How to read codes?

What's the procedure to read ECU codes on a 2000 Max? I found the procedure for the 2002+ and tried it but it didn't work, am I doing it wrong, or is it just different?

Thanks!

Regards,
Chris

well see if your ECU has a screw on it like this one http://www.vbxmaxima.8m.com/ecu.html, if not then i think it should be the same as a 2002 max. u have to makesure that u are using a watch and do the timings exactly as stated.

artin, thanks for the reply. I first tried your method before finding out about the 2002+ ignition key/gas pedal procedure, however when I removed the panel covering the ECU it didn't look quite the same as the picture you provided, there was no sticker on it saying Self Diagnosis and there were 2 identical round holes and no flash indicator. I didn't break the plastic seal to poke a screwdriver in, I don't see where the flashes would come from!

I'll try the 2002+ method once more hoping it will work. Do you think the engine needs to be warm to do this test? My Check Engine Light is on right now so I'm trying to keep the car in the driveway while it lasts and I'm not particularly overjoyed by the thought of taking the car to the dealer..

Regards,
Chris

artin, thanks for the reply. I first tried your method before finding out about the 2002+ ignition key/gas pedal procedure, however when I removed the panel covering the ECU it didn't look quite the same as the picture you provided, there was no sticker on it saying Self Diagnosis and there were 2 identical round holes and no flash indicator. I didn't break the plastic seal to poke a screwdriver in, I don't see where the flashes would come from!

I'll try the 2002+ method once more hoping it will work. Do you think the engine needs to be warm to do this test? My Check Engine Light is on right now so I'm trying to keep the car in the driveway while it lasts and I'm not particularly overjoyed by the thought of taking the car to the dealer..

Regards,
Chris


ECU resets after batt cable is disconnected for period of time; should clear the light. The light will come back as soon as /if you have real problem...

If u go to dealer, limit their job to tst. Stand by and see what they do. Ask quotation from various places based on that. Later on the week decide whom to believe...

OK. How long should the battery cable be disconnected for to reset the ECU? I'll give it a few hours.

The engine is otherwise running normally.

Thanks for the tips guys,

Regards,
Chris

Update: The battery was unplugged for most of today, started it up and the light hasn't returned, took the car out for a 20 minute drive and everything seems fine! The car hadn't been driven for a long stretch in about 2 weeks, combination of short commutes and cold weather may have reduced the cat's performance (no proper warm up) prompting the ECU to assume the anti-pollution system isn't functioning properly, triggering the SES. A theory, I hope I never find out..

Thanks for everyone's input!

Regards,
Chris

Update: The battery was unplugged for most of today, started it up and the light hasn't returned, took the car out for a 20 minute drive and everything seems fine! The car hadn't been driven for a long stretch in about 2 weeks, combination of short commutes and cold weather may have reduced the cat's performance (no proper warm up) prompting the ECU to assume the anti-pollution system isn't functioning properly, triggering the SES. A theory, I hope I never find out..

Thanks for everyone's input!

Regards,
Chris

Whoever swears by ECU code is wet behind ears... the 50 codes can never represent 5000 error possibilities. The problem lies in the very slim signal levels and that in older cars the signals have been reduced so low that they all the time stutter on bothe sides of triggering 'fault' light.

The whole current computronics environment we currently have in cars, is structurewise more laughable than the scaffolding nasa's calls shuttle. (component level is mostly super)
See: http://www.cardomain.com/memberpage/748507/14

The only way is to install industry standard signal buses in a car to decrease the connector spaghetti. There we are quite near entering the windows -world... now who wants first wait to boot windows, call '911' help for viruses -before- to get started? And then push start -button to stop u car...

I swear by ECM codes and my ears are very dry.

lol