i'm not a total geek when it comes to electronics. from what i hear the service engine light blinks and gives out codes. i'm curious how do i check for codes on my car? do i need a special tool? thanks

 

this is what i did.

if there is an autozone near you go there they have a jumper(looks like a key) and a book with detailed instructions on how to use it and read the codes.

the codes listed in the book they give you are not extensive but if you look in the tech articals you can find a complete list there.

by the way autozone gives the key and booklet away no charge!!!

just lell them what you are trying to do.

hope i could help,CEDOE

 

BORLAZ,

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. (See link below.)

 

thanks guys for the help and detailed instructions.

 

Thanks as well. Very good instructions.