How do you read the OBD diagnostic?, Update: Diagnostic Result Good Info!!!!!!! Options

[trdproven]

I'm having an overdrive light blinking again after 1.5 years later after it disappeared. I'm seeing it again but at least this time, the speedometer is not going bonkers and my tranny is not getting out of gear when I drive (basically neutral). It is an auto tranny. However, it does make my car lack power when this light comes on and blinks. It does not come on when first turning on the car and the power is great but when it comes on, it gets sluggish until you are at a good speed, it feels normal. Anyway, I was wondering if anyone knew how to correct it. I've checked my ATF level and it has enough fluid, but I read the manual last night and there is also a differential fill hole that needs oil. Perhaps my oil is too low, does anyone know where it is and what type of fluid to use for our cars? Not sure if it is also electrical. Thanks in advance!

Update: I jumped the T1 and E1 together and the light flashes so fast. There are no obvious pauses. Just keeps repeatedly blinking. The CEL that is. The net and stuff means your car is normal but my car is not acting normal as described above. However, the difference is...while I'm reading my CEL light (TRYING), here comes the overdrive light flashing together. I am having a really hard time interpreting the flashes, but like I said, it blinks constantly so fast with no obvious pauses. Any tips on how to read the code?

This post has been edited by trdproven: Sep 10, 2008 - 6:03 AM

[trdproven]

Thanks Reko, but also how would I check the TPS sensor? I mean I did the e1 and t1 diagnostics but all it does is blink constantly and no obvious pauses between the flashes. However, I noticed when the check engine flashed so did the overdrive light kept blinking as well. Not sure if adding ATF will make the light go away. I did take a test drive yesterday, everything felt strong but after 10 mins of driving the overdrive off light came on and the car felt sluggish. The car shifts though. This issue happened about a year and a half ago but symptoms were worse, the speedo was bouncing around like it was possessed and the car would get out of gear. If I can get this fixed, I'm thinking of getting another car. Maybe an SC or something, somewhere along the Toyota familia.

[reko]

Thanks Reko, but also how would I check the TPS sensor? I mean I did the e1 and t1 diagnostics but all it does is blink constantly and no obvious pauses between the flashes. However, I noticed when the check engine flashed so did the overdrive light kept blinking as well. Not sure if adding ATF will make the light go away. I did take a test drive yesterday, everything felt strong but after 10 mins of driving the overdrive off light came on and the car felt sluggish. The car shifts though. This issue happened about a year and a half ago but symptoms were worse, the speedo was bouncing around like it was possessed and the car would get out of gear. If I can get this fixed, I'm thinking of getting another car. Maybe an SC or something, somewhere along the Toyota familia.

Throttle Position Sensor is the little coil behind your throttle body.

A good indication of a bad TPS is a sudden lose of power at a specific pedal position and engine RPM.

Using a DVOM(Digital Volt Ohm Meter), connect the negitive probe(black) to ground or battery negitive. The positive (red) probe to the signal(middle) wire.( wire 1 = 5 Volts = referance, wire 2 = .5 volts = signal , wire 3 = 0 volts = ground) Set the meter to DC volts and turn the key to the ON position.With the TPS connected,slowly open the throttle and watch the voltage on the meter climb from .5 volts to 4.5 Volts. any sudden drop or radicule change in readings indicates a bad sensor.

The problem with this method is that you can't see the voltage change over the time it takes to open the throttle. This is why a professional will use a labscope/oscilliscope. It has the ability to graph the changes over a period of time, which is the most accurate way to find a bad sensor.The technician will watch the arc on the graph, looking for the same results using the same setup.

There is no way to clean it, but it might be adjustable if the sensor has mounting slots.

Try to go to a scrap yard... its so small you can put it in your pocket with ease

Maybe its only your tranny that's due...

This post has been edited by reko: Sep 9, 2008 - 8:36 AM