In my Haynes manual it says to put a wire in the fuse block or something, This is to check codes...

I just wanted to hear it from a person on hear and not a book because i couldn't understand what exactly it meant.

So how do i check the codes for the service engine light?

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'86 Camaro
2.8 MPFI

AC Delco RapidFire SparkPlugs
Premium Gold Distributor Cap & Rotor

 

It's pretty complicated...

First, you drive your car, complete with Check Engine Light on, to a local office supply store. Second, you enter the store and purchase a paperclip, or a box of them. Third, you unfold the paper clip into a U shape, and ground out the diagnatic terminal found almost directly under the Service Engine light. It (the light not the terminal) will flash 1,2, 1,2, 1,2 (which is actually the code 12, telling you the ECM is functioning somewhat properly...and I say somewhat because they always seem to be F'ed up in these cars in some way)...then spit your error codes at you, then repeat 12, 12, 12 and start over in case you missed any of the codes the first time.

Last I remember, it's the two upper row, right most clips in the diagnostic terminal, but I might have that switched around since I'm usually doing the back breaker reverse lean under the steering wheel with the seat fully reclined technique to pop the paper clip in.

 

I went to my local autozone and they gave me a black and white book-"What Does It Mean When Your 'Check Engine' Light Comes On?" and a metal key(that has two prongs) so that I could check out the codes. The book has the trouble codes listed, how to find out the codes, and how to test the sensors.

I knew the person who worked there, so I don't know if they normally charge for the book and key.

 

DON'T PULL THE CODES WITH THE ENGINE RUNNING! DO NOT START THE CAR, WHEN PULLING THE CODES! There is a procedure that needs to be followed.

This booklet doesn't have a Copyright symbol, so I guess I can list the procedures here.

Reading Trouble Codes and Performing Tests on General Motors Vehicles
Cadillac, Geo, Nova, and Sprint vehicles cannot be tested using this booklet....

STEP 1
To acccess the on-board computer, locate the Assembly Line Diagnostic Link (ALDL) and remove the cover. The ALDL on most General Motors models is located under the dashboard on the driver's side.

STEP 2
Take the code key provided with this booklet and insert it into the A and B ports of the ALDL terminal.{there is a picture, but I don't have a scanner}

STEP 3
Turn the vehicle's ignition on, but DO NOT START THE ENGINE (To do so could cause severe damage to the Electronic Control Module.)

Step 4
Watch the "Check Engine" light to flash "Code 12," showing that you have correctly accessed the computer. The code will flash this way:
*one flash for the "1"digit *a pause *two flashes for the "2"digit

Code 12 will show three times. If there is no problem, Code 12 will continue to flash.

STEP 5
If there is a problem, one or more trouble codes will flash. Watch for the code(s) to flash in the same manner as Code 12. For example, Code 33 is:
*three flashes *a pause *three flashes

STEP 6
After you've read the trouble codes once, wait for the cycle to begin again. This time, write down the codes as they flash.

STEP 7
Once you've obtained the trouble codes, turn off the ignition switch. Remove the code key. (The ignition switch must be turned off before the code key is removed to prevent system damage.)...

The remaining steps refer to matching your vehicle's trouble codes to the list, and finding the right test for the sensor(s).

USE AT YOUR OWN RISK.

Vader, if you or any of this boards moderators feel that my reply could be in violation of something, please by all means remove it. But, like I said earlier I don't see a copyright symbol, who published the booklet, etc. I think Autozone puts out this booklet.

 

The booklet from Autozone can be very useful, because of the pictures and testing information. I got mine several years ago, so I don't know if they still carry them. But it's worth asking.

 

Cool, Thanks coach