How to use the Troubleshooting Assistant

How to use the Troubleshooting Assistant

The Troubleshooting Assistant turns the factory TSRM troubleshooting tables into a clickable guide. It helps you move from a symptom to possible causes, remedies and the right manual pages.

1. Start with the problem area
Choose an area such as Engine Mechanical, EFI System, Cooling System, Ignition, Starting, Brake System, Steering or Body Electrical.

2. Choose the symptom
Pick the problem that best matches what the car is doing, for example difficult to start, rough idle, no headlights, low oil pressure or brake noise.

3. Read the possible causes
The assistant shows separate cause/remedy rows from the TSRM table. Each row can link to relevant pages like FI-70, IG-20 or BE-40.

4. Follow step-by-step guides
Some symptoms have a full flowchart. Start the guide and choose OK, BAD, NO, YES, Normal code or Malfunction code as shown in the factory manual. Previous steps stay visible so you can follow what you already checked.

5. Use the page links
Page-code buttons open or search the relevant TSRM page. If a link does not open the exact page, use the page code in the TSRM search.

6. Do not skip basic checks
Factory troubleshooting often starts with simple checks such as fuses, battery, vacuum leaks, diagnostic codes and connectors. Follow the order unless you already know the problem.

7. Discuss unclear results
If you are stuck, use the forum and mention exactly which symptom/step you are on. Include your engine, year, market, and what result you got at each check.

Good troubleshooting question checklist
- Year/market/engine
- Exact symptom
- Which assistant step you reached
- OK/BAD/NO results so far
- Relevant page codes
- Photos or videos if useful.