Checking OBD-1 Codes without a code reader/diagnostic reader?

Question

I recently read an article detailing how to get diagnostic codes from just a jumper wire. I used a piece of wire, put one end on the ground at the diagnostic terminal, then the other end on the diagnostic pin...nothing happened. Is there another way of doing this and is it true that you can check OBD at home? I have also heard that once the ground is connected, touch the other end to all terminals and wait for the check engine light to come on. Is there any way to "short" out the ECU or otherwise cause damage doing this? Thanks

Answer 1

Go to Auto Zone and they will check your car for free. If the Check Engine Light isn't on, then there probably isn't anything wrong with your vehicle.

Answer 2

Each car is different. Many OBD1 cars allowed a code reader to be plugged in but also allowed you to jump out the connector so the computer could feed back the stored codes.

You need to get a manual that will instruct how to obtain your codes. On Cadillacs with automatic climate the codes would appear as numbers on the display. On GM's the code would flash the MIL with the specific codes stored. Usually an initialization code would flash to let you know the computer was correctly outputting the codes - for example flash pause flash flash flash was code 13 then additional codes would display the same way finally finishing up with a repeat of the initialization code. You would look up what each code meant and perform the repairs. Disconnecting the battery would erase the codes once done.

Answer 3

Peter, most of the Autozone stores won't test obd1 vehicles anymore because they don't want to spend the money on all the different testers and connectors anymore, due to obd1 not being standard equipment anymore.

Answer 4

GM?
Jump terminals 1 and 2.
Then turn the key on and count the flashes.

Answer 5

http://www.batauto.com/
Trouble codes menu on the right upper part of the homepage