If the EMS/air suspension ECU detects a malfunction in this system, it blinks the damping mode or vehicle height indicator light to alert the driver of the malfunction. The ECU will also store the codes of the malfunctions.

Reading DTC The DTCs can be read by connecting the hand-held tester to the DLC3 to communicate with the ECU directly or causing a short between TC and CG terminals of the DLC3 and observing the blinking pattern.

Clearing DTC The DTCs can be cleared by connecting the hand-held tester to the DLC3 or causing a short between TC and CG terminals of the check connector and depressing the brake pedal 8 or more times within 5 seconds.

2. Fail-safe

If the ECU detects a malfunction in any of the sensors or actuator, the ECU prohibits the vehicle height control and/or the damping force control.

3. Input signal check (test mode)

The input signal check is to see whether signals from the steering sensor and stop light switch, etc. are being input normally to the ECU. By connecting the TS and CG of the DLC3 with the SST and carrying out the prescribed operation, you can read the input signal from the pattern with which the indicator light flashes. Alternatively, you can connect a hand-held tester and read the input signals on it. This depends on the model. For details, refer to Repair Manual.

4. Damping force controlling condition check

With the DLC3 TS and CG connected with the SST, you can check the change in the shock absorber damping force by operating the absorber control switch or pressing the brake pedal. This depends on the model. For details, refer to Repair Manual.

HINT:

In some models, the “O/D OFF” indicator light blinkswhen the ECU detects a malfunction.When the O/D main switch is OFF, the “O/D OFF”indicator light will remain on in the event of a malfunction,but it will not blink.

There is no O/D OFF indicator light in models equipped with a gate type shift lever. Consequently, the driving pattern indicator light blinks to warn the driver.

The MIL (Malfunction Indicator Lamp) turns on when a malfunction is detected in the speed sensor, solenoid valve, or their circuits.

2. Memory function

Once a malfunction is stored in the ECU memory system, it will be retained until cancelled even after the malfunction has been corrected.

Once a malfunction is stored by the ECU, back-up current from the battery will keep it retained in memory even if the ignition switch is turned OFF.

3. Diagnostic codes

The DTCs (Diagnostic Trouble Codes) are stored in memory. The DTCs can be read by connecting a hand-held tester to the DLC3 to communicate with the ECU directly or causing a short between the TE1(TC) and E1(CG) terminals of the DLC and observing the blinking pattern of the MIL. The DTCs can be cleared by connecting the handheld tester to the DLC3 or removing a specified fuse with the ignition switch OFF. For details, refer to the Repair Manual.

Fail-Safe

The Engine & ECT ECU has several failsafe functions to allow the vehicle to continue running even if a malfunction occurs in the electrical system during driving.

1. Solenoid valve back-up function

The vehicle can continue running if either one or both of the No.1 and No.2 solenoid valves malfunctions. This is because the ECU controls the transaxle using the solenoid valve that has not malfunctioned. Furthermore, if both solenoid valves malfunction, the driver can still drive the vehicle by operating the shift lever manually.

HINT:

The gear controlled by the fail-safe differs depending on the model.

2. Back-up speed sensing function

If the speed sensor becomes faulty, the ECU performs shift control by using the engine speed signal instead of the vehicle speed signal. In this case, control is much rougher than that under normal circumstances.

3. Manual operation function

If the electronic control system becomes totally deactivated for some reason, the ECT allows the gears to be mechanically shifted to the shift lever position.