"Boxer_4" (Boxer_4)
01/26/2015 at 23:25 • Filed to: None
2
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"Boxer_4" (Boxer_4)
01/26/2015 at 23:25 • Filed to: None | 2
| 16 |
Did you know that for some cars, it's possible to pull trouble codes without a code reader?
Dusty Venture's recent post reminded me of this feature that a lot of people either don't know they have, or forget they have. With the introduction of more modern gauge clusters in vehicles, this has become more widespread. It's often known as "Diagnostic Mode". I first learned about it with my 2009 Forester. Thanks to researching for Dusty, I learned it works for 2005-2009 Outbacks (and probably most other newer Subarus), too. It's quite a handy tool more people should know about.
That's where you all come in. I think it would be interesting as a group to figure out what all of our collective fleet has this ability, and how to access it. It may prove to be valuable for someone.
So: See if you can find information on how to access your car's "Diagnostic Mode". If you find information, post your Make, Model, Year, and any other relevant information (such as optional gauge clusters, etc) below. I'll be posting for my Forester below.
(While this should not void your warranty, I do feel like a statement needs to be made. If you don't feel comfortable trying this on your personal vehicle, then don't try it.)
BaconSandwich is tasty.
> Boxer_4
01/26/2015 at 23:29 |
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With my Civic, it is possible to read some of the codes by timing the blinking of various lights.
ly2v8-Brian
> Boxer_4
01/26/2015 at 23:31 |
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It's also possible to clear codes with out a reader
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Boxer_4
> Boxer_4
01/26/2015 at 23:33 |
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Subaru
- 2009-2013 Forester (not verified on the Touring gauge cluster).
- 2005-2009 Outback and Legacy
- Possibly others
To read DTCs:
turn ignition on
quickly (you've ten seconds to do all this)
turn lights on
press trip reset four times
turn lights off
press trip reset four times
turn lights on
press trip reset four times
Now, pressing the trip button will switch between codes displayed for ECM, TCM, and VDC. You can also turn off your lights.
For panel diagnostics:
carry out the same procedure, but press the trip button THREE times on each occasion. Pressing the trip button will switch between three modes- lamp check, meter calibration, and LCD check.
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Boxer_4
> BaconSandwich is tasty.
01/26/2015 at 23:34 |
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OBDI?
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Boxer_4
> ly2v8-Brian
01/26/2015 at 23:38 |
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Or just buy a Volkswagen. Eventually, the bulb will burn out. No need for tape.
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ly2v8-Brian
> Boxer_4
01/26/2015 at 23:39 |
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See, problem solved!
PowderHound
> BaconSandwich is tasty.
01/26/2015 at 23:43 |
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I honestly feel like I've done this with one of my subys but I can't seem to find anything on Google readily.
XJDano
> Boxer_4
01/26/2015 at 23:58 |
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My 93xj Cherokee with OBDI you could cycle ignition 6 times & it would flash the code.
Maybe it was my 90 suburban.
Denver Is Stuck In The 90s
> Boxer_4
01/27/2015 at 00:28 |
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if I put a paperclip in my diagnostic port the dash will speak to me in morse code via flashing the CEL a certain way. But there has to be a CEL for codes to come out. If I do it randomly it wont do anything
Here's a video Explaining the process on a ford taurus
PyramidHat
> Boxer_4
01/27/2015 at 00:56 |
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For Volvos
Svend
> Boxer_4
01/27/2015 at 02:08 |
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I don't know if this works for all GM products but it does for Vauxhall and Opel. It's the Pedal Test. With the ignition turned off press down on the accelerator and brake pedals together, then turn your key in the ignition to position 2 (just before actually starting the car) and count how many times the EMU warning light flashes (10 flashes = 0, one flash -1, two flashes = two, and so on) it will be a four digit code, some will have a five or six digit code and some will even show you the code in the milometer. Once you've got the four, five or six digit code go to Google and type in 'vauxhall fault codes (and the number)' and there you go.
Couldn't be any simpler and saves a small fortune. Some garages charge anything from £35 to £80 to hook it up to the diagnostic tool.
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BaconSandwich is tasty.
> Boxer_4
01/27/2015 at 08:22 |
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Nope. ODBII.
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BaconSandwich is tasty.
> PowderHound
01/27/2015 at 08:23 |
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In my case it was the SRS light.
Meatcoma
> Boxer_4
01/27/2015 at 09:51 |
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90's and early 00's Cadillac's do this as well.
http://z-cut.de/US/dtcobd1.htm…
MonkeePuzzle
> Boxer_4
01/27/2015 at 10:00 |
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civic you put a jumper on a pair of pins next to the ecu, then turn on car and CEL flashes. Long for 10s, short for 1s.
twochevrons
> Boxer_4
01/27/2015 at 15:50 |
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1995 and earlier Volvo 850s have a 'diagnostic plug' in the engine bay, attached to the ECU box behind the left headlamp. Open it up, plug the flylead into the socket corresponding to the module you want to diagnose, push the button, and it will flash out codes on an LED.
Later 850s have a regular OBD2 port instead of the diagnostic plug, but still offer the 'flash codes' on otherwise-unused pins of the OBD port. By jumping across the right pins with an LED and a paperclip, you can read and clear codes without the proper tool. This will also let you reset the service reminder indicator, and access modules that most generic OBD2 tools can't talk to.