfunction indicated by the dtc is directly related to the problem symptom or not. For this reason, the dtc should be checked before and after symptom confirmation to determine the current conditions. If this is not done, it may, depending on the case, result in unnecessary troubleshooting for systems that are operating normally. This would make more difficult to detect the problem area or to try to repair irrelevant areas. Therefore, always follow the procedures in the correct order and perform the dtc check.
  • A flow chart showing how to proceed with troubleshooting using the diagnostic trouble code (dtc) check is shown the this page. This flow chart shows how to utilize the dtc check effectively. Then, by carefully checking the results, this chart indicates how to proceed either to the dtc troubleshooting or to the troubleshooting of the problem symptoms table.
1 Dtc check
2 Making a note and clear the dtcs
2 Making a note and clear the dtcs
3 Symptom confirmation
3 Symptom confirmation
Problem symptoms exist Problem symptoms exist
No problem symptoms exist No problem symptoms exist
A go to step 5 B 4 Simulation test using the symptom simulation methods
5 Dtc check
5 Dtc check
Dtc displayed Dtc displayed
Normal code displayed Normal code displayed
A troubleshooting of problem indicated by dtc B 6 Symptom confirmation
No problem symptoms exist No problem symptoms exist
Problem symptoms exist Problem symptoms exist

If a dtc is displayed in the initial dtc check, it indicates that a trouble may have occurred in a wire harness or connector in that circuit in the past, therefore check the wire harness and connectors .

A system normal B Troubleshooting of each problem symptom

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

Test yourself

A quick Toyota Corolla quiz: every answer comes with an explanation and a link to the manual page.