Previa OBD-I problem

[Farnham]

Got a problem with my Previa's OBD-I "check engine" light coming on. The car is, I'm guessing, having a mis-fire when started cold, which locks in a code and lights up the light. Formerly, I had it checked by Toyota, which reported the O2 sensors and CAT were bad. I replaced both, since the car has 180k miles and needed them anyway.

Anyone have any idea where I can pick up an OBD-I compliant scanner? The car is a '95 model, but non-California, so did not yet need to comply with the OBD-II spec. The newer scanners don't work with it. I'm getting jaded going to the Toyota dealer and shelling out $100/visit to have the codes read.

Any suggestions are appreciated! It's a good van otherwise, and has been very reliable over the years.

[pengchoonkok]

95 Previas do not require a scanner or code reader to retrieve fault codes:

To retrieve codes:
1. Turn the ignition sw to on. Do not start engine.
2. Use a jumper wire to bridge terminals TE1 and E1 of the service electrical connector (SST). The SST is located under the driver's seat.
3. Read teh diagnosis code as indicated by the number of flashes of the 'check engine' lt on the dash.

The fault codes are too many to list. You may purchase Haynes Manual for Previa 91 thru 95 for <C$30 for the complete list (on page 6-5 and 6-6).

Good luck!

[SteveB2]

Pop the fuse cover on the dash and you should see an OBDII connector in the upper left corner of your '95 Previa. Autozone will diagnose your codes for free. (I just did this with my own '95.)

It took a while to discover the existance of this connector (without a '95 Repair Manual) but thanks and a hat-tip to Josiah, on this forum, for filling me in.

Good Luck

Steve