Need help with codes on first 3rd gen purchase
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 48
Likes: 0
From: Augusta, Ga, U.S.A
Need help with codes on first 3rd gen purchase
I bought a 1992 RS 25Th anniversary with a 305 TBI and a five speed today and the SES light is on. This is my first 3rd gen. with a computer and I need to learn how to get and read the codes to make this bright light in the dash go away. I read the tech article and really need more info. After the first sequence of flashes and pauses how do you know what code number is being given off. Please help.......... Also the speedo is not working and I have been told that the speedo in a 1992 is an electro unit is that true? I am new to this site and would like to tell you that I am very impressed so far....
Moderator
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 19,659
Likes: 310
Jody,
Welcome aboard! I think you're at the right place. You'll get plenty of advice and suggestions, and some very expert advice from many of the members. All that's expected is that you relate your experiences when you can help out.
As for the trouble codes, there is an archive feature on the board. Use it to search for related topics and you can find lots of data on the topic.
Again, welcome, enjoy, and good luck.
------------------
Later,
Vader
------------------
"I cannot take this any more... Saying everything I've said before..."
Adobe Acrobat Reader 4.0
KaleCo Auto Parts
Welcome aboard! I think you're at the right place. You'll get plenty of advice and suggestions, and some very expert advice from many of the members. All that's expected is that you relate your experiences when you can help out.
As for the trouble codes, there is an archive feature on the board. Use it to search for related topics and you can find lots of data on the topic.
Again, welcome, enjoy, and good luck.
------------------
Later,
Vader
------------------
"I cannot take this any more... Saying everything I've said before..."
Adobe Acrobat Reader 4.0
KaleCo Auto Parts
Moderator
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 19,659
Likes: 310
Jody,
In a nutshell, here's what you'll need:
First, you'll need to acquire a GM OBD I ECM Diagnostic Trouble Code Retrieval Tool (commonly known as a paper clip to TGO members).
With the engine and ignition turned off, locate the ALDL connector under the dash, just to the right of the steering wheel in the driver's foot well area. There should be a small rectangular cover over the access hole in the lower dash trim.
Insert a tool as described above (paper clip) into the 'A' and 'B' terminals on the ALDL connector:
WITHOUT STARTING the engine, turn the ignition to the "RUN" position. Watch the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) and it will begin to flash. This is also commonly called the "Service Engine Soon" or "SES" lamp. The first code will flash three times, and will usually be a code '12'. This is encoded by one flash of the lamp, a brief pause, then two successive flashes of the lamp. Each code will repeat three times, so you should see a "Code 12" flash three times. Any other error codes will follow in numerical order, and each code should flash three times. After all codes have been displayed three times, the "Code 12" will again flash three times, then all other codes will follow as described earlier. This cycle will continue until the jumper is removed or the ignition is turned off.
After you have made a note of all error codes, turn off the ignition and remove the jumper immediately. If you forget to remove the jumper and attempt to start the engine with it in place, you could damage the ECM. For this reason you should remove it immediately.
Once you have a note of all error codes, check this file for the decoding:
GM Error Codes.pdf.
You'll need Adobe Acrobat Reader to open/print the file.
------------------
Later,
Vader
------------------
"I cannot take this any more... Saying everything I've said before..."
Adobe Acrobat Reader 4.0
KaleCo Auto Parts
In a nutshell, here's what you'll need:
First, you'll need to acquire a GM OBD I ECM Diagnostic Trouble Code Retrieval Tool (commonly known as a paper clip to TGO members).
With the engine and ignition turned off, locate the ALDL connector under the dash, just to the right of the steering wheel in the driver's foot well area. There should be a small rectangular cover over the access hole in the lower dash trim.
Insert a tool as described above (paper clip) into the 'A' and 'B' terminals on the ALDL connector:
WITHOUT STARTING the engine, turn the ignition to the "RUN" position. Watch the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) and it will begin to flash. This is also commonly called the "Service Engine Soon" or "SES" lamp. The first code will flash three times, and will usually be a code '12'. This is encoded by one flash of the lamp, a brief pause, then two successive flashes of the lamp. Each code will repeat three times, so you should see a "Code 12" flash three times. Any other error codes will follow in numerical order, and each code should flash three times. After all codes have been displayed three times, the "Code 12" will again flash three times, then all other codes will follow as described earlier. This cycle will continue until the jumper is removed or the ignition is turned off.
After you have made a note of all error codes, turn off the ignition and remove the jumper immediately. If you forget to remove the jumper and attempt to start the engine with it in place, you could damage the ECM. For this reason you should remove it immediately.
Once you have a note of all error codes, check this file for the decoding:
GM Error Codes.pdf.
You'll need Adobe Acrobat Reader to open/print the file.
------------------
Later,
Vader
------------------
"I cannot take this any more... Saying everything I've said before..."
Adobe Acrobat Reader 4.0
KaleCo Auto Parts
Last edited by Vader; Mar 31, 2018 at 09:57 AM. Reason: Updated links
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 48
Likes: 0
From: Augusta, Ga, U.S.A
I tried your suggestion but could not find info on how to reaad the codes any better than the tech article. Should I just go out and buy a code reader? Where is the best place to get one?
Moderator
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 19,659
Likes: 310
Check again.
The code reader plugs into the same place, so you'll still have to find the ALDL and plug into it. The only difference is your $40.00 reader will replace the paper clip jumper.
The reader does the same thing, except it also flashes a small LED on the reader in addition to the MIL lamp on the dash. This only means that you'll have to stand on your head in the driver's seat to watch the error codes flash off.
The decoding of the output is the same, and I'll bet my table is more detailed.
------------------
Later,
Vader
------------------
"I cannot take this any more... Saying everything I've said before..."
Adobe Acrobat Reader 4.0
KaleCo Auto Parts
The code reader plugs into the same place, so you'll still have to find the ALDL and plug into it. The only difference is your $40.00 reader will replace the paper clip jumper.
The reader does the same thing, except it also flashes a small LED on the reader in addition to the MIL lamp on the dash. This only means that you'll have to stand on your head in the driver's seat to watch the error codes flash off.
The decoding of the output is the same, and I'll bet my table is more detailed.
------------------
Later,
Vader
------------------
"I cannot take this any more... Saying everything I've said before..."
Adobe Acrobat Reader 4.0
KaleCo Auto Parts
Trending Topics
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 65
Likes: 0
From: Marietta, Ga
That is what mine looks like. 5000 redline is for the L03 i guess. But I'm not really sure.
------------------
1989 Firebird Formula L03
Stock except for K&N, Flowmasters, Centerforce Clutch, MSD 8.5, and Accel Cap and Rotor. Much more to come.
------------------
1989 Firebird Formula L03
Stock except for K&N, Flowmasters, Centerforce Clutch, MSD 8.5, and Accel Cap and Rotor. Much more to come.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post