The 2001 Toyota Camry uses On-Board Diagnostics System Two (known as OBDII). This standardized system has been required in all vehicles since 1996. If your Camry has a check engine or service engine soon light, you'll want to hook up a diagnostic reader to its diagnostic port. This allows you to retrieve the stored malfunction codes and determine what is causing the problem. The Camry's diagnostic port is easily accessible, as required by federal law.
Turn your engine off and locate the diagnostic port. The 2001 Toyota Camry's diagnostic port is mounted below the driver's side of the steering column. Look between the steering column and the brake pedal. The port is vertically mounted. It is rectangular with 16 female pins.
Turn your key to "On" or "Acc" without starting the engine. This setting activates your Camry's electronics and engine computer system.
Attach the diagnostic reader's connection to the diagnostic port. Push it in firmly to connect it. A partially-connected reader will not be able to retrieve malfunction codes.
Inspect the display screen on your diagnostic reader. The screen should turn on or show that the system is connected. Press the "Ok," "Check" or "Scan" button on the reader. The screen will then display "Scanning" or "Wait."
Write down the malfunction codes exactly as they appear. In many cases, there will be multiple codes. Look on your display screen to determine if there are multiple codes. If there are, the screen will show "1 of 5" or something similar. Press the "Down" or "Next" button on the reader to view all of the malfunction codes.
Turn the ignition off, and then unplug the reader from the port. Now that you have the codes, you can look them up in your diagnostic reader's manual. You can also look them up online (see "Resources" section for link).
