Reading Diagnostic Trouble Codes

I. When the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) has been reported on, do the following:





1. Connect the Service Check Connector terminals with a jumper wire as shown. (The 2P Service Check Connector is located under the dash on the passenger side of the car.) Turn the ignition switch on.





2. Note the Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC): The MIL indicates a code by the length and number of blinks. The MIL can indicate simultaneous component problems by blinking separate codes, one after another. Codes I through 9 are indicated by individual short blinks. Codes 10 through 48 are indicated by a series of long and short blinks. The number of long blinks equals the first digit, the number of short blinks equals the second digit.





II. Engine Control Module (ECM) Reset Procedure

1. Turn the ignition switch off.

2. Remove the BACK UP (7.5 A) fuse from the under-hood fuse/relay box for 10 seconds to reset the ECM.

NOTE: Disconnecting the BACK UP fuse also cancels the radio preset stations and the clock setting. Make note of the radio presets before removing the fuse so you reset them.

III. Final Procedure (this procedure must be done after any troubleshooting)

1. Remove the Jumper Wire.

NOTE: If the Service Check Connector is jumped, the MIL will stay on.

2. Do the ECM Reset Procedure.

3. Set the radio preset stations and the clock setting.

DTCs 0 - 48:

^ If codes other than those listed above are indicated, verify the code. If the code indicated is not listed above, replace the ECM.
^ The MIL may come on, indicating a system problem when, in fact, there is a poor or intermittent electrical connection. First, check the electrical connections, clean or repair connections if necessary.
^ The MIL does not come on when there is a malfunction in the Electrical Load Detector (ELD) circuit. However, it will indicate the code when the Service Check Connector is jumped.









If the inspection for a particular code requires the test harness, remove the right door sill molding and pull the carpet back to expose the ECM. Unbolt the ECM cover. Turn the ignition switch off and connect the test harness. Check the system according to the procedure described for the appropriate code(s) listed.





CAUTION:
^ Puncturing the insulation on a wire can cause poor or intermittent electrical connections.
^ For testing at connectors other than the test harness, bring the tester probe into contact with the terminal from the connector side of wire harness connectors in the engine compartment. For female connectors, just touch lightly with the tester probe and do not insert the probe.