Old question, I am sure, Code Reader for 87
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Cruising
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
Old question, I am sure, Code Reader for 87
I am interested in aquiring a code reading system for my 87. I remember a number of past posts by members about this, however, I have not been able to find the posts on this issue. Can someone let me know what instrument and supplier I can aquire one from?
Pro
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 520
Likes: 6
From: Elverson PA
I would just look in your desk and find a paper clip. Then insert to aldl terminals a and b (top right). Turn the key to "on," engine off. Note the blinks of the check engine light. First it will give you code 12 two or three times. That is the "handshake" code. That would be one blink, pause two blinks. Then a longer pause, then it will repeat. Next it will blink the trouble codes. If it just keeps repeating 12, then there are no stored codes.
After it blinks out all the stored codes, it will return to the 12 code a couple times, indicating that it gave you all the codes. It will then repeat.
You just need to look in any manual, even Haines or Chilton to get the meaning of each code. Or you could just ask someone here. It is in the emissions section of the manuals.
After it blinks out all the stored codes, it will return to the 12 code a couple times, indicating that it gave you all the codes. It will then repeat.
You just need to look in any manual, even Haines or Chilton to get the meaning of each code. Or you could just ask someone here. It is in the emissions section of the manuals.
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 4,290
Likes: 6
From: St Marys GA
As said above, you don't need to buy a reader to read codes. That being said, it sure is a whole lot easier and faster to have one! I'm assuming the 87 has OBDI? I have a 96, so I'm not entirely sure. If it has OBDI, you can get a scanner from anywhere (Sears, Harbor Freight, AutoZone) that says 'OBDI scanner' on it. Plug it up and it spits out the codes. The nice ones even explain the codes for you 
