www.allpar.com/fix/codes.html
On newer cars (mid-to-late 1990s, 2000s):
a.. You may have to have the parking brake firmly set for the codes to
show! (Thanks, Steven Midway)
b.. Depending on the year, you may simply want to invest in an OBD
compatible code reader. We were unable to retrieve codes from a 2002 Neon,
but found it very easy with a 2002 PT Cruiser and a 2002 Chrysler Sebring
Convertible GTC.
c.. On later models with a digital odometer, the codes are usually
displayed on the odometer rather than blinking the check engine light. (This
is the case on Peter Galambos' 1997 Dakota, and on the 2001 PT Cruiser - it
displays "done" when it is finished, or when there are no codes).
d.. Click here for a 2001 computer code list. We also now have the 2001
list in PDF format - we suspect most of the codes are the same in nearby
years - click here to get it. (Acrobat Reader required from adobe.com).
e.. On many 2001 and newer models, holding in the trip odometer reset
button while turning the key to RUN will start a self test, with a readout
on the odometer. It will also activate all instrument panels, one at a time.
We do not know if this will show computer codes, or whether it only tests
the instrument panels.
f.. Simultaneously press the trip reset and trip/odometer switches; while
holding them, turn the ignition to RUN (not start), and wait about five
seconds. This sends the car through a short self-test sequence that lights
all segments of the odometer and shift selector read-out (where applicable).
It will then display the stored error codes. (Courtesy Theodore M. Farabee
of the U.S. Navy) Note: we do not know for certain whether this reports
computer codes, or only instrument panel failure codes.
g.. J. Peters said that Jeeps made after model year 1997 require an ODB
reader - the lamp method doesn't work. [This may have changed]
h.. Will R. said his Durango didn't work with the press-odometer method
though it did the self-check. He used the on-off-on-off system and it worked
on the fourth key cycle (seems to vary by model from three to five cycles).
i.. Normally, to get codes, you put the key on OFF and then rapidly do
OFF-ON-OFF-ON-OFF-ON. Mark Warrington was able to use the blinking check
engine light and the odometer readout after doing five on/ five off ignition
sequences, and if the check engine light was on, on his 4-liter 1996 Grand
Cherokee. On our test convertible (2002), the key did not go back to unlock,
so it was ACC-ON-ACC-ON-ACC-ON.
a.. Jon Yoon: The 98 Caravan does the same check engine light code trick
(OFF-ON-OFF-ON-OFF-ON), but it also does an instrument diagnostic check if
you hold the trip and reset buttons and turn the key to the run position and
wait 5 seconds. This helped me figure out that my input and output speed
sensors were broken but the actual speedometer dial could move thanks to the
instrument panel check.
j.. For the 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee and up, you do the switching the key
on and off 3 times, but not quickly. You turn it to on so the odometer turns
on, turn it off, and then back on, wait for the light to turn on, etc. On
the fourth time you'll get a code, or you'll get done. (Monica MacDonald)
k.. A loose gas cap may light up the Check Engine light! (Thanks, Lyn
Clark)
l.. James Hale's 2000 Grand Voyager has the following sequence (which may
reflect a test of the instrument panel or body computer rather than the
engine codes):
1.. Press the trip and trip-reset buttons that are located next to the
digital odometer.
2.. Turn the ignition key to "Run" or "On" and not "Start".
3.. Count five seconds or better yet, if you didn't buckle-up count five
chimes.
4.. Release both buttons at the same time. Then the word "Codes" shows
up in the odometer, and a self-test seems to take place; I always get "999"
which I assume is the end-of-codes number. After that, a series of tests
show up: "Code 1", "Code 2" and "Code 3" which test the gauges, lights and
LEDs in the instrument panel, including the trip-computer/compass.
a.. On Elko Tchernev's 1998 Stratus, where there is only one combined
trip/odometer and reset switch, waiting for 5 seconds will just reset the
trip odometer. To get codes, press the switch, turn the ignition to ON, and
release the switch as soon as the odometer displays "Check 1". This causes
the computer to go through several check sequences (5, IIRC), for all lamps,
LED segments and gauges, indicated by "Check 2" etc. and terminated by
"End". BUT Al Ward wrote that this only checks the sensors feeding the
instrument panel.
b.. When the computer indicates major failure, it can activate Limp In
mode, which guesses about data to compensate for sensor failure, allowing
you to get the car to a mechanic. One major symptom of this is losing third
and/or fourth gear.
c.. Dan Stewart wrote about the 1999+ Voyager/Caravan with digital gear
selection display:
a.. There are 2 functions that can be accomplished with the key-on
sequence. The first I would like to address is how to pull the Diagnostic
Trouble Codes. Begin by placing the key into the ignition. Push and hold
the both the "Trip" and the "Reset" buttons with the left hand and turn the
key to the "ACC" position (first position between "LOCK" and "RUN").
Continue to hold both buttons in and count to 5. Release both buttons,
display should read trip mileage instead of total mileage. Push the "TRIP"
button and the odometer will display DTC'S in rotating sequence instead of
displaying total mileage.
b.. The second function is an instrumentation diagnostic. Place key
into ignition, press and hold both "TRIP" and "RESET" while turning the key
to the "RUN" position. Continue to hold both buttons in until odometer
displays "CODE". Release buttons. The display will then display "999".
Afterward it will display "CHECK 0" and test the analog gauges. It will
then display "CHECK 1" and test the digital displays.
<bullet proof 96 cherokee> wrote in message
...
>i also read that the the on metod may work(on, off, on, off, on) but you
>need to wait for the odometer
> to light up with each on
>
> try www.allpar.com/fix/codes.html
>
> there is other tip like hold the odo reset and turn key to on. it give a
> lot off different ways to get codes
> good luck
> mongo
>
>