Two-Trip Detection Logic

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Toyota Avalon. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

The diagnosis system operates in normal mode during normal vehicle use. It also has a check mode for technicians to simulate malfunction symptoms and trouble shoot. The 2 trip detection logic is when a malfunction is first detected, the malfunction is temporarily stored in the ECM memory (1st trip). Most DTCs use 2 trip detection logic, to prevent erroneous detection, and ensure thorough malfunction detection. By switching the ECM to check mode when trouble shooting, the technician can cause the MIL to light up for a malfunction that is only detected once or momentarily (hand-held tester only). If the same malfunction is detected again during the second drive test, this second detection causes the MIL to light up (2nd trip). The 2 trip repeats the same mode a second time. However, the ignition switch must be turned OFF between the 1st and 2nd trip.