Reading check engine light
 

Is there a way to read the codes from the check egine light . I know you can do this with some cars by count the flashes and the looking up the code that was flashed . Malcolm

Hey do you got a service manual or haynes manual. cuz i think the explane how to do this. you need to locate the plug under the hood. or something like that. If i had my book with me i would look for ya. :)

locate and open the little diagnostic box near the brake fluid resovoir.
use a jumper (paper clip works good :)) and jump TN and GRD. turn ignition on, the first number of the code will flash slowly...ie. blink........blink......blink....... which would mean 3, the second number will flash faster, ie. blink..blink..blink..blink which would mean 4, so the code would be 34. turn ignition off and remove jumper/paper clip.

code 15 is most commun, being the 02 sensor, if i had my manual handy i'd list the codes, but it's all the way downstairs in the car...but if you really need em i'll be happy to post em tomorrow.

Can you explain it again for a dumbass like myself to understand how to read the codes? does the jumper have to have a light or led on it to make it blink?

no the check engine light will flash. the jumper is to put the computer in that mode.

I understand that part about the jumper now but, what about the blinks? Is there a pause between the blinks and how would I know if the it is a code 3 versus say, a code 33?

:D

the first number or slow blink has, we'll say, a 1sec pause between blinks, the second number or fast blink will have, we'll say, a 1/2sec pause between blinks. make sense? you have to pay attention when the check engine light starts to blink. It will continue to repeat the code or codes as well.

let's see if this does it...

blink...1sec pause....blink....1sec pause..blink..1/2sec pause..blink..1/2sec pause..blink.....repeat....blink...1sec pause....blink....1sec pause..blink..1/2sec pause..blink..1/2sec pause..blink. the code here would be 23 (just an example)