Check Engine?

verdictllguilty · #1 10-21-2007, 08:28 PM

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

wrightz28 · #2 10-22-2007, 05:10 PM

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

verdictllguilty · #3 10-22-2007, 10:14 PM

i really dont want to buy a scanner

goldz28 · #4 10-23-2007, 12:22 AM

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

blindeyed · #5 10-23-2007, 02:04 AM

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

wrightz28 · #6 10-23-2007, 10:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by goldz28

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.

watthe · #7 10-23-2007, 03:00 PM

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

wrightz28 · #8 10-23-2007, 03:39 PM

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.

verdictllguilty · #9 10-23-2007, 05:07 PM

ok bak to my problemmm

wrightz28 · #10 10-23-2007, 05:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by verdictllguilty

ok bak to my problemmm

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

inafogg · #11 10-23-2007, 06:15 PM

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

Morley · #12 10-24-2007, 02:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by watthe

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.

wrightz28 · #13 10-24-2007, 11:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by inafogg

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

Not on 94 & up.

zoom zoom zoom · #14 10-26-2007, 08:21 PM

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 .

wrightz28 · #15 10-29-2007, 10:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zoom zoom zoom

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.

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