dum question

[bluejay]

My check engine light came on during a long trip. I had a dodge shadow before and could pull the engine codes right off the dash by turning the keys on and off can you do that on a Astro van?

I tried that and couldn't get it to work. is their a way to get engine codes with out taking it in? is their a way to clear the the codes if you think you solved the problem?

[tableman]

No with the Astro's you can't retrive the codes by turning the key on and off, that was Dodges and such pre 1995 with a OBI system. Your van has a OBII system, you need a code reader for any vehicle 1996 and newer. The older cars you could use a test light or voltmeter and a jumper wire

[ggcatt]

Take your van to Autozone. They will read your codes with their handheld reader, and tell you what the problem may be. They will also clear the code for you, all at no cost.

[bluejay]

I live in Canada I don't think we have autozone. Any suggestions for the great white north?

Originally Posted by ggcatt

Take your van to Autozone. They will read your codes with their handheld reader, and tell you what the problem may be. They will also clear the code for you, all at no cost.

[ggcatt]

Sorry, I'm not sure where to refer you to up there. Check around for a local auto parts store. Many times they will read the codes for you, in hopes that you will buy the replacement parts you need.

[bluejay]

I finally fixed it myself. Stupid Gas cap piece of crap system. have to turn it till it clicks a million times

thanks for all your help

[drew300]

I guess that tells you it's broken

[toebab]

In case you need to do it yourself in the near future (AND you have a model prior to 96!):
It's easy to read the codes.
Find the Assembly Line Communication Link (ALCL)
It's a black female 12 wire connecter (about 2 inch by .5 inch).
On my 89 it's located under the dashboard, about 5 inches above the parkbrake It's mounted with 2 screws.
It's wires are like:
F E _ C B A
G H _ _ _ M
A=ground
B=Diagnostics terminal
Connect A to B with a paperclick and switch the ignitionkey to ON.
Now the Service Engine or Check Engine Soon light will flash.
First 3 times are Code 12 (Flash, delay, Flash, Flash)
After that it'll flash the faultcode for example Flash, Flash, Flash delay, Flash Flash for 32
Regards,
Enno

[606]

just disconnect the battery for 10 minutes, your service engine light should dissapear. my service engine light comes on every so often but then goes out after a few weeks.

[astro fan]

If you intend to keep the van for a while and you enjoy fixing cars you might want to invest in a scanner. Canadian Tire sells them for $250 and they are reduced to 150$ a couple of times a year. It comes with a user manual that depicts all the codes.

At first it may sound like a lot of money, but most garage will charge you 70$ to hook-up theirs. The second time you use it, it's paid for!

PS: It's not only usable on your GMs. it's a universal code reader for all cars with OBD II which was introduced on vehicules built in 1996 and up.