1988 corolla Check Engine Light - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

59fc · 03-09-2006, 01:39 AM

Hey...

I'm new at this so if someone has the paitence to help I'd appreciate it.

My 1988 Corolla check engine light is on and the car wont start. What does this check engine light mean and how does it help me diagnose the problem?

Is there any websites with valuable info on relating to 1988 Corolla's?

Thanks
-Jamie

TBayToyotaBoy · 03-09-2006, 06:08 AM

Okay, number one thing: go to an autoparts store and buy the manual for the car. I had an '88 Corolla and the Haynes manual was about $18 Canadian.

In the manual there is a section which explains how to diagnose a check engine code. Under the hood there is an electrical terminal with "DIAGNOSTIC" stamped in the plastic cover.

Open this up, and use a paper clip to bridge two of the connections (one of them is T1, I seem to remember). Have someone else sit in the car and watch the check engine light as it flashes...it's like Morse code, with long and short flashes.

Use the chart in the manual to see what the code is, and you'll know what the problem is.

Good luck!