Trouble Codes
#1
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Trouble Codes
I was told by a parts store, that my 95 Mystique, 4 cyl. does not have a computer connection to read error codes. With my check engine light on, how do I find out what the codes are, in order to initiate a fix?
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The diagnostic connector for this one should be under the hood on the passenger side. I think that means it's OBD type 1, and maybe the parts store employee is used to seeing the newer type 2 which is always under the steering wheel.
Not sure if a simple plug adapter is used to read your car's On-Board Diagnostics or if an OBD1 scanner is needed. I've never used this equipment.
I'd go back to the parts store and make 'em look through their tool drawer and give you your free printout.
Not sure if a simple plug adapter is used to read your car's On-Board Diagnostics or if an OBD1 scanner is needed. I've never used this equipment.
I'd go back to the parts store and make 'em look through their tool drawer and give you your free printout.
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I don't know about your specific vehicle...
And it is my experience that ALL vehicles are different!
You basically use a code reader to read the codes. And prior to around 1996, you used special code readers for each vehicle called OBD I. These don't work on all vehicles. You would need one that specifically works on your vehicle.
Then around 1996, they made all vehicles so they could use the same (OBD II) code reader. Same electrical connection and same codes basically.
BUT with several pre 1996 vehicles I have worked on, there is a way you can short the connections in a certain electrical connector and get the codes to flash by blinking the check engine light. That is a possibility. (And different for each vehicle of course!)
The procedure for this (if this is possible) would be in a factory service manual set for your specific vehicle which you would order from your dealer. Be sure to order ALL the books in the set including the book which would cover the engine computer stuff (fuel and emissions typically).
But if you do in fact need a code reader to read the code from the engine computer, then what do you do once you get that code?
You pretty much need a multimeter and the factory service manual set to troubleshoot the problem. The books will tell you exactly what to test with the multimeter to track down the problem.
So those are the "right" tools you need to work on vehicles these days. A multimeter, a factory service manual set, and possibly a code reader which will read the codes in *your* specific vehicle.
And it is my experience that ALL vehicles are different!
You basically use a code reader to read the codes. And prior to around 1996, you used special code readers for each vehicle called OBD I. These don't work on all vehicles. You would need one that specifically works on your vehicle.
Then around 1996, they made all vehicles so they could use the same (OBD II) code reader. Same electrical connection and same codes basically.
BUT with several pre 1996 vehicles I have worked on, there is a way you can short the connections in a certain electrical connector and get the codes to flash by blinking the check engine light. That is a possibility. (And different for each vehicle of course!)
The procedure for this (if this is possible) would be in a factory service manual set for your specific vehicle which you would order from your dealer. Be sure to order ALL the books in the set including the book which would cover the engine computer stuff (fuel and emissions typically).
But if you do in fact need a code reader to read the code from the engine computer, then what do you do once you get that code?
You pretty much need a multimeter and the factory service manual set to troubleshoot the problem. The books will tell you exactly what to test with the multimeter to track down the problem.
So those are the "right" tools you need to work on vehicles these days. A multimeter, a factory service manual set, and possibly a code reader which will read the codes in *your* specific vehicle.
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Trouble Codes
Thanks for the replys. I will verify the connector location and take a trip back to the parts store. I'm sure they will have a old obd 1 scanner kicking around somewhere. I'm guessing that the first thing should be to clear the codes and start with whatever comes up after the clearing, just to eliminate the possibility of having some old codes hanging around.
Your replys give me a promising outlook. There is a way. Maybe not an easy one, but still there is a way.
Your replys give me a promising outlook. There is a way. Maybe not an easy one, but still there is a way.