1996 Check and Clear Codes
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 31
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From: Tulsa OK
1996 Check and Clear Codes
Hi! This is my first post, as I have just purchased a 1996 white LT-1 Auto. I have lurked for about two weeks on this forum, and I have noticed that people are saying that it is not possible to read/clear the codes from a '96 using the paperclip method. This has not been my experience. When I got the car, I had codes (1) H13, (9) H25, H27, H64, which I obtained by jumpering pins 5 and 12 on the diagnostic port. I was able to clear the codes, as follows:
1. After obtaining the codes, the display will show a 1.0. This indicates that the computer is waiting for instructions.
2. Press Trip/Odo button. The display will cycle to 1.1, 1.2, 1.3 etc... up to 1.7. 1.7 is where you want to be.
3. Press ENG/MET button. Speedo display will flash ---. You have cleared the codes for the CCM.
4. To do the same for the ABS/ASR codes (In the 9 category), follow the above instructions, except after instruction one, press the trip reset button to cycle the number to 9. (So that it will show 9.0). When I cleared the codes for 9, the car made a few funny relay-clicking-over noises. Wierd.
5. Turn off ignition and back on to see if your codes have cleared.
This worked for me. So, my question is, has my car been retrofitted with an OBD-I ECM? Or have we seen some erroneous information on the board? OR am I bonkers?
Thanks.
1. After obtaining the codes, the display will show a 1.0. This indicates that the computer is waiting for instructions.
2. Press Trip/Odo button. The display will cycle to 1.1, 1.2, 1.3 etc... up to 1.7. 1.7 is where you want to be.
3. Press ENG/MET button. Speedo display will flash ---. You have cleared the codes for the CCM.
4. To do the same for the ABS/ASR codes (In the 9 category), follow the above instructions, except after instruction one, press the trip reset button to cycle the number to 9. (So that it will show 9.0). When I cleared the codes for 9, the car made a few funny relay-clicking-over noises. Wierd.
5. Turn off ignition and back on to see if your codes have cleared.
This worked for me. So, my question is, has my car been retrofitted with an OBD-I ECM? Or have we seen some erroneous information on the board? OR am I bonkers?
Thanks.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 15,344
Likes: 4,009
From: Texas
Re: 1996 Check and Clear Codes (jgentgesdo)
You can't read PCM codes using the paperclip method on a '96. You're were looking at the codes for the CCM. PCM codes will have Pxxxx with "x" representing various numbers....i.e. P0300 for Random Misfire. Because of the code length (5 characters), it can't be displayed on the instrument panel. You must use a scan tool or scan software & a laptop to access PCM codes.
While it's possible to retrofit an OBD I PCM into a '96, I doubt yours has been changed. Typically that is done for ease of tuning on cars that are modified.
While it's possible to retrofit an OBD I PCM into a '96, I doubt yours has been changed. Typically that is done for ease of tuning on cars that are modified.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 15,344
Likes: 4,009
From: Texas
Re: 1996 Check and Clear Codes (Oldman)
I don't understand the point of the link. Other than a casual mention within the write-up with regard to '96s and OBD II where it states a scan tool is required, all the other info is relative to OBD I including the list of trouble codes. The difference between OBD I & II is significant.
