ok, it sounds like you're not doing it correctly.
the correct way to do the diagnostic check can be found
here.
you need to use a large paper clip and connect the TEN and GND pins. then turn on the ignition but do not start the car. the light sequence goes as follows:
a 1 second flash denoting 10's. 1 flash equals the first digit of the 2-digit code, in this case, a 1. 2 flashes means the code begins with a 2. 3 begins with a 3 and so on.
a .5 second flash denoting single digits. 3 flashes will give you the second digit in the 2-digit code, here a 3. 4 will give you the number 4 and so on.
so, for a bad vris #1, you will get four (4) long flashes, along with one (1) short flash. this will equal 41.
there is a small break in between codes. codes with no long or short sequence mean that either the first or second digit is a 0. for example, if a crankshaft position sensor error will give a code 02. that means you will not get the long flash, but two short flashes.
check out that link above. it will explain things a little better. there's also another site that's a little more explanatory that mine is. i think that link is:
http://home.golden.net/~trinity
hope that helps you out.