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 Open, short in G or NE
for 2 seconds during circuit. 
12 RPM Signal cranking Distributor
Open G circuit ECU 

No NE signal for 50msec at

1000rpm. Same as Above
13 RPM signal

Open/short in IGF/IGT signal

No IGF signal to ECU for 4
from igniter to ECU
14 Ignition consecutive IGT signal
Igniter malfunction
during engine running 
ECU

Open/short in heater circuit

of oxygen sensor for 0.5
O2 sensor
seconds 
vacuum sensor
21 O2 sensor Amplitude of O2 sensor
ECU 
reduced to 0.35-0.70V
continuously for morethan  
60 seconds

water temperature sensor

22 H2O temperature sensor no signal at THW
ECU

Intake air temp sensor

24 Intake Air Temp sensor no signal at THA
ECU

open injector circuit

O2 sensor output in less
lack of fuel pressure 
than 0.45 volts for at least
Ignition system
25 A/F Lean  90 seconds when O2 sensor
Vacuum sensor
is warmed and 1500 rpm or
O2 sensor
above.
ECU

No signal at Vacuum sensor

31 Vacuum sensor  Vacuum sensor to ECU
(PIM)

Open or short in ISCV

 Open or short in ISCV
33  ISCV (Idle speed control ISCV Valve
circuit
valve)

No signal for 0.5 seconds or TPS

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
ECU
speeds 2000 to 5000 rpm. 
for 8 seconds or more.

No starter signal to ECU

starter signal circuit
when cranking in TEST
43 Starter  starter relay
mode.  Terminal STA on
ignition switch
ECU

knock sensor (looseness)

52 #1 Knock sensor  no KNK1 signal to ECU
malfunctioning knk sensor

53 #2 Knock sensor no KNK2 signal to ECU same as above

Displayed when A/C is on A/C switch

51 Switch condition signal when TE1 and E1 connected Accelerator pedal, cable
in test mode ECU

 
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