how do i find check engine codes?

when you have a check engine light come on how do u find out the code for it? do u need one of those hand held deals that u plug in the obd2 port, i have a 95 metro so i dont have one of those?

Hey there, under the dash on the drivers side you will find the fuse block. On the side closest to the fire wall, which would be the rear of the block and towards the left side laying on your back looking up at it, you will see a blank fuse slot slightly sticking out further than the rest. That is your trouble code fuse slot. Take one of the spare 15amp fuse's and with the ignition off, put in the fuse then turn on the ignition and the check engine light will begin to flash codes, the first flash is the first digit of the number and there will be a brief pause then the second # will flash, count the flashes and thats your trouble code number. the codes flash 3 times in a row then the second code will flash if there is one. if it flashes a 12 then there are no codes and everything is ok according to the on board computer (ECM). Hope this helps I don't have the codes however I am waiting my service manual myself. someone else may offer them to you or do a search on "trouble codes" and you will find several people have posted here. Good Luck, Darren

Speaking of codes, my "Service Engine Soon" light is on. I performed the procedure bgskypkn described. I get no codes...not sure why, but I did read somewhere on the internet that if the light comes back on after the code read/ reset, the diagnostic computer is either broken, or its wiring harness is not properly connected. I'm not sure what is wrong with mine. Anyway, just thought I would throw that out there, in case you get the same thing. If you do a Google search, you can find what the codes mean, and you may stumble across the same thing I described above.

wow, thanks alot. i will try that tommarrow.

which models does that work for? I have a 94 metro ,will the fuse for codes work on it?

My Haynes manual states 85-88 Chevy Sprint, and 89-91 Geo Metro. Look and see if that raised fuse spot is on your fuse block, thats all I can help you with at the moment,sorry I have only owned this car for a month so it is very new to me also, but do have a lot of mechanic experiance with lots of cars..

avfan,
my 94 blue hb has the raised area for fuse diag, the codes are listed differently for different models though. Where in the He!#@$@ is Arkansas?

Thanks ,I will look for the raised fuse holder.
to get to Arkansas, you leave the wonderful city of Denver,Colorado headed east,and you drive about 3 hours until you hit the Kansas state line (driving on I70)Then you drive for 3 lifetimes across Kansas,until you get to Kansas City.Hang a right and go south about 3 hours and you will come to the wal mart state line ...excuse me the Arkansas state line,but you have to show a walmart gift card ID to enter the state,lol.

keep us posted on your progress! Thanks for the directions .... I don't think i'll be by anytime soon !LOL

Oh come on come down for a week one day,the water's fine,the weather is great,and the only air pollution we have is from the hickory smoked bbq!!!!!!!!!! lol :smokin:

Whats a code 13? Im getting that on my 93. Thanks