can a paper clip read check engine light codes by its blinks

 

The paper clip doesn't "read" anything. It grounds the data port terminals causing the Check Engine light to blink. Do a search on this... it's been covered many, many times.

 

on GM OBDI vehicles, there's no reason to spend money on a code reader (different than diagnostic tool) when a short piece of wire or paper clip will do the trick for much cheaper.

 

GM Check Engine light Codes without a Scan Tool

its all here

 

Thank you! I am going to read this link right now!

Didnt early third gens used to have a feature where you would turn the ingition on and off a certain amount of times and the codes would flash?

 

I've never heard of that.

 

dodge has that

 

so its true im gonna check that and what if your check engne light comes on when the car is in drive for a while

 

Just a little note. The paperclip works. The wire works. Solder, however, will not work. I had a 1 inch long piece of solder I tried to use once and it did nothing. Thought that was odd although Im sure tehre's a good reason for it.