check engine light, suggestions?

[bharnett]

I just saw my check engine light go on, and I went to Autozone. They told me that they cannot check anything earlier than 1996. I called another Autozone to see if they were just being lazy, but they all say they can't check my 1995 Blazer. My car runs fine, pasted emissions tests by a wide margin, and gets decent miliage for a 11 year-old car. My question: Is there anywhere else I can get my code read for free? My mechanic says it will cost me, and I think that is just rediculous. Any help would be great. Thanks.

B

[blazee]

Is your PCM under the hood on the right fender or in the dash?

If it is under the hood, your blazer is OBDII compatiable and can be read with a scan tool.

[bharnett]

PCM is the computer module I assume. How would I know where it is? I read in my manual that my SES was part of the ODBC II system in the car.
If it is ODBC II compatible, does that mean Autozone can read it, even if they say they can't? Thanks for your help and patience with my ignorance.

[blazee]

Yes the PCM is the computer, to tell where it is..... just look under the hood, it will be a black box with a lot of wires going into it, mounted on the right fender, right above the overflow tank.


And yes if it is OBDII compliant it can be read with their scan tools.

If it isn't on the fender it will be a more primative system, but I'm pretty sure autozone can read those too, but instead of reading it on a display, it tells the code by flashing the SES.

[blazer94]

If your ALDL <Assembly Line Data Link> connector is under the dash, you can read your own codes from the SES (service Engine Soon Light) It is a easy trick to do.
A. Use a jumper or a paper clip to connect the two connectors on the top row from right to left.
B. Turn ignition to run, but do not start the engine

The SES light will flash code 12, which is one flash, pause, two quick flashes. It will do this 3 times, than it will flash any stored codes. When all stored codes are flashed, it will flash code 12 again to signal it is finished.A haynes manuel can tell you all this, and will also have a readout of what the codes indicate. After repair, to clear the codes, disconnect your ground cable from your battery. ( I always wait 10 min to be sure) this will also reset your idle speed, so when you have re-connected, start vehicle, put in D with foot on the brake and allow your vehicle to re-learn it's idle, especially if you have performed any changes/repairs.

[blazee]

Originally Posted by blazer94

If your ALDL <Assembly Line Data Link> connector is under the dash, you can read your own codes from the SES (service Engine Soon Light) It is a easy trick to do.
A. Use a jumper or a paper clip to connect the two connectors on the top row from right to left.
B. Turn ignition to run, but do not start the engine

The SES light will flash code 12, which is one flash, pause, two quick flashes. It will do this 3 times, than it will flash any stored codes. When all stored codes are flashed, it will flash code 12 again to signal it is finished.A haynes manuel can tell you all this, and will also have a readout of what the codes indicate. After repair, to clear the codes, disconnect your ground cable from your battery. ( I always wait 10 min to be sure) this will also reset your idle speed, so when you have re-connected, start vehicle, put in D with foot on the brake and allow your vehicle to re-learn it's idle, especially if you have performed any changes/repairs.

Bad advice, you need to find out which comptuer he has before telling him to put a paper clip in the connector. 95 was the transition year between OBD1 and OBD2. Some of the 95s got the old computers and some got the new ones. You can't use a jumper on the new ones.

[blazer94]

Your right, Blazee, my bad I also should have mentioned confirming OBD 1 or 2, using paper clip trick works for OBD 1

[amac209]

if the connector is rectangular it's OBD1 if it's shaped like a trapezoid it's OBD2

[bharnett]

my PCM is under the hood on the passenger side near the fender, so it is ODBC II. That trick with the paperclip is crazy, you guys are amazing. Thanks for all your help!

[TonyMazz]

Originally Posted by bharnett

my PCM is under the hood on the passenger side near the fender, so it is ODBC II. That trick with the paperclip is crazy, you guys are amazing. Thanks for all your help!

Please do not put a paperclip in your OBDII ALDL connector !!!!!!!! Very Bad idea !!!

Geezzzzz

[bharnett]

oh yeah, no paper clip in odbII, I got that... still the knowledge in here is great. THANKS!