check engine-motor trouble codes

Testing trouble codes is easy. This is a basic how to, on checking trouble codes. All codes supplied here are for pre OBD-2 cars (1996), newer cars can be checked at autozone for free! First turn key forward but don’t start. If you know where the diagnostic plug is, you can use a paperclip to check the codes by jumping the top right (usually) two wires in the plug. GM-bottom of dash. Turn your ignition key forward, codes will flash on the check/ service engine soon light. The code will come up three times then alternate to the next error code, don’t worry about the first code 12. The car ignition is off = 12. A code of 13 will look like this 0 = flashes 0_000, 0_000, 0_000 (larger pause) then will alternate to the next code. Dodge, turn the ignition switch on and off twice, then turn forward (do not start engine) and keep it there. Check engine light will also be used for Dodge vehicles. Dodge codes work same as GM. Ford-under hood and find diagnostic plug labeled EEC Test. Use a jumper wire to connect the single external plug to jump to the main 6 prong plug. Look at the plug with the row of four at the bottom, next look at the next row of two on top.

 

The top right spot is where you want to plug the jumper wire into. Turn your ignition key forward, codes will come up two times then alternate to the next error code. To read flashes you need an analog volt meter. Turn the analog volt meter to 20 volts DC, and instead of the check engine light flashing, the volt meter needle will swing. TURN THE IGNITION OFF BEFORE REMOVING THE JUMPER WIRE OR DAMAGE CAN OCCUR. To clear the codes and check engine light on any brand of vehicle, simply remove the battery cables and hold the brake pedal down for one minute. Then re-connect the battery terminals and the dash light should stay off until an error re-occurs.
Trouble Code————-Description of Fault
General Motors
12———-No reference pulses to ECM (will always show, not a problem)
13———-O2, oxygen sensor is lean
14———-Coolant Temperature Sensor - voltage low
15———-Coolant Temperature Sensor - voltage high
16———-High Battery Voltage/ DIS fault, line open or shorted to gnd
17———-RPM signal problem
21———-Throttle position sensor, TPS voltage high at idle or decel
22———-TPS voltage low at idle/ fuel cutoff relay open or to ground
23———-Manifold Air Temp, MAT voltage low/ or TPS error
24———-Vehicle Speed Sensor, VSS signal not pulsing during decel
25———-MAT voltage low/ Vacuum Switching Valve to gnd or open/ ATS
26———-Quad Driver Module
27———-2nd gear switch
28———-3rd gear switch
29———-4th gear switch
31———-MAP sensor/ fuel injector/ park neutral switch/ CAM diagnostic/ Governor malfunction/ wastegate overboost/ wastegate signal
32———-Barometric Pressure, BARO sensor/ Exhaust Gas Recirc EGR,EVRV
33———-Mass Air Flow, MAF sensor/ Manifold Absolute Pressure, MAP (engine mis-fire could also cause this)
34———-Mass Air Flow, MAF sensor/ Manifold Absolute Pressure, MAP
35———-Idle Air Control, IAC problem
36———-MAF sensor/ Transmission shift problem/ Direct Ignition System, pulses incorrect in Electronic Spark Timing, EST signal
38———-Brake switch circuit fault
39———-Torque Converter Clutch, TCC circuit fault
41———-Cam sensor failure/ Cylinder select error/ Tach input error
42———-Electronic Spark Timing/ Direct Ignition System/ Fuel cutoff relay circuit, open or shorted
43———-Electronic Spark Timing, EST circuit low voltage
44———-Lean exhaust indication, O2 sensor voltage low
45———-Rich exhaust indication, O2 sensor voltage high
46———-Vehicle anti-theft system/ Power steering switch failure
47———-Electronic Control Module, ECM computer circuit problems
48———-Misfire
49———-Vacuum Leak
51———-Electronic Control Module, ECM computer PROM (program) error
52———-Electronic Control Module, ECM fuel calpac missing
53———-Over voltage condition/ EGR/ Voltage reference/ VATS problem
54———-Low fuel pump voltage/ Fuel pump relay/ Quad driver module
55———-Electronic Control Module, ECM failure/ fuel lean malfunction
56———-Corrosivity or dd coolant/ Port throttle system vacuum sensor
58———-Vehicle anti theft system, VATS system
61———-O2 sensor/ Port throtle/ Cruise control problem, vent solenoid circuit
62———-Gear switch input/ Oil temp sensor/ Cruise, vacuum solenoid
63———-MAP sensor high/ small EGR failure/ Right O2 sensor failure
64———-MAP sensor low/ small EGR failure/ Right O2 sensor failure
65———-Large EGR failure/ Injector Peak/ Right O2 sensor/ Cruise
66———-Electronic Control Module, ECM internal reset occured
67———-Cruise control, switch circuit problems
68———-Cruise control, switch circuit problems
69———-Air conditioner pressure switch, circuit problems
88———-Electronic Control Module, ECM internal reset occured