how to check CEL?

[simplyxtrippin]

i own a saturn, and i've seen on a saturn forum that you can find the code by sticking a clip on the OBD socket. i can't find the that particular thread. So, can i do the same to my newly acquired camry (92' v6 xle)? or do i have to go to the shop and get it checked?

[1shot1kill]

well usually it would need a computer scanner thingy from a shop and it reads ur onboard computer and it tells the scanner whats wrong this and that. thats what it was in my truck.. umms.. i believe its the same on the camry too..

[simplyxtrippin]

i know that you can just use a scanner for the OBD, but i've heard that you can figure out the code by connecting two of the holes on the OBD socket. then you turn thr key to "ON", this'll make the CEL blink, then you can just cont it and that's the code. i know that this can be done with the OBD1 saturns, but not sure if it'll work for the camry. don't want to mess it up.

[88 LE]

Short pins TE1 and E1 on the diagnostic connector (under the hood near the drivers side strut tower).


http://autozone.com/servlet/UiBroker...3d8013edfc.jsp

^ See the 3 sections under trouble codes.

[simplyxtrippin]

awesome. just to make sure: these are safe, right?

[ag6286]

just do wut 88LE said.....i do it all the time for troubleshooting purposes

[88 LE]

Originally Posted by simplyxtrippin

awesome. just to make sure: these are safe, right?

Yes.

I've shorted TE1 and E1 on my Camry many times. As well as other Toyotas.

[simplyxtrippin]

what did u guys use to "jump" it? can i just use a paper clip or a piece of speker wires?

[88 LE]

Paper clip works fine. Just open it up, bend it into a U, and shove the ends into the proper terminals (TE1 and E1).

You can also use a small piece of wire with the insulation stripped off the ends. I'd use solid wire though.

[simplyxtrippin]

thanks for the replies. the code is "71" which i gues is the EGR. do i have to replace the gasket when i clean it?

[97&02camryleI4]

Can I use this same method for the 97 5SFE i4 camry? I got a CEL on also. Thanks.

[foompla]

no.

[touringcamry]

Originally Posted by 97&02camryleI4

Can I use this same method for the 97 5SFE i4 camry? I got a CEL on also. Thanks.

Your 97 is OBD II so you need to get a scanner to pull the code.
Most autopoarts stores, ie Autozone, Kragen, Pep Boys should do it free.

[97&02camryleI4]

The Kragens around my area do not do it for free nor do they rent them out. They said I'd have to buy it, probably no return either. Autozone rents them out for free I think but they're always out and there's only one autozone around my area. I'm thinking of buying one but I don't want to spend too much on it (less than $100) since I won't be using it much. Which brand/model is recommended for an occasional home mechanic DIYer? Thanks.

[simplyxtrippin]

try ebay.