96 Camry OBD-I MIL will not flash

[joems]

Hi all,

96 Camry. 4cyl. 5sp. 190,000 miles. OBD I (not II)

My check engine light is on. When I check the 1996 Toyota Camry four cylinder OBD1 check engine procedure to place a jumper from TE1 to E1 and then turn on the key to the on posistion the check engine light just remains solid - it does not blink to give me what the error code is. Any suggestions what the problem is? I can clear the code by pulling the EFI fuse for the recommended 15 seconds but the check engine light comes back on again after driving it.

I have searched for hours and cannot find an answer.

Any help?

Thanks.
Joe

[ASG14]

Obd2..............

[toyomoho]

Are you sure the car is NOT ODBII? Check the engine hood for a sticker that indicates ODBII compliant. All 1996 US cars were required to be ODBII compliant.

[joems]

I guess it could be.... but if it is, it does not have an obd2 connector, it has an obd1. It has the exact same connectors (the round one under dash and the rectangular one under the hood) as my OBD1 95 Corolla.
It's definately an obd1 connector.

[95WhiteCamry]

did you check behind the coin box to the left of the steering wheel? that's where my obdII connector is.


you car HAS to be obdII..... it was US law for crying out loud

[joems]

I didn't even know I had a coin box to the left of the steering wheel...
I have looked for anywhere on the car that might say OBDII, but have not found it. I did find the date of manufacture, which was 8/95.

[joems]

OBD-II was hiding behind the coin box. Thanks for all your help.
... btw it is P0420. I'm off to do more research...

[Kiasis]

Total Disclosure: I just hijacked this off another site!!

"That's an O2/exhaust code. If you have power and ground to the 02 sensor circuit(s) and the sensor isn't switching fast enough then the sensor will generate that code but it's not as common as the converter being shot or an exhaust leak ahead of the 02 throwing the reading out. A scope is the best way to test the 02, but if you change it and the code returns and the circuit is good then assume it to be testted! you have another probelm at that point!"

[Kiasis]

Also found this for ya, from http://www.obd-codes.com/trouble_codes/toyota/


P0420 OBD-II Trouble Code
Technical Description
Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold (Bank 1)

What does that mean?
Basically this means that the oxygen sensor downstream (after) the catalytic converter on bank 1 is detecting that the converter is not working as efficiently as it should be (according to specs). It is part of the vehicle emissions system.

Symptoms
You will likely not notice any drivability problems, although there may be symptoms.

Causes
A code P0420 may mean that one or more of the following has happened:

• Leaded fuel was used where unleaded was called for
• An oxygen sensor is not reading (functioning) properly
• The engine coolant temperature sensor is not working properly
• Damaged exhaust manifold / catalytic converter / exhaust pipe
• Retarded spark timing

Possible Solutions
The simplest thing to do is to reset the code and see if it comes back. Next step is to measure the voltage at the oxygen sensor on Bank 1 (the rear sensor, or the sensor after the converter). The voltage should be low and steady (~200mV, depends on the vehicle). If the voltage varies (e.g. 100mV to 600mV) then it's time to replace the catalytic converter. In fact, it would be a good idea to test each oxygen O2 sensor while you're at it.

[joems]

Thank you. That is very helpful.
Joe

[ghettosled]

i had the same code pop up on mine. a new cat converter solved the problem.