AlaskanLS

Hello everyone! I am getting code 12 from the first 3 blinks of the check engine but after that I get more blinks from check engine light. Could you guys help diagnose these codes. By the way I did timing belt job not too long ago. Yesterday When I was driving my car I got TRAC OFF and Check Engine light. Car is idling smooth and running fine on the road. I read code 12 is cam position sensor. But I don't know how to interpret the other blinks from check engine light.
I am wondering if the cam position sensor is bad why would the car still run smooth?
Here is a link to the video of my car's check engine light blink.

AlaskanLS

I believe it's throwing code 12, 24 and 71. Please check the video for reference to confirm. Thanks!

Yamae

Depending on situations, the ECU tries to work using a back-up data table when there is no signal from the cam position sensor. So you can run the engine without it. Of course it is a back-up mode and the engine doesn't run well enough. Try to run the engine removing the connector of it. Is there any difference?

The code 24 is related to the air temperature sensor and 71, EGR. You need to check these if the ECU is working good. I also have to inform you that a 96 is old enough to have failed ECU capacitors, if not replaced them yet.

AlaskanLS

Thanks for help. Do you know what side camshaft sensor should I look for, is code 12 for left or right? I also tested MAF sensor resistance, which was .880 while the car was still hot. Today I got back to work and will be at work for 2 weeks, so I won't have access to my car for two weeks but I am gathering all the info I can, before I go home and start scratching my head looking for faulty components. The car is running smooth like butter and cracks up right away. Check engine light came on when I hit 50 mph.

Yamae

The TCCS code 12 can't tell the detail. You need to use an OBD-II scanner and get the code P034X to know more and which sensor is failed. Why don't you visit a major parts shop where they provide you a free scan.

Or it may be an idea to buy a scanner. The cheapest one is only about $10 or so.

AlaskanLS

I got a scanner already in my tool box for my beloved Land Cruiser. This is one I am talking about is 91 LS400. It don't have OBD2 port.

Yamae

Oh, sorry about that. A 91 sure doesn't have the OBD-II function. The best way is to check the waveform using an oscilloscope. Without it, there would be an idea to use a headphone. The signal from the cam position sensor is ranging from Hz to KHz and it is audible. You can hear it attaching a headphone to the signal line. I use this technique when an oscilloscope is not available quickly.

Many signals used in an automobile are within 20KHz or less and you can hear it if you connect that signal to a headphone. Depending on the weakness/impedance, you sometimes need to amplify it using an audio amplifier. This link shows how to fix and check a tachometer using a 60Hz and 120Hz signal which is obtained originally from a power company.