Is it possible to have a touble code without the SES light turing on? If this is the case, can they just be checked by using the paper clip method?

 

Yes. No.

If the bulb burns out, and the ecm sets a trouble code, the SES light will not come on. In this case, you can check for codes with a paper clip, but it still won't light up because the bulb is out.

Thats why when you move your key to the accessories position, you see all your dash lights coming on. Thats to verify that the bulbs are working. In other words, if your SES light comes on momentarily when you start the car, its working.

 

I have seen many codes on the scanner that won`t turn on the lite..very possible. What codes are you finding?

 

None yet, i just bought an 89 GTA and i have been doing tune-up and performance modifications, it was not running right above 2500 rpms and someone told me that it might be a trouble code, but the SES light is not on. But i will check if it works and if there are any codes this weekend

 

Yes (sort of).
Yes.
Make sure you get that ign. module tested as well.
Stop cross posting, it's annoying.

 

How would i check the ign module?

 

Some of the parts stores can check them with a tester.. but the problem is most icm`s only quit when heat soaked, besides you have a driveability problem not a primary ignition problem..right?

 

I don't think it is the ingnition modulue, because i would imagine it would be faulty throughout the rpm range. But i am not sure. I guess i will find out if it still has the probelm when i take it out this weekend, just waiting on my 1 3/4 slp headers.