Reading check engine codes?
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 33
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From: North Huntingdon pa
Reading check engine codes?
I'm getting a check engine soon light every once in a great while on my 93 automatic. It only lights up when I am cruising at freeway speeds for more than 20 minutes or so in OD at low rpm. It then goes off after a second or two and doesn't light up again. Never comes on any other time.
I understand that you can use a paperclip to read the codes. Are there any directions out there that shows you how to do this? I checked tech tips/archives - slim pickens! Where is the code shown after you do the paperclip trick? Should I even bother looking if it is very intermittent?
Thanks!
I understand that you can use a paperclip to read the codes. Are there any directions out there that shows you how to do this? I checked tech tips/archives - slim pickens! Where is the code shown after you do the paperclip trick? Should I even bother looking if it is very intermittent?
Thanks!
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 90,675
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From: SE NY
Cruise-In II Veteran
Re: Reading check engine codes? (webmstrjay)
I think your system is still OBD1 but the ALDL connector may differ from other ones.
My ALDL terminal is a 12-pin (two rows of 6 pins) connector under the dash just to the right of the steering wheel. If your's is also, use the ends of a paper clip to jumpsr pins A & B (upper right two pins). Then turn the ignition On and count the SES flashes. At first it will flash three "12"s, followed by each trouble code three times. After all codes have flashed you will see three more "12"s indicating the end of all codes.
If this works for your setup come back with the code(s).
My ALDL terminal is a 12-pin (two rows of 6 pins) connector under the dash just to the right of the steering wheel. If your's is also, use the ends of a paper clip to jumpsr pins A & B (upper right two pins). Then turn the ignition On and count the SES flashes. At first it will flash three "12"s, followed by each trouble code three times. After all codes have flashed you will see three more "12"s indicating the end of all codes.
If this works for your setup come back with the code(s).
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2001
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From: Athens AL
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Re: Reading check engine codes? (webmstrjay)
Sounds like a Code 32, which is the EGR, but youll have to pull them to be sure
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 4,212
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From: Sun City West Az
Re: Reading check engine codes? (webmstrjay)
The reason the check engine light goes out after flashing is that the problem is intermittent. However, the code should set and stored in th ECM.
