OBD2 problem HELP!!!

[EricX]

1997 SR5, 3800, 170K. Runs and functions like a f-ing champ!

OK, went for inspection here in NC and there is NO signal coming from the OBD2 plug. There IS power coming off whatever pin the Haynes manual says is power (4th?)... putting out 12.4 off and 11.6-11.8 power on.
Tested at 4 inspection stations and tonight at AutoZone... NO COMPUTER SIGNAL!
Just to put it out there on my situation... It's in the 11th hour on the inspection because in 16 years I have never had an issue and with financial issues, waited until the month it was due before I went for inspection (everything works so no worries... or so I thought). I had to wait for a buddy taking avionics to bring a meter by and now I'm down to 5 days left before this POS state takes its vengeance and leaves me stranded here in the boonies over some bull**** technicality.
It has never had an issue in 16 years until now...

I will try the self-diagnosis test tomorrow but if anyone has run into a similar issue of what looks like the computer just not communicating... PLEASE help a brother out and give me a starting point or at least point me in the right direction.

Notes:
~NO ISSUES with the truck whatsoever... actually, it runs exceptionally good for a truck with 170K that's never had a tuneup (run clean gas, regular oil changes and Seafoam every 6-9 mo to clean the innards).
~I DID have the radiator, water-pump and timing belt replaced 18 months ago or so... but it DID pass inspection after that.
~Switch get a good voltage reading but no computer signal... like the PC fan is on but no boot up.
~I hate electronic computer crap in trucks... non-US HiLux's RULE for a good reason!
~ I am NOT the mechanical type... if you can, give me something to run into a shop with and I will buy you the best beer at the bar!
~I will post results of the self diagnosis here tomorrow and my avionics bud will be dropping by in the evening for another round of tests.

TIA

 

[Singtoe]

Where in NC are you. Are you getting a ground signal? The white wire with the black stripe should show a ground.

 

[BlackCat914]

Not totally sure about Toyota's, but if a GM car has a blown cigarette lighter fuse, the OBD port won't read.

 

[TheDurk]

There is an "OBD" fuse on our trucks. I think it's in the engine bay box.

Worth checking as they may power that pin from somewhere else.

 

[EricX]

Correction: 3200 not 3800 (typo), 3.2L

Singtoe- East of Greensboro.
Toyz is a trip down the road but they're backed up for weeks.
Will try the white wire with black stripe but isn't that the lead?
The OBD2 plug is getting power (12.4v off 11.6-11.8v on) but there's no computer signal.

I took the glovebox out to physically tap the computer (as described in the Haynes manual) and I'm going to go up the road to see if that worked... which I seriously doubt.

If anyone can tell me the pin selection bottom right to top left it would help more... it's not mentioned in Haynes or owners and if we could figure what wire/pin does what, we could run a test on the lines to the computer.
Also, what wires are the send and return coming from the computer? We narrowed down the plug (3rd from left, smallest, square shaped) but neither the Haynes or owners manuals say what pin/wire is what. If someone could tell me which is the send and return we could run a continuity test and see if it's simply a wire issue.

Truck DOES start up and run perfect and everything functions perfect so the computer's working, it's not sending signal to the OBD2 plug... which this dumbass state requires for inspection... which is required to keep your tag.

Running out of options and time. Any advice is appreciated.

 

[Skippy141]

Not sure if this helps but found this on a different forum. There are links in it as well
OBD II not talking to state's computer... - YotaTech Forums
This is also quoted from the site above

The only 4 pins on the OBD 2 connector is 2,4,5 and 16.

2 is White and that is the serial data line
4 is White/Black is ground
5 is Brown/Red and that is ground
16 is Violet and that is fused 7.5 amp 12 volts

Check number 4 for ground

 

[EricX]

Skippy, that might do it! At least it gives us a start on checking the obvious (wires).
Got my bud coming over tomorrow with his meter and we'll run a check on the lines... beyond that, I'm not sure what to do.
If I ever run into ya, I'm buying the first round!

 

[StacieStaci]

Truck DOES start up and run perfect and everything functions perfect so the computer's working

 

[Singtoe]

Correction: 3200 not 3800 (typo), 3.2L

Singtoe- East of Greensboro.
Toyz is a trip down the road but they're backed up for weeks.
Will try the white wire with black stripe but isn't that the lead?
The OBD2 plug is getting power (12.4v off 11.6-11.8v on) but there's no computer signal.

I took the glovebox out to physically tap the computer (as described in the Haynes manual) and I'm going to go up the road to see if that worked... which I seriously doubt.

If anyone can tell me the pin selection bottom right to top left it would help more... it's not mentioned in Haynes or owners and if we could figure what wire/pin does what, we could run a test on the lines to the computer.
Also, what wires are the send and return coming from the computer? We narrowed down the plug (3rd from left, smallest, square shaped) but neither the Haynes or owners manuals say what pin/wire is what. If someone could tell me which is the send and return we could run a continuity test and see if it's simply a wire issue.

Truck DOES start up and run perfect and everything functions perfect so the computer's working, it's not sending signal to the OBD2 plug... which this dumbass state requires for inspection... which is required to keep your tag.

Running out of options and time. Any advice is appreciated.

I have not heard of the 3.2L . It must be from the JDM market.

More then likely, if the plug isn't bad, the ecu has crapped out. Wires generally won't crap out.

Do you know any body with the same 4runner as yourself? I worry try to borrow an ECU and see if the problem goes away.

 

[EricX]

D'OH! 3400/3.4L
Damn, this whole thing has my head so f-ed up...
2 days left and counting.
OK... ALL fuses in engine bay and inside check out.
Get power on all leads, grounds check and get continuity on all listed wires between the CPU & OBD2 pins (thanks Skippy).
We poked around the contacts... maybe it wasn't getting proper contact... going up to Advance to check it again.
DID find a Toyomech in this part of the woods but he does his thing part time in his garage (works full-time job) and we've only managed to play phone tag...

I'll post up results from the next test in a bit.

 

[EricX]

Ok... all lines connections and all that bull**** checks out... something in computer not sending signal. Ordered new... well, used computer to see if that works. Found one locally for $130 w/core so from other research, that's a steal!
Hell, might store my old CPU in a Faraday cage in case an EMP kills all electronics on earth... I'll be on the level with Hi-Lux's on the running end... this bull**** state may still require annual inspections by plugging into the OBD2 even in a zombie apocalypse but by then I'll mou
nt the M240 in some sort of pintle through the sunroof which will make this bull**** "safety and emission inspection" **** moot.
Then again, I might sell the cpu to a needy brother in a free state for my costs... which came out of the loan I had to take out to pay my property taxes... man, this state ****s you in so many ways... it's damn near become New Jersey!!!
But anyway... old cpu on the way to local avionics class for them to play with. My brother saw some "gray" solder joints and with some testing, I'm sure he'll find the trouble and be able to fix.
In the meantime, replacement cpu comes in Tuesday... registration and inspection deadline is Monday... life ****in sucks!
It ****in sucks but the damn truck is alive to drive through it... ain't that why we bought Toyota's to start with? Guess the only thing to kill a Toyota truck is a ****in totalitarian fascist state!

 

[4R99JB]

Tell us how you really feel. Quit holding back, it's not good for you.:jk:

Sorry for your troubles. Hope the new ECU fixes it for you; keep us informed esp. if you get the old one fixed too.

 

[JtotheRed]

So did a new ECU correct the problem. I'm having the same issue and can't find any info. The ECU had been previously replaced 5 years ago so I'd hope another isn't needed again.