Meaning for specific makes
The same number can mean different things for different makes. Below is the make-specific meaning.
Toyota, Lexus: ECM malfunction (ETCS circuit)
Don’t put off the repair
A fault code doesn’t yet mean the unit or sensor itself is faulty: often it’s the plug and connector leading to it.
Possible causes
- The engine control unit
- The engine ECU’s power and ground
- The ETCS fuse
What you can do yourself
- With this fault the ECU usually switches to limp mode: the engine accelerates poorly or holds only idle speed. You can drive gently for a short distance — to a workshop.
- Check the battery, terminals and engine ground: with a poor supply the ECU can store an internal fault.
Stop and don’t drive on if:
- The Check Engine light is flashing
- The temperature gauge is in the red or the overheating light is on
- The red oil pressure light is on
- Smoke from under the bonnet, a burning or petrol smell
- Strong jerking, knocking from the engine, or the car barely moves
OOleg’s tip: check the connector
Often the cause is simple — there is no contact in the connector (plug). Look at the connector from the back: remove the rubber seal and you will see whether a wire is corroded or has come off completely. Corrosion shows up as green deposits. Ideally, gently pull each wire towards you one at a time: a sound wire stays in place, while a corroded one simply comes off — it needs to be repaired.
Unplug and inspect connectors with the ignition off.
A code of the first-generation electronic throttle (with a magnetic clutch), as given in the Toyota 4Runner 1996–2002 repair manual. This is the Toyota and Lexus meaning. On other makes this number means something else: if your car isn’t a Toyota or Lexus, change the make at the top.
Source: Toyota 4Runner 1996–2002 repair manual (ether3al.com), obdadvisor.com
Hyundai: Immobilizer: status lamp circuit fault
Safe to drive
A fault code doesn’t yet mean the unit or sensor itself is faulty: often it’s the plug and connector leading to it.
Possible causes
- The immobilizer lamp in the instrument cluster or its circuit
- The instrument cluster or its connector
What you can do yourself
- The engine starts as usual: only the immobilizer lamp is faulty, and it won’t show whether the car recognized the key.
- The immobilizer is never disabled or bypassed: it is theft protection. The fault is found and fixed.
OOleg’s tip: check the connector
Often the cause is simple — there is no contact in the connector (plug). Look at the connector from the back: remove the rubber seal and you will see whether a wire is corroded or has come off completely. Corrosion shows up as green deposits. Ideally, gently pull each wire towards you one at a time: a sound wire stays in place, while a corroded one simply comes off — it needs to be repaired.
Unplug and inspect connectors with the ignition off.
This is the Hyundai meaning. On other makes this number means something else: if your car isn’t a Hyundai, change the make at the top.
Source: tat.net.au (Hyundai)
Need a mechanic’s help?
Couldn’t fix it yourself? Oleg, an auto electrician, does computer diagnostics and repairs: he comes out anywhere in Almaty or sees you at his workshop.
Want to figure it out yourself?
Oleg’s course “Car computer diagnostics with a scan tool”: how to hook up a scanner, read codes and live data, and use them to find the cause. The first lessons are free.
Nearby codes
- P1624MIL request circuit (TCM to PCM) malfunctionKia
- P1626Anti-theft system (Passlock): start authorization errorChevrolet, GM, Daewoo
- P1631Anti-theft system: wrong code between unitsChevrolet, GM, Daewoo
- P1632The anti-theft system has cut off the fuel supplyChevrolet, GM, Daewoo
- P1652IACV control circuit malfunctionToyota, Lexus
- P1656OCV circuit malfunction (bank 1)Toyota, Lexus
- P1663OCV circuit malfunction (bank 2)Toyota, Lexus
- P1682Ignition 1 switch circuit 2Chevrolet, Cadillac, GMC
Who keeps this reference
The reference is kept by Oleg Dmitriev, an auto electrician from Almaty with 26 years of experience: computer diagnostics of cars and trucks, repair of control units (ECUs). Can’t find the cause? Message him.