Operation CHARM: Car repair manuals for everyone.

Diagnostic Flow Chart






1. CUSTOMER COMPLAINT ANALYSIS
Record details of the problem (failure, complaint) and how it occurred as described by the customer.
For this purpose, use of such an inspection form will facilitate collecting information to the point required for proper analysis and diagnosis.
Customer Complaint Analysis

2. DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC)/FREEZE FRAME DATA CHECK, RECORD AND CLEARANCE
First, referring to How to Display and Read Diagnostic Trouble Codes, check DTC (including pending DTC). if DTC exists, print or write down DTC and freeze frame data and then clear malfunction DTC (s) by referring to How to Clear Diagnostic Trouble Codes. Malfunction DTC indicates malfunction in the system but it is not possible to know from it whether the malfunction is occurring now or it occurred in the past and normal condition has been restored. In order to know that, check symptom in question according to Step 4 and then recheck DTC according to Step 5.
Diagnosing a trouble based on the DTC in this step only or failure to clear the DTC in this step may result in an faulty diagnosis, trouble diagnosis of a normal circuit or difficulty in troubleshooting which is otherwise unnecessary.
Displaying & Reading Trouble Codes
Clearing Trouble Codes

3. VISUAL INSPECTION
As a preliminary step, be sure to perform visual check of the items that support proper function of the engine and automatic transmission referring to "Visual Inspection".
Initial Inspection and Diagnostic Overview

4. TROUBLE SYMPTOM CONFIRMATION
Check trouble symptoms based on information obtained in Step 1 "Customer complaint analysis" and Step 2 "DTC/ freeze frame data check".
Also, reconfirm DTC according to "DTC Confirmation Procedure" described in each "DTC FLOW CHART".
A & B Charts and Tables

5. RECHECKING AND RECORD OF DTC/FREEZE FRAME DATA
Displaying & Reading Trouble Codes
Clearing Trouble Codes

6. AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION BASIC CHECK AND SYMPTOM-TO-DIAGNOSIS TABLE
Perform basic check of A/T according to "Automatic Transmission Basic Check Flow Chart" first. When the end of the flow chart has been reached, check the parts of the system suspected as a possible cause referring to SYMPTOM-TO-DIAGNOSIS TABLE and based on symptoms appearing on the vehicle (symptoms obtained through steps of customer complaint analysis, trouble symptom confirmation and/or A/T basic check) and repair or replace faulty parts, if any.
Basic Check
Trouble Diagnosis Table
Customer Complaint Analysis

7. DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE FLOW CHART (See each DTC Flow Chart)
Based on the DTC indicated in Step 5 and referring to Diagnostic Trouble Code Flow Chart in each DTC Chart, locate the cause of the trouble, namely in a sensor, switch' wire harness, connector, actuator, TCM or other part and repair or replace faulty parts.
A & B Charts and Tables

8. CHECK FOR INTERMITTENT PROBLEM
Check parts where an intermittent trouble is easy to occur (e.g., wire harness, connector, etc.).

9. FINAL CONFIRMATION TEST
Confirm that the problem symptom has gone and the vehicle is free from any abnormal conditions.
If what has been repaired is related to the malfunction DTC, clear the DTC once, perform DTC confirmation procedure and check to ensure that no malfunction DTC is indicated.
A & B Charts and Tables