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Electronic Circuit Inspection Procedure

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 Toyota Camry Solara. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
  1. BASIC INSPECTION 
    1. RESISTANCE MEASURING CONDITION OF ELECTRONIC PARTS
      1. Unless stated, all resistance measurements should be made at an ambient temperature of 20°C (68°F). Resistance measurements may be outside the specifications if measured at high temperatures, i.e. immediately after the vehicle has been running. Measurements should be made after the engine has cooled down.
    2. HANDLING CONNECTORS
      1. When disconnecting a connector, first squeeze the mating halves tightly together to release the lock, then press the lock claw and separate the connector.
        Fig 1: Disconnecting Connector
        G03035138Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
      2. When disconnecting a connector, do not pull on the harnesses. Grasp the connector directly and separate it.
      3. Before connecting the connector, check that there are no deformed, damaged, loose or missing terminals.
      4. When connecting a connector, press firmly until you hear the lock close with a "click" sound.
      5. If checking the connector with a TOYOTA electrical tester, check it from the backside (harness side) of the connector using a mini test lead.
      NOTE:
      • As a waterproof connector cannot be checked from the backside, check by connecting a sub-harness. 
      • Do not damage the terminals by moving the inserted tester needle. 
    3. CHECKING CONNECTORS
      1. Checking when the connector is connected: Squeeze the connector together to confirm that it is fully inserted and locked.
      2. Checking when the connector is disconnected: Check by pulling the wire harness lightly from the backside of the connector. Look for unlatched terminals, missing terminals, loose crimps or broken conductor wires.

        Check visually for corrosion, metallic or foreign objects and water; and bent, rusted, overheated, contaminated, and deformed terminals.

        Fig 2: Checking Connectors
        G03035139Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
        NOTE: When testing a gold-plated female terminal, always use a gold-plated male terminal. 
      3. Checking the contact pressure of the terminal: Prepare a spare male terminal. Insert it into a female terminal, and check for good tension when inserting and after full engagement.
      Fig 3: Checking Contact Pressure Of Terminal
      G03035140Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
    4. REPAIR METHOD OF CONNECTOR TERMINAL
      1. If there is any dirt on the terminal, clean the contact point using an air gun or shop rag. Never polish the contact point using sandpaper as the platings may come off.
        Fig 4: Cleaning Contact Point Using Air Gun Or Shop Rag
        G03035141Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
      2. If there is abnormal contact pressure, replace the female terminal. If the male terminal is gold-plated (gold color), use a gold-plated female terminal; if it is silver-plated (silver color), use a silver-plated female terminal.
      3. Damaged, deformed, or corroded terminals should be replaced. If the terminal will not lock into the housing, the housing may have to be replaced.
    5. HANDLING OF WIRE HARNESS
      1. If removing a wire harness, check the wiring and clamping before proceeding so that it can be restored in the same way.
        Fig 5: Checking Wiring & Clamping Before Proceeding
        G03035142Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
      2. Never twist, pull or slacken the wire harness more than necessary.
      3. Never make the wire harness come into contact with a high temperature part, or rotating, moving, vibrating or sharp-edged parts. Avoid panel edges, screw tips and similar sharp items.
      4. When installing parts, never pinch the wire harness.
      5. Never cut or break the cover of the wire harness. If it is cut or broken, replace it or securely repair it with vinyl tape.
  2. CHECK OPEN CIRCUIT 
    1. For an open circuit in the wire harness in Fig 6, perform a resistance check (step b) or a voltage check (step c).
      Fig 6: Checking Open Circuit
      G03035143Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
    2. Check the resistance.
      1. Disconnect connectors A and C and measure the resistance between them.

        Fig 7:

        Fig 7: Measuring Resistance Between Connectors A & C
        G03035145Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
        Fig 8: Measuring Connectors Specifications Table
        G03035144Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002

        HINT:

        Measure the resistance while lightly shaking the wire harness vertically and horizontally.

        If your results match the examples above, an open circuit exists between terminal 1 of connector A and terminal 1 of connector C.

      2. Disconnect connectors B and measure the resistance between the connectors.

        Fig 9:

        Fig 9: Measuring Resistance Between Connectors B
        G03035147Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
        Fig 10: Measuring Connectors Specifications Table
        G03035146Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002

        If your results match the examples above, an open circuit exists between terminal 1 of connector B2 and terminal 1 of connector C.

    3. Check the voltage.
      1. In a circuit in which voltage is applied to the ECU connector terminal, an open circuit can be checked by conducting a voltage check.

        Fig 11:

        With each connector still connected, measure the voltage between the body ground and these terminals (in this order): 1) terminal 1 of connector A at the ECU 5 V output terminal, 2) terminal 1 of connector B, and 3) terminal 1 of connector C.

        Fig 11: Measuring Voltage Between Body Ground & Terminals
        G03035148Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
      2. Example results:
        TESTER CONNECTION SPECIFICATION CHART

        Tester Connection Specified Condition
        Connector A terminal 1 - Body ground 5 V
        Connector B terminal 1 - Body ground 5 V
        Connector C terminal 1 - Body ground 0 V

        If your results match the examples above, an open circuit exists in the wire harness between terminal 1 of connector B and terminal 1 of connector C.

  3. CHECK SHORT CIRCUIT 
    1. If the wire harness is ground shorted (Fig 12), locate the section by conducting a resistance check with the body ground (below).
      Fig 12: Checking Short Circuit
      G03035149Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
    2. Check the resistance with the body ground.
      1. Disconnect connectors A and C and measure the resistance between terminals 1 and 2 of connector A and the body ground.

        Fig 13:

        Fig 13: Measuring Resistance Between Terminals 1 & 2 Of Connector A & Body Ground
        G03035151Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
        TESTER CONNECTION & SPECIFIED CONDITION

        Tester Condition Specified Condition
        Connector A Terminal 1 - Body Ground Below 1 Ω
        Connector A Terminal 2 - Connector C Terminal 2 10 kΩ or higher

        HINT:

        Measure the resistance while lightly shaking the wire harness vertically and horizontally.

        If your results match the examples above, a short circuit exists between terminal 1 of connector A and terminal 1 of connector C.

      2. Disconnect connector B and measure the resistance between terminal 1 of connector A and the body ground, and terminal 1 of connector B2 and the body ground.

        Fig 14:

        Fig 14: Measuring Resistance Between Terminal 1 Of Connector A & Body Ground
        G03035152Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
        Fig 15: Tester Connection Specification Table
        G03035150Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002

        If your results match the examples above, a short circuit exists between terminal 1 of connector B2 and terminal 1 of connector C.

  4. CHECK AND REPLACE ECU 
    NOTE:
    • The connector should not be disconnected from the ECU. Perform the inspection from the backside of the connector on the wire harness side. 
    • When no measuring condition is specified, perform the inspection with the engine stopped and the ignition switch ON. 
    • Check that the connectors are fully seated. Check for loose, corroded or broken wires. 
    1. First, check the ECU ground circuit. If it is faulty, repair it. If it is normal, the ECU could be faulty. Replace the ECU with a normal functioning one and check if the symptoms occur. If the trouble symptoms stop, replace the ECU.
      1. Measure the resistance between the ECU ground terminal and body ground.

        Resistance: Below 1 Ω 

        Fig 16: Measuring Resistance Between ECU Ground Terminal & Body Ground
        G03035153Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
      2. Disconnect the ECU connector. Check the ground terminals (on the ECU side and wire harness side) for evidence of bending, corrosion or foreign material. Lastly check the contact pressure of the female terminals.
        Fig 17: Disconnecting ECU Connector
        G03035154Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002