How to Troubleshoot a 1989 Toyota Pickup

Although troubleshooting a Toyota pickup truck can be a multi-step process, performing diagnostics is a great place to start. Running diagnostics really narrows things down and helps eliminate variables. A 1989 Toyota pickup predates the current standardized diagnostics system and consequently requires the use of a self-testing procedure to troubleshoot the vehicle.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

things you'll need:

• Jumper wire
• Pen
• Notepad

1. • 1

     Open the hood and identify the TE1 and E1 terminals of the vehicle. These are located at the rear of the engine compartment and are covered with caps.

   • 2

     Remove the TE1 and E1 caps and connect one end of a jumper cable to each of them. In the case of the Tercel or MR2 models, the terminals you will connect the jumper cable to are called T and E1. Once the jumper cable is connected to the terminals, insert the key and turn it on without turning the engine on.

   • 3

     Record the number of times the "check engine" light flashes. Account for the pauses in your notes as well. Toyota's flash codes consist of two numbers. For example, the code "26" will be made up of two flashes and a pause followed by six flashes.

   • 4

     Turn the key off to power down the electrical system. Refer to "Toyota Diagnostic Trouble Codes" in the Resources section of this article and copy the Toyota flash codes next to their corresponding code numbers in your notes.

   • 5

     Investigate the engine compartment of the vehicle by going through each code number and its definition in your notes. Proceed through the list of possible codes while looking into the engine compartment in order to rule out potential problems. In the case that you go through the entire list without being able to clearly identify the actual problem, contact a professional mechanic.