What type of scanner do I need?

[axlman]

I would like to purchase a code scanner for my '89 Camry. I know most shop can't run codes off my computer because they use a OBDII? and they tell me that the OBDII won't connect to the diag port?

[Soilent Green]

Since yours is an ODB1 you can bridge connnectors E1 and T1 that are on the diagnostic port inside the engine bay if I remember correctly, when you put your key to the ON position, the CEL will flash in sequence, and you can get the code that way.

[axlman]

So, rather than do things that way, should I try to find a ODB1 scanner? It would of course make reading codes easier.

Thanks for the reply

[Soilent Green]

Well yeah of course a scanner will make it WAY easier, you can get them off ebay for cheap.

I got an ODBII scanner shipped at my door for around 40$

[axlman]

Originally Posted by Soilent Green

Since yours is an ODB1 you can bridge connnectors E1 and T1 that are on the diagnostic port inside the engine bay if I remember correctly, when you put your key to the ON position, the CEL will flash in sequence, and you can get the code that way.

So, If I have to do thing that way, do I just count the flashes and that gives me the code? Or how do I read that?

[sunsetclassics]

Yah I was just gonna say eBay too but you beat me to it Soilent Green.

bridging the E1 and T1 connnectors is super easy tho I used to do that with my '86 Camry just using a paper clip. Slick.

And yah, axlman if you have a camry repair manual - or look it up online, it will show you what each flash sequence means and you can determine the code that way. Good luck!

[RIP]

http://www.autozone.com/az/cds/en_us...rInfoPages.htm

Click "clearing trouble codes" for a list of codes and expalanations.

As was stated, a paperclip works great. All codes are two digits with a pause between. Multiple codes will have a longer pause between the codes.

[axlman]

Well, here is what I got from the test.

After jumpering the wire, etc.

The check engine light will blink once and stay off for about 2 seconds (2 Locomotives) the blink twice within 1 second. So, going by the code sheet that I found, It's hard to determine if it's normal or if it might be code # 2?

here's the link with the info that I was informed of: http://www.troublecodes.net/Toyota/

So, if it is the air flow meter, would that cause poor gas mileage?

[Soilent Green]

haha you should film the blinking with a camera and post it on youtube or something, lot's of car people over there with good info

[axlman]

Originally Posted by Soilent Green

haha you should film the blinking with a camera and post it on youtube or something, lot's of car people over there with good info

ahhh. good idea

[RIP]

It appears you are reading a code 12 ie, one flash followed by two flashes. This is a fault in the RPM signal from the distributor to the ECM. Specifically, "No NE or G signal to ECU within two seconds after engine has been cranked", according to the Haynes manual.

There are three coils in the distributor used to determine crankshaft reference and RPM signals. They are G1,G2 and NE. These have to be troubleshot. If one is bad the distributor needs to be changed. This can effect engine timing and gas mileage. What symptoms are you seeing?

Can't seem to open your factory manual. I will dig somemore in the AM and find out the troubleshooting procedures.