engine code scanner?????????
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Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2002
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From: northern virginia
engine code scanner?????????
can someone help i need an code scanner for an 88 iroc with a 350 if you know email me at qik88roc@aol.com thanks
chris
chris
Supreme Member
Joined: Sep 2002
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From: Norwalk, Iowa
Don't waste yur money on a code scanner. Do you know how to do the 'paperclip' trick? You need to learn, it will save you time and money and then you can check yur codes anywhere as long as you have a paperclip in yur car. Check out the FAQ's on this site by clicking <A HREF="https://www.thirdgen.org/newdesign/faq/thirdgen.shtml">here</A> and scrolling to the bottom of the page to the second to last question and answer. Hope this helps.
Last edited by joshp14; Nov 14, 2002 at 10:17 PM.
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CDM,
Welcome Aboard!
There is a procedure you can try before you go searching for a dedicated code scanner. It works the same and is faster/cheaper.
First, you'll need to acquire a GM OBD I ECM Diagnostic Trouble Code Retrieval Tool (commonly known as a "paper clip" or jumper wire to TGO members). You'll also need a couple of other specialized troubleshooting tools - flat laminated recording media (we call it "paper" and graphical data logging instrument (pen, pencil, or crayon in my case). Oh, and remember to take your ignition key, too.
With the engine and ignition turned off, locate the ALDL connector under the dash (just to the right of the steering wheel on Firebirds, and to the left on many Camaros) 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) - 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 view/print the file.)
Welcome Aboard!
There is a procedure you can try before you go searching for a dedicated code scanner. It works the same and is faster/cheaper.
First, you'll need to acquire a GM OBD I ECM Diagnostic Trouble Code Retrieval Tool (commonly known as a "paper clip" or jumper wire to TGO members). You'll also need a couple of other specialized troubleshooting tools - flat laminated recording media (we call it "paper" and graphical data logging instrument (pen, pencil, or crayon in my case). Oh, and remember to take your ignition key, too.
With the engine and ignition turned off, locate the ALDL connector under the dash (just to the right of the steering wheel on Firebirds, and to the left on many Camaros) 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) - 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 view/print the file.)
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