Reading OBD-I Codes
For OBD II Compliant vehicles that were manufactured after 1996, it is relatively simple to extract the codes of your check engine light indicator. All you need is an auto scanner and establish the connection to your vehicle’s diagnostics computer. However, if your vehicle isn’t OBD II compliant and was manufactured well before the year 1996, this may just seem impossible as your OBD isn’t compatible with auto scanners in use today. You also need haynes manual. You can avail of highly specialized services if you really need those codes; however this can be quite expensive on your part. Doing it yourself is the only cost-effective method. All you need is patience and a keen observation in reading the codes. In this article, I intend to show you a couple of secrets that will help you do just that.
This article will only cover procedures for Code Retrieval concerning three domestic vehicle manufacturers. Yes, the procedures do vary depending on your car’s manufacturer.
- GM
GM vehicles that were made before the year 1995 feature a diagnostics connector located on the driver’s side immediately below the dash panel. You will have to utilize a jumper wire and connect the points A and B on the connector. If you do not have a jumper, then a paper clip would suffice. Place your ignition key on the on position and do not activate the engine. At this point, all the codes should start to blink. All of the codes should start with a long flash followed by two brief flashes. This is called as code 12 and indicates that the system is functioning normally. It will repeat itself continuously. On the other hand, if a trouble was detected, code 12 will flash 3 times followed by the trouble code.
- Ford
The diagnostics connector is located differently in Ford vehicles that are OBD I compliant. It is located close to the battery in a fender within the engine compartment. Getting the codes on this vehicle is a bit complicated than the other. For a start you will need this set of tools: A 12 volt test light and a 4 inch gage 16 jumper wire. You begin by connecting these tools to the diagnostic connector and placing your ignition in the on position and you should see the codes flashing in the test light. If there is no trouble code then it indicates that everything is running smoothly and a code 11 or 111 should reinforce that. Next, turn the engine on and try to see if you are still getting the same code as before. This is done to further check the accuracy of the codes.
- Chrysler
For OBD I compliant Chrysler vehicles, you just need to simply turn the ignition key on and turn it off within a 5 second timeframe. After that the codes will be flashed to you accordingly in the dash panel.
Before attempting the procedures mentioned above, try to check your car’s service manual and 06 crf450r manual to see if your car features any electronic equipment that would need reprogramming such as the clock or the radio. Do a test drive after performing repair on the trouble codes to ensure that the problem has indeed been fixed