question about the aldl
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From: Sumas, Washington near Canadian border
question about the aldl
My service engine light comes on and I want to read the codes to find out what it is. Where is it located. Do you just run a paper clip to connect the top right hand pins? It this an easy thing to do? Will I screw up my car if i do it wrong?
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From: Macedonia ,OH
Car: Formula
Engine: 6.0 LSX
Transmission: 4L60E
Axle/Gears: 9 Bolt 3:27
Put a paperclip or wire to the last 2 holes on the top and then turn the ignition on (not car) you'll see a 12 flash 3 times then the codes will come.
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Matt,
Take a look at your car, right about here.
You'll need an ALDL Diagnostic Code Access/Retrieval Tool, also known as a paper clip. You'll also need some decoding data for interpreting the codes flashed by your SES lamp. Look here for that info: GM Error Codes.pdf.
If you don't already have Adobe Acrobat Reader, you'll need it to view/print the file.
Yes, you can cause damage if done incorrectly. Remember that you must not start the engine when the ALDL terminals are jumped with the paper clip. All code retrieval is done with the ignition ON, but the engine OFF. Incidentally, you can insert a jumper in the ALDL connector AFTER the engine is running, but that is to enter the "Field Service Mode" which won't display codes but can give information about the operating mode and fuel mixture. It's likely you'll never have to do this.
------------------
Later,
Vader
------------------
"Make Me Bad"
Adobe Acrobat Reader 4.0
Take a look at your car, right about here.
You'll need an ALDL Diagnostic Code Access/Retrieval Tool, also known as a paper clip. You'll also need some decoding data for interpreting the codes flashed by your SES lamp. Look here for that info: GM Error Codes.pdf.
If you don't already have Adobe Acrobat Reader, you'll need it to view/print the file.
Yes, you can cause damage if done incorrectly. Remember that you must not start the engine when the ALDL terminals are jumped with the paper clip. All code retrieval is done with the ignition ON, but the engine OFF. Incidentally, you can insert a jumper in the ALDL connector AFTER the engine is running, but that is to enter the "Field Service Mode" which won't display codes but can give information about the operating mode and fuel mixture. It's likely you'll never have to do this.
------------------
Later,
Vader
------------------
"Make Me Bad"
Adobe Acrobat Reader 4.0
Last edited by Vader; Mar 31, 2018 at 09:09 AM. Reason: Updated links
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Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 900
Likes: 1
From: Haslett, MI
Car: 1984 Trans Am WS6
Engine: Minirammed 385, 396 RWHP
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: 3.73 Moser 12-bolt
Nice picture, Vader.
One thing; you can see in Vader's pictures that the pins are arranged in two rows of six. The two pins that you want to short together are in the upper row, right-most pins. Insert your paperclip, then turn the ignition key on. Don't engage the starter. It'll flash code twelve, which is the code that says the ECM is alive. It repeats each code three times, then begins reporting any additional stored trouble codes.
------------------
Daniel Burk
http://www.isthq.com/~dan/fcar.html
'84 Trans Am WS6/L69
KB SFC, Moser axles, Torsen Diff. PST suspension, Braided stainless brake lines,
5-point racing harness, Koni struts, 11-inch rear disks,Spohn Adj. torque arm,
Ported 305 heads w/1.94"intake valves, Comp Cams XE262H, Griffen alum. radiator,
Speed-sensitive steering conversion, underdrive pulleys, Crane Hi-6 & more. 1.05g skidpad verified.
One thing; you can see in Vader's pictures that the pins are arranged in two rows of six. The two pins that you want to short together are in the upper row, right-most pins. Insert your paperclip, then turn the ignition key on. Don't engage the starter. It'll flash code twelve, which is the code that says the ECM is alive. It repeats each code three times, then begins reporting any additional stored trouble codes.
------------------
Daniel Burk
http://www.isthq.com/~dan/fcar.html
'84 Trans Am WS6/L69
KB SFC, Moser axles, Torsen Diff. PST suspension, Braided stainless brake lines,
5-point racing harness, Koni struts, 11-inch rear disks,Spohn Adj. torque arm,
Ported 305 heads w/1.94"intake valves, Comp Cams XE262H, Griffen alum. radiator,
Speed-sensitive steering conversion, underdrive pulleys, Crane Hi-6 & more. 1.05g skidpad verified.
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