Awesome Check Engine Light - 2002 Toyota Tundra Troubleshooting Techniques!

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Richard_Trent]Richard Trent

When you troubleshoot the check engine light of a 2002 Toyota Tundra, approach it by using an OBD2 scanner which is designated for this vehicle. On most generic scanner, it can be used on most brands of vehicles and if you don't specify if to be good for this 2002 Toyota Tundra, you might not get the right fault codes.

To fix the 2002 Toyota Tundra fault codes, please remember the following:

1.) The diagnostic connector for this vehicle is located on the right side of the steering column, below the instrument panel.

2.) This vehicle model uses a two-trip detection analysis in which the fault code stored in the memory will not be flashed in the dash panel. Instead, it will be flashed only on the 2nd time the fault code is detected. This usually happens when you are using a generic scanner but it won't happen if you or the garage is using the authorized Toyota scanner.

3.) This Toyota Tundra model also uses "Freeze Frame Data" system in which the actual engine condition factors are displayed in the generic scanner when the fault code appears. These factors normally include the engine temperature, the vehicle cruising speed and others sensors specs related to the fault code. This data is very important in pinpointing the suspected circuit or wiring causing the code. However, in case there are multiple codes showing in the generic scanner, the data described here only applies on the first code that shows up. This will prevent the user from toggling between codes for other data that can lead to confusion.

Troubleshooting TIPS:

The most common fault code of this 2002 Toyota Tundra model is the failure of the 4 oxygen sensors. If you have a 4.7L engine, two of these sensors are located at the engine exhaust manifolds and the other 2 behind the catalytic converters. In case these sensors are your fault code, contact your Toyota dealer right away for it might be covered under the vehicle's warranty. This is especially true if the vehicle has below 100k mileage. However, if the vehicle has no coverage and you have to the repair the problem yourself, try these:

1.) Measure the oxygen sensor signal voltage as indicated by an authorized vehicle wiring diagram. The sensor exhaust manifold voltage reading should be oscillating between 0.1 volt to 0.9 volt. A fluctuation difference of 0.5volt to 0.7volt is considered normal and no fluctuation indicates a defective oxygen sensor.

2.) When measuring the rear oxygen sensors at the catalytic converter, the voltage reading fluctuation should be less because these sensors are use to monitor the muffler efficiency. Any fluctuation of around 0.2volt to 0.4 volt is considered normal.

3.) If the front exhaust manifold sensors are found defective, make sure the exhaust manifold itself is not leaking or cracked. Unless the manifold is fixed, the new oxygen sensors installed will fail again.

4.) Unless you have experience in testing electrical components, it is highly recommended to get an online mechanic assistance when working on these oxygen sensors. A simple mistake such as incorrect use of electronic diagnostic tools can damage the engine computer.

If you can implement these techniques, you should be able to fix most of your check engine light 2002 Toyota Tundra fault codes.

Mr. Richard Trent is a license automotive and heavy duty mechanic since 1980. Please visit his website and get a free video for saving gas at: http://www.automotivetroubleshootingsecrets.com

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