`87 classic questions

My folks just left me their `87 caprice classic broughm LS with only 56k on it and it`s so cherry I`m going to keep it. I don`t know anything about it so I have some questions. Is there a computer in this car? And what does it mean when owners say in a post that they "blow this or that code"? What do I need to read these codes and where is the computer located? I`ve read the owners manual those things are not mentioned. Thanks.
moif

The computer is located inside a plastic panel on the passenger's side of the car. Its right under the dash, along the side wall. To check the computer codes that you keep hearing about there is a diagnostic plug mounted right at the very bottom of the dash, way under the steering column. To show any engine trouble codes you must take a paperclip and plug one end into the upper right terminal, and the other end of the paper clip into the terminal to the left of it (Terminals A & B).

Thanks PeteA216. Would you please tell me where I
read the codes and what I refer to for their info.
Thank you. moif

On the bottom of the computer should be the Assembly Line Diagnostic port which you would plug a scanner into to read the codes. You can also do the same thing by shorting ports A and B together with a paper clip, etc. Either option causes the check engine light on the instrument cluster to flash a certain number of times.

The length and number of flashes give you a nummeric value. Long flashes are the 10's place and short flashes are the one's place.

Example:
2 long flashes followed by 2 short flashes would be a Code 22.

You take that nummeric code and find what it means using a code list in a book or post it on this forum and we will identify what it means for you. Each code will flash three times, then it will flash the next code. A code 12 is always flashed first to let you know the computer is working properly. That is normal. Any codes after that are trouble codes. After all the codes are done, it will repeat the cycle starting with a code 12 again.

Can`t wait to try it. Thanks so much. moif