Check Engine?

IS there an way to obtain a ceck engine code form my dash? i dont want to buy a code reader and i went to autozone/advance auto parts/oreillys and all they have is for cars 1995 and up
i have a 1994 Pontiac Firebird Formula 5.7L

Unfortunately, you're in the grey years of OBD-I hybrids. No flash codes, you have to retireve the codes with a compatable scanner.

i really dont want to buy a scanner

Some auto parts stores can scan it for you for free.

As long as it has the OBD-II style connector, you can have it scanned by almost any auto parts store.

Some auto parts stores can scan it for you for free.

Problem lies in the fact that most of your average behind the counter parts guys think it's OBD-II (because of the connector) and get the imfamous, "what we have here is failure to comunnicate" error, sending the vehicle owner home frustrated and thinking their ECM is the newest edition to the KFC lineup. :disappoin

Does anyone know what to look for once all the codes that wer reading has been replaced and check light still stays on. 1987 formula 5.7 with lots of mods

mmmkay, you say lots of mods, a little elaboration on that could help point to a potential problem in that area.

And, most importantly, the code(s) tells you what circuit is detecting a problem, and is normally a cause and effect ordeal, not THE cause. What code(s) were you getting? What was your resolve(s)? Any time a multitude of codes comes along the real problem is usually quite simple. :2cents:

ok bak to my problemmm

ok bak to my problemmm

True, I let it slide because it's kind of related to the topic, of which has been answered.

you cant pull codes by grounding A & B terminals on aldl connector??

Does anyone know what to look for once all the codes that wer reading has been replaced and check light still stays on. 1987 formula 5.7 with lots of mods
Need to start your own thread so answers don't get confused.

you cant pull codes by grounding A & B terminals on aldl connector??

Not on 94 & up.

I just bought one of the scanners for my 94 Firebird from Autozone and got nothing.the repair manual said the check engine light should give flash codes.and if it doesnt take it to the dealership to have the ecm)pcm) checked .Im still stumped .

I just bought one of the scanners for my 94 Firebird from Autozone and got nothing.the repair manual said the check engine light should give flash codes.and if it doesnt take it to the dealership to have the ecm)pcm) checked .Im still stumped .

See post #6, your scanner is most likely OBD-II only.

If you talk to a mechanics shop & tell them you have an OBI car, ask if they have a scanner to pull the codes. Most small town good shops do have the OBI scanners around, if not try the dealer, or the Mr. Fix-It at work. The scanners are still out there. On a side note, a scanner that a garage will have or dealership will be much more specific on whats wrong with the car, then a cheap one you can buy at autozone, while the autozone one will tell you the code, the mechanic one will tell you what part of the circuit is bad (sensor). Last but not least you cannot reset the computer without the scanner, so don't even bother doing the battery disconnect of the old days.

yep, OBD one and a half.
although the after market stepped up to the plate to put low cost code readers for OBD2 on the market. i've never seen that for obd1, there was really no demand, with the exception of some 94 & 95 GMs retriving codes from cars made by the big 3 was no big deal.
you might find a reasonable deal on ebay that or paying for the diagnostic about $50 - 80 around here at independent shops.
if you are in the st. louis area pm me.