Instruction Retrieving Car Trouble Codes without OBD tool

Jan 12
08:53

2012

Woody Su

Woody Su

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Manufactured before 1995 model of car typically come with the OBD 1 trouble-code system; cars made after 1995 generally come with the OBD 2 system. The differences between the two systems are that the older codes system contains only two digits, while the new codes system start with a letter showing what system in the engine is fault, followed by a series of numbers.

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Manufactured before 1995 model of car typically come with the OBD 1 trouble-code system; cars made after 1995 generally come with the OBD 2 system. The differences between the two systems are that the older codes system contains only two digits,Instruction Retrieving Car Trouble Codes without OBD tool Articles while the new codes system start with a letter showing what system in the engine is fault, followed by a series of numbers. The key "On/Off" method is for older cars; the digital dash and jumper-wire is for newer cars.

You'll Need Ignition key, Jumper wire and Paper clip for this job

Key "On/Off" Method

Plug the key into the ignition. Turn the car on and off quickly, ending with the key in the "On" position. How many times you need to do this relies on the engine; some require only three times, some five, others more. Don't launch the engine during this sequence or you'll have to begin again.

Watch the "Check Engine" light on the dash. Once the sequence has been initiated, the "Check Engine" light starts to flash. Each flash represents a number in a two-digit trouble code stored in the computer. A pause separates the first digit from the second digit. For example, the code "34" flashes as follows: flash, flash, flash, pause, flash, flash, flash and flash.

Record the codes as they flash. Check with your owner's or user manual for the meanings of the codes. Each car maker has a different set of codes and meanings.

Other Methods

Find out the diagnostic test link where an OBD scan device can plug in, usually found under the dash on the driver's side. If the link has 12 ports rather than 16, connect ports "A" and "B" with a paper clip or jumper wire. Watch the "Check Engine" light for codes as documented previously.

Turn the key to the "On" position while simultaneously depressing the odometer "Trip" and "Reset" buttons if your dash cluster is digital. The error codes read from the odometer display in this method.

Press the odometer "Trip" and "Reset" buttons while turning the car on and off a few times, ending with the key in the "On" position. Release the odometer buttons. The odometer will count down, and then display the error codes in certain models. I am glad to communicate with you, if you are interested in OBD 2 scanner.