Diagnostic port problem

[chester4Run]

I have an intermittent CEL on my 94 4Runner. This one doesn't have an OBD port, but research indicates the diagnostic connector next to the fuse box under the hood should allow the CEL to blink out the codes.

OK, so my diagnostic port is a little funny. First, all the ports look like they're packed with wax. Second, the E1 position doesn't look like it has a wire in it. I'm wondering whether someone pushed hard enough on that to shove it back down through the connector. I tinkered a little trying to figure out how to get the connector apart so I can try to repair it, but I'm hesitant with these old, brittle plastics.

Has anyone run into something similar and know how this connector opens up?

 

[mholme]

It's probably dielectric grease covering the terminals. The whole box can be unbolted/unclipped in just a couple of minutes. I've undone mine several times and nothing has broken and the wiring is in good shape. Have a go at it.

 

[RonJR]

The wax or grease is harmless - just push the jumper wire in through it and it will make connection.

If the E1 connection is truly missing, you can just connect that end of the wire to vehicle ground. E1 is simply a ground wire going back to the ECU. TE1 has to be connected to ground (nominally E1) for the CEL to blink out the codes.

 

[chester4Run]

Using ground instead of E1 worked perfectly. Thanks Ron!