diagnostic codes

My 1990 Olds Regency 98 isnt running right. I think that one of the cylinders isnt firing. It starts just fine and never dies, but it doesnt have much power. Im trying to run a diagnostic on it to figure out whats wrong, but i cant figure out how. I know there is a diagnostic hole under the dash under the steering wheel, and i heard all you need to do is push in a paper clip and codes will come threw the engine service soon light. Do I need a special key or am I not using the paper clip correctly? Any information would be greatly appreciated.

just short the connectors out. if you cant do it autozone/any corperate auto store will for free.

Go from there and get back to us

Jumper terminals A and B together, they usually have a slot in the plastic connector between the two and are located on an end. Yes they made a key for these, but you could use a paper clip too if need be. The ignition key has to be in the run position with the engine off. The service engine soon lamp should flash a code 12 three times, then flash any other stored codes three times, then back to code 12. You really should pick up a service manual for your car that explains how to do the diagnostics. Because once you pull any codes, you'll still need the rest of the info to do a proper diagnosis and not throw parts at it unnecessarily. If you have not seen the check engine or service engine soon lamp on recently while driving, most likely there will not be any codes stored. Anyway, after you check for dtc codes, you will still most likely need to do regular diagnostics, like fuel pressure, exhaust back pressure, etc... All the stuff that caused lack of power 50 years ago is still basically there today and still needs to be checked. I bet Autozone will not be able to pull your codes as this is an older car that they most likely don't have the software for and most likey don't have a 12 pin connector for the scan tool. Just a guess, I could be wrong.

I good place to get the codes is here: http://autorepair.about.com/cs/generalinfo/l/bl_dtcs_main.htm

Where do you look if the codes you have are not listed on the above link? I have a code 26, code 64, and code 65 on a 1990 model and they are not listed on the above link. Does anyone possibly know what these codes are?

Google code 26, quad driver plenty of info out there on this.

I'll check it out, hopefully the other 2 codes are on there as well

64/65 is incorrect egr operation, broad failure code here.