Check Engine After Low Fuel

[schott1984]

So, my being as stubborn as I am, I ran my car really low on gas yesterday. I was watching, waiting for the low fuel light to come on while driving on the highway, and suddenly, the check engine light came on. I fueled up after work, it stayed on. However, later that night at some point it went off. But this morning it's on again. Any ideas? Can you check the codes on these cars by jumpering pins like some american cars?

[sc300tt]

Can you check the codes on these cars by jumpering pins like some american cars?

yes you can, somewhere under the hood. not 100% sure of where to jump though. local autoparts stores can scan it also, at least they do here in tx. after driving 60+ miles though the computer will reset if nothing is wrong, also could possibly be needing a new gas cap/ o ring. hope this helps.

[jzz30]

most likely an O2 sensor issue but you can jump the check connector and get codes.

[schott1984]

Can someone point me in the direction of somewhere that shows where to jump, and how it all works and what the codes are?

[jsi4u2nv]

for all 95 and earlier OBD1 models, there is a diagnostic connector inside the car, driver side, under the dash. The pins to jump would be labeled E1 and TE1.... jump these pins together with a paperclip or wire, then turn on ignition, and count flashes of the check engine light. long flash then quick flash. example: 2 long flashes, 4 quick flashes = 24

Here's the breakdown:

Lexus Code Retrieval

Accessing Diagnostic Trouble Codes

The check engine warning light will come on when the ignition switch is turned On and the engine is not running. When the engine is started, the check engine warning light should go off. If light remains on, the self-diagnosis system has detected a fault in the system.

Battery voltage must be 11 volts or more. Throttle valve must be fully closed. Transmission must be in Neutral position. All accessories must be turned Off.

On pre-OBD II models, turn ignition to On, then use a jumper wire to connect terminals TE1 and El of the data link connector, located under the left hand side of the instrument panel. Codes are indicated by the number of flashes of the check engine warning light.

Reading Trouble Codes

If the ECU has detected a system malfunction, the check engine light will blink every .5 second. The first number of blinks will equal the first digit of a two digit diagnostic trouble code and after a 1.5 second pause, the second number of blinks will equal the second digit of same diagnostic trouble code. If there are two or more DTC's, there will be a 2.5 second pause between each. After all DTC's have been output there will be a 4.5 second pause and all DTC's will be repeated as long as the terminals TE1 and El of the data link connector are connected. In the event of two or more DTC's, indication will begin from smaller numbered code and continue in order to the larger. After all DTC have been recorded, remove jumper wire.

Clearing Trouble Codes

After service, the diagnostic trouble code or DTC's retained in the ECU memory must be cleared by remove the EFI fuse for approximately 10 seconds or more, depending on ambient temperature (the lower the temperature, the longer the fuse must be left out) with the ignition switch off. DTC clearing can also be done by removing the battery ground cable, other memory systems (clock) will also be cleared. If the diagnostic trouble code is not cleared, it will be retained by the ECU and appear along with a new DTC in future trouble codes. If it is necessary to work on engine components requiring removal of the battery ground cable, confirm no DTC's are stored. After clearing codes, road test the vehicle to check that a normal operation. If the same diagnostic trouble code appears, the trouble has not been corrected.

OBD1 codes:

12

RPM Signal

13

RPM Signal

14

Ignition Signal

15

Ignition Signal

16

Electronically Controlled Transmission Control Signal

17

CMP No. 1

18

CMP No. 2

21

Main O2S & Heater Signal

22

ECT Sensor Signal

24

IAT Sensor Signal

25

Air–Fuel Ratio Lean Malfunction

26

Air–Fuel Ratio Rich Malfunction

27

Sub O2S Signal

28

Main O2S

29

Sub O2S

31 & 32

Air Flow Meter Signal

35

HAC/Barometric Pressure Sensor Signal

41

TP Sensor Signal

42

VSS Signal

43

Starter Signal

47

Sub TP Sensor

48

Secondary Injection System Malfunction

51

Switch Condition Signal

52

KS Signal

53

Knock Control Signal

55

KS Signal

70

EGR System Malfunction

71

EGR System Malfunction

78

Fuel Pump Control

Hope this helps!