ArticlesBase.com - Free Articles Directory
Free Online Articles Directory
06.09.2008 Sign In Register Hello Guest
Email:
Password:
Remember Me 
forgot your password?


OBD1 Codes Secrets for Check Engine light

Author: Richard Trent Author Ranking Silver | Posted: 11-05-2006 | Comments: 0 | Views: 4,090 | Rating:  (1,245) Article Popularity - Gold (?) Got a Question? Ask.
Sign Up Now!

For vehicles made after 1996, retrieving the codes of the check engine light in your dash panel is simple. All you need to do is find your diagnostic connector located under the dash by the driver side. You can then hook up a scanner and the codes will be displayed for you. If you don't have any scanner like most drivers, you can bring your vehicle to any local automotive parts store and they will usually scan the codes FREE for you. However, for vehicles made on or before 1995, there is only one cheap way to get it: You do it yourself!

On board diagnostic (OBD) was designed on vehicles equipped with electronic fuel injection so you can generally retrieve the codes yourself. No need buying a scanner or running to any parts stores to check the engine light. This system is called obd1 and applies to most vehicles made before 1995 for domestics and 1993 on imports. In this article, I will discuss the methods used by domestic vehicle manufacturers on how to check the engine light codes in their cars and trucks.

For GM domestic vehicles made before 1995, the diagnostic connector is located under the dash panel by the driver side. To get the check engine codes to flash in your dash panel, use a jumper wire or a paper clip and connect terminals A and B of the diagnostic connector. Turn your ignition key on with engine off and the codes should start to blink. All codes should start with code 12 which is one long flash followed by 2 short flashes. This code 12 means the diagnostic system is normal and will repeat itself continuously if there are no trouble codes. Otherwise, code 12 will flash 3 times before flashing the fault codes.

Ford owners can check their check engine light using the diagnostic connector located at the engine compartment by the fender near the battery. Getting the obd1 codes need a couple of tools: a 4 inch long gage 16 jumper wire and a 12 volt test light.
Both tools are hooked up to the diagnostic connector and when the ignition key is turned on (without starting engine) the codes will begin to flash in the test light, not in the dash panel. If there is no code, you will normally get code 11 or 111. On Fords, there are 2 test modes, the KOEO (key on engine off) and the KOER (key on engine running). Both test modes should be used to get the accurate evaluation of the stored fault codes.

Of all the 3 domestic vehicles, the easiest method to check the engine light is Chrysler products. Why? Because all you need is to turn the ignition key on and off a within 5 seconds and the codes will start to flash in the dash panel.

Counting the codes being flashed is almost the same for these 3 domestic vehicles and most of the codes can be erased or cleared by disconnecting the battery negative terminal for 1 minute and reconnect. Just make sure to check your service manual in case you have electronic equipment such as radio or clock that needs reprogramming in which battery disconnection is not recommended. Finally after performing repairs on the culprit code, always go for a road test to confirm if the problem is fixed.

If you want a detailed way on how the above procedures are done, please visit my blog: http://check-engine-light-codes.blogspot.com . This blog offers free info on how to check engine light codes with OBD1 Codes Secrets for Domestic Vehicles
color pictures and regular repair tips so you can save money next time you see your check engine light.

Rate this Article: Current: 5 / 5 stars - 3 vote(s).

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/automotive-articles/obd1-codes-secrets-for-check-engine-light-27461.html

Print this Article Print article   Email to a Friend Send to friend   Publish this Article on your Website Publish this Article   Send Author Feedback Author feedback  
About the Author:

Mr. Richard Trent is an automotive consultant since 1997 in Calgary, Alberta Canada and he is a regular contributor of automotive articles in the automotive industry. He has almost a dozen automotive websites and a few blogs to his credit including self-help
blog for drivers who wants to fix their vehicles. Please visit his blog at

Submitting articles has become one of the most popular means of generating quality backlinks and targeted traffic to your website. Join us today - It's Free!

Article Comments

Comment on this article Comment on this article
Your Name
Your Email:
Comment Body
Enter Validation Code: Captcha


Related Articles

Importance of Auto Transport
By: automover | 16/04/2007 | Automotive
Auto transport is possibly the most frequently used form of transport. Every day, people use auto transport to visit their places of work, their homes and as well the other destinations. Auto transport can be used first for commercial purposes. For example, auto transport forms the strength of character many companies such as courier, timber and also for transport firms. Auto transport is also used for recreational purposes.

Sometimes Your Car Just Does Not Feel Right
By: Terry Parker | 31/10/2007 | Automotive
This articles tells the reader a multitude of signs to look for when they notice something wrong with their car.

Some Car Repair Tips To Consider
By: Terry Parker | 01/11/2007 | Automotive
This articles gives the reader ideas for regular maintenance of their vehicle

Oil is the Life of Your Car
By: Phoenix Delray | 16/12/2007 | Cars
This article tells the reader the importance of engine oil with information on the filter and general maintenance.

Get Your Car To Run That Extra Mile
By: Phoenix Delray | 25/12/2007 | Cars
This article tells the reader how to save money on fuel with tips regarding tune ups, driving habits and general repair.

Check Engine Light Nightmares - How To Avoid Auto Mechanics Scams
By: Don Stevens | 15/02/2008 | Automotive
Going nuts everytime a check engine light goes on, is nothing new. Everyone's busy and cannot possibly have enough time to go check your car or truck whenever this happens, so you take it with good will to your "loyal" mechanic and he checks it over and a famous one...

Audi A4 and A6 Torque Converter Problems- ZF5HP19FL and FLA Transmissions
By: Joe Sirugo | 05/03/2008 | Cars
The check engine light on Audi A4 and A6 models may be related to the most common problem with the ZF5HP19FL and FLA transmission- the torque converter.

Reasons Why Your Check Engine Light May Be On
By: Phoenix Delray | 02/07/2008 | Cars
This article discusses about some key indicators you need to take note of regarding your check engine light.

Got a Question? Ask.

Ask the community a question about this article:

Frequently Asked Questions

My check engine light is on
By: johnbracken | 09-10-2007
my check engine light is lit up on my Nissan Pathfinder, what does that mean? 

My check engine light
By: skier4life45 | 12-07-2007
My check engine light was on, and the diagnostics said we i needed a new rear o2 sensor in my 1999 jetta, so i replaced it last night... but the light didnt go off. will it go off the first time i drive it, or do i need to get my computer reset?

Q&A Powered by:
Powered by Yedda 

Latest Automotive Articles

Customized Chrome Rims: Facts of a Worth the Money Rim
By: David H. Urmann | 05/09/2008
There are factors to consider when purchasing chrome rims for customization enhancement. Although getting the popular brands and types can assure you the best quality, there are things you can do t maintain your chrome rims. When purchasing chrome rims for customization enhancement, the lug pattern of an automobile, width and...

The Honda Civic
By: Brenda Williams | 05/09/2008
The Honda Civic has been one of the more popular models from Honda over the past couple of decades, so much that you still see the original version on the roadway. Because some of the original models of the Honda Civic are still being driven today it is a testament...

Water4Gas - The New Way to Travel
By: Ynavica William | 05/09/2008
What is Water4gas? There has been a lot of interpretation on it and some has taken to believe it or reject it as a scam that is designed to take advantage on those unhappy with the hike in fuel price. The question now is, is it really something that will...

LED Car Tail Lights - Why Are They So Popular?
By: Matthew A. Barr | 04/09/2008
We live in highly industrialized world today. Our cities, and even the towns, are equipped with too much lighting system that you sometimes wonder where those lights came from. Well, most of the lights you see (especially the ones at night) come from your vehicles. Because automobiles are a common...

Working With Blown Automotive Fuses
By: Jayesh Bagde | 04/09/2008
Repairing blown automotive fuses requires substantial knowledge about its placement and how it works. Automobile fuses come in a type of glass formation. It is cylindrical in shape while the ends are stainless steel and made of glass at the center. Others are made of plastic. It also has links acting...

Things to Know When Buying From an Auto Outlet
By: Jayesh Bagde | 04/09/2008
Auto outlets can help narrow down your options when it comes to the car you need. An auto outlet is an establishment that sells old and new cars. Some even offer automotive services and car accessories. Choosing the best auto outlet can allow you to acquire the most suitable car for...

Car Kits: Choosing the Right One
By: Jayesh Bagde | 04/09/2008
Car kits come in different varieties. Choosing the car kits with the devices most useful for your needs requires careful research. Most Car Kits have hands-free mobile phones with voice activated speaker phones, Bluetooth/earphones and cradles/holders, along with mounts and other body kits. Here are some of the most popular car...

Best Radar Detectors
By: Al Turnet | 04/09/2008
Are you looking for a radar detector and don't want to get ripped off? I've compiled a list of what I consider to be the best radar detectors for each price point. If you're looking to spend just a little, you should check out one of the radar detectors that are...

Article Categories






Give Feedback

Sign up for our email newsletter

Receive updates, enter your email below