C4 Tech/Performance L98 Corvette and LT1 Corvette Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine

Check engine light on. Pulling the codes

Old Feb 16, 2023 | 04:18 PM
  #1  
ajsc4's Avatar
ajsc4
Thread Starter
Intermediate
10 Year Member
All Eyes On Me
 
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 29
Likes: 1
Default Check engine light on. Pulling the codes

How do I pull the codes to determine what is causing the Check engine light to come on?
Reply
Old Feb 16, 2023 | 04:39 PM
  #2  
1800Wing's Avatar
1800Wing
Flatulent Dwarf
Supporting Lifetime Gold
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 729
Likes: 84
From: Poverty Holler NC
Default

I bought a scan tool from Harbor Freight, you can also use a paper clip or jumper wire in the ALDL plug and then count the flashes from the “check” light on the dash….I’ve done both and the tool is easiest. There is also a device you can plug in the ALDL that reads to your phone, I’ve seen them on YouTube but don’t know anything about them.

later, Tiny
Reply
Old Feb 17, 2023 | 03:59 PM
  #3  
ajsc4's Avatar
ajsc4
Thread Starter
Intermediate
10 Year Member
All Eyes On Me
 
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 29
Likes: 1
Default

Thanks Tiny
Stupid question: What is the ALDL plug and what connections do I short out.
Reply
Old Feb 17, 2023 | 04:44 PM
  #4  
1800Wing's Avatar
1800Wing
Flatulent Dwarf
Supporting Lifetime Gold
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 729
Likes: 84
From: Poverty Holler NC
Default

It’s the access point for reading the “codes” stored in the cars computer, it’s located in the drivers side footwell just above the brake pedal. It’ll be attached to the carpet ABOVE your feet unless it’s been pulled loose previously. Go to YouTube and look for “ 90-95 C4 Corvette paper clip code reading” …or you can go to just about any of the major parts houses ( Auto Zone, O’Reillys ) and they’ll use a scan tool and you can see the codes.

the plug in or access point will look similar to this


later, Tiny
Reply
Old Feb 17, 2023 | 09:35 PM
  #5  
JD1964's Avatar
JD1964
Burning Brakes
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
 
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 829
Likes: 192
Default

What year C4 are you trying to pull the codes from? I ask because the process is not the same for all years. Some you can use the paper clip trick, some you cannot. Up to 93 the paper clip trick works. 94-95 requires compatible scan tool or laptop shareware and ALDL to usb cable. All C4’s except 96 are OBD1. 96 is OBD2 and requires compatible scan tool.
Reply
Old Feb 24, 2023 | 04:17 PM
  #6  
ajsc4's Avatar
ajsc4
Thread Starter
Intermediate
10 Year Member
All Eyes On Me
 
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 29
Likes: 1
Default

need to read to codes for a 96. Good to know info that it is OBD2 as I notice the code readers mention that. Thanks for the info. Having problems with the passenger side plugs. All showing very black. Have replaced them and still all are black. Car seems to run okay but not great.
Reply
Old Feb 24, 2023 | 07:27 PM
  #7  
JD1964's Avatar
JD1964
Burning Brakes
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
 
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 829
Likes: 192
Default

Are the stock injectors are still in there? They have a reputation for sticking open. That would surely result in rich fuel mixture and black carbon deposits on the plugs.

I’m not saying to arbitrarily just replace them but I’d be at least checking them for faulty conditions.

Last edited by JD1964; Feb 24, 2023 at 08:35 PM.
Reply

Get notified of new replies

To Check engine light on. Pulling the codes



Thread Tools
Search this Thread

All times are GMT -4. The time now is 06:31 PM.

story-0
10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Corvettes that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 10:34:17


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer

A lot of money has changed hands at the online auction house over the years.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-03 10:21:50


VIEW MORE
story-2
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: 10 great gifts Corvette enthusiasts actually want for Father's Day!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 11:09:53


VIEW MORE
story-3
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems

Slideshow: These are the quirks, annoyances, and oddly lovable problems that every Corvette owner eventually learns to live with.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-28 09:31:39


VIEW MORE
story-4
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years

Slideshow: 10 reasons why the C6 Z06 is still a performance benchmark after 20 years.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 17:20:09


VIEW MORE
story-5
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972

Slideshow: How much horsepower every Corvette engine lost in 1972.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:54:53


VIEW MORE
story-6
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

Slideshow: How to Protect A Convertible Top: 10 DOs & DON'Ts

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-03 00:00:00


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

Slideshow: The 10 most explosive Corvettes ever built based on power-to-weight ratio.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-20 07:23:03


VIEW MORE
story-8
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

Slideshow: From C1 to C8 we compare every Corvette generation by the numbers.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 16:54:12


VIEW MORE
story-9
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

Slideshow: Some Corvette pace cars became collectible legends, while others perfectly captured the look and attitude of their era.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-11 09:50:51


VIEW MORE