ECU Diagnostic Codes for 4A Engines

The following codes apply to all Toyota 4A series engines.

• 4A-GE
• 4A-GZE
• 4A-GE 20V

Some codes may not exist in earlier or non-applicable engine ECU's but all codes are
common between 4A and many other Toyota ECU. It is essential that you do have the proper
manuals and skills necessary to perform diagnostic and repairs. This diagram is to assist
those who are qualified in obtaining some information out of the ECU on cars equipped with
factory units.

Diagnosis System: To obtain output, proceed as follows.

Initial conditions must be met for codes to appear in normal output.

• 1. Battery Voltage must be 11V or more

• 2. Throttle valves must be fully closed (on newer engines)
• 3. Accessories switched off
• 4. Engine at operating temperature

Turn the ignition switch ON. (Do not start engine)

Short terminals TE1 and E1 of the check connector of the diagnosis connector cluster.

Diagnostic Codes:

Normal Operation: (no malfunction)

• the light will alternatively blink ON and OFF at 0.26 second intervals.

Malfunction Codes Indication

• In the event of a registered malfunction, the light will blink every 0.52 second. The
first series of blinks will equal the 1st digit of a 2 digit code and after a 1.5second
pause, the second series of blinks will indicate the 2nd digit.
• If there are 2 or more codes, there will be a 2.5 seconds pause between each signaled
codes.
• After all codes have flashed, there will be a 4.5 second interval and the codes will
repeat until TE1 and E1 has been disconnected.

2-Trip detection logic:

• Diagnostic Codes 20-29 are usually indicated with 2 -trip logic. This means that the
ECU will need two repeated engine operational cycles, with the same problem for the
 code to be indicated, minimizing the false codes. The ignition must be switched OFF
between the 2 successive engine operations.

Test Mode: (1989 and later ECU, with variation in models))

In this mode, the ECU will have increased sensing ability for malfunction detection. It can
also detect starter signal circuit, and air conditioning components. The same codes also will
be detected as those of the normal modes.

• In the same manner and conditions as the normal diagnostic, short the TE2 and E1 of
the diagnostic connector. Turn ignition ON to begin diagnosis in TEST mode.
• To check that the TEST mode is operational, confirm that the warning light flashes
with ignition in ON position.
• Start the engine and drive the vehicle at or faster than 10km/h (6mph). If the speed
fails to reach this the ECU will falsely report that the starter and speed sensor is
malfunctioning. (code 41 and 42)
• After test drive, short connectors TE1 and E1
• Read diagnostic codes.
• be sure to Remove SST from check connector when finished.

Warning: Test mode will not start if terminals are shorted after ignition is turned ON. Code 51 (AC compressor
switch signal) is erratic by nature and will sometimes come on without malfunction.

The following are some common codes for easy troubleshooting, there are others which I will
add at a later time when my list is more complete.

Code Signal Diagnosis Common Trouble Area

• No G or NE signal present for • Open, short in G or NE
2 seconds during cranking • Distributor
12 RPM Signal
• Open G circuit • ECU
• No NE signal for 50msec at
13 RPM signal • Same as Above
1000rpm.
• Open/short in IGF/IGT
• No IGF signal to ECU for 4 from igniter to ECU
14 Ignition consecutive IGT signal during • Igniter malfunction
engine running
• ECU
• Open/short in heater circuit of
oxygen sensor for 0.5 seconds • O2 sensor
• vacuum sensor
21 O2 sensor • Amplitude of O2 sensor • ECU
reduced to 0.35-0.70V
continuously for more than 60
seconds
• water temperature sens
22 H2O temperature sensor • no signal at THW
• ECU
24 Intake Air Temp sensor • no signal at THA • Intake air temp sensor
 • ECU
• open injector circuit
• O2 sensor output in less than • lack of fuel pressure
0.45 volts for at least 90 • Ignition system
25 A/F Lean seconds when O2 sensor is • Vacuum sensor
warmed and 1500 rpm or • O2 sensor
above.
• ECU
• No signal at Vacuum sensor
31 Vacuum sensor • Vacuum sensor to ECU
(PIM)
33 ISCV (Idle speed control valve) • Open or short in ISCV circuit • ISCV Valve
• TPS
• No signal for 0.5 seconds or
41 Throttle Position sensor
more at ignition ON. (VTA)
• ECU
• No speed sensor signal to
ECU when loaded driving • VSS
42 Vehicle Speed Sensor condition with engine speeds
2000 to 5000 rpm. for 8 • ECU
seconds or more.
• starter signal circuit
• No starter signal to ECU when • starter relay
43 Starter cranking in TEST mode.
Terminal STA on ECU
• ignition switch
• knock sensor (loosene
52 #1 Knock sensor • no KNK1 signal to ECU
• malfunctioning knk se
53 #2 Knock sensor • no KNK2 signal to ECU • same as above
• A/C switch
• Displayed when A/C is on • Accelerator pedal, cab
51 Switch condition signal when TE1 and E1 connected
in test mode
• ECU