checking engine codes?

[eros]

other than using the scanning tools, is there a way for us to check the engine codes?

 

My old dodge, I just turned the key from off to on 3 times and it would start flashing codes at me.. can I do this with my 2006 gm sierra? if so, how?

[95Sierra2500]

no, you need a code reader. take it to autozone, they can read them for free.

[yeehaw87]

Actually there is a way. You can take a paperclip and bend it, put it into the first and third hole where you would plug a scan tool. Then, you turn you key to the on position, and if they're are are error codes, the service engine soon light will blink. So say the error code is P0153. It will blink once, then pause, then blink 5 times, pause, then blink three times. Its pretty easy to do, and its free.

[chevroletmb]

that was just on obd1 vehicle prior to 1996

[GM-Tech]

Actually there is a way.  You can take a paperclip and bend it, put it into the first and third hole where you would plug a scan tool. 

 

Someone was pulling your leg on this one! First of all, often times there is nothing in postitions 1 and 3. Second of all, this just plain does not work on OBD II systems, only the older OBD I systems.

[yeehaw87]

Ya, my bad, I thought your truck was older, sorry. But yeah, you can do it on '95 and older trucks, a retired GM mechanic showed me it. Sorry again.