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Reading trouble codes with a paper clip???

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Old 01-29-2001, 09:19 AM
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Reading trouble codes with a paper clip???

I will try this when I go to the auction for my Z28 or IROC I want. How do you do this,and where is a list of codes I can print out and bring with me to troubleshoot the car on the spot?

Thanks,

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Old 01-29-2001, 09:31 AM
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Underneath and a little to the right of the steering column is the diagnostics plug. Put the paperclip in the rightmost two on the top row of connectors while the car is off. Then, turn the key to the run position, but don't start it. The Service Engine Soon light will flash, and the flashes will correspond to a code. For example, if you see one flash, a pause, then two flashes, that's 12. Two flashes, a pause, four flashes, that's 24. Each code is flashed 3 times, then it moves onto the next. There are codes from the past 50 engine starts, so you may be there for a while.

Oh, and if you get a lot of code 12's, that normal.


As far as what the codes mean, I think a Chilton's manual has them in it.

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Old 01-29-2001, 09:35 AM
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That's a pretty good idea. To do it jump the top two right boxes. Then turn the ignition on, but don't start the car. It will flash once, pause, and then flash twice. That means "12". It will repeat that three times total and then it will go into the codes. Each code will be flashed three times and when it's done it will flash code twelve again. Good luck and be careful. Some of those auctions can be pretty good deals, but some...

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Old 01-29-2001, 09:36 AM
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oops, you beat me while i was typing mine.
Old 01-29-2001, 08:26 PM
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Old 08-01-2024, 08:23 PM
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Re: Reading trouble codes with a paper clip???

I have a 1989 firebird 4 speed and reverse with a 5.0 v8 tpi everything works except the injectors don't get a pulse . the engine will fire up for a couple of seconds when i use quik start and that's it any advice will be very much appreciated.
Old 08-01-2024, 08:41 PM
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Re: Reading trouble codes with a paper clip???

Love seeing old threads revived from new users who are doing web searches without realizing how old these threads are and replying with something not even related to the original post.

Injectors use PWM. that means there is constant voltage at the injectors when the key is on and the ECM pulses the ground circuit to fire the injectors.

First test to see if the injectors have power.

The ECM will pulse the injectors when it sees that all conditions are met.
Old 08-02-2024, 03:13 PM
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Re: Reading trouble codes with a paper clip???

Originally Posted by Eljohnny
I have a 1989 firebird 4 speed and reverse with a 5.0 v8 tpi everything works except the injectors don't get a pulse . the engine will fire up for a couple of seconds when i use quik start and that's it any advice will be very much appreciated.
How are you checking for a pulse at the injectors? If you're not using a proper tester you probably need an ECM as anything else will cause too much current to flow in the circuit. You can test for power at the injector with a standard test light and it should stay constant, the ECM pulses the ground to control the injector.
What is a quick start?
Old 08-02-2024, 05:16 PM
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Re: Reading trouble codes with a paper clip???

Originally Posted by Beeman
How are you checking for a pulse at the injectors? If you're not using a proper tester you probably need an ECM as anything else will cause too much current to flow in the circuit. You can test for power at the injector with a standard test light and it should stay constant, the ECM pulses the ground to control the injector.
What is a quick start?
Starter fluid spray in a can...
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