Dee2 Posted August 5, 2013 Share Posted August 5, 2013 So, I'm driving home from the store last night and the old check engine light pops on. Then it goes off after about 1 minute. Car is running fine so there's no obvious reason for it. Is there a way to read the codes without having to buy a code reader ? I tried to do a search but no success. This forum does not allow search terms like "CEL" or "code". "Check engine light" returns too many unrelated results. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
caspice Posted August 5, 2013 Share Posted August 5, 2013 What are you driving? Year - Model? If its an EA82, you can 'read' the LED flashes on the ECU under the steering column. Slow flash means a 10 digit, quick flash means a 1 digit. i.e.: __ __ __ - - - - would equal Code 34 The Svc manual has a break down on codes or post it here for comment. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MilesFox Posted August 5, 2013 Share Posted August 5, 2013 look up "ECU trouble codes" a google search would find it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1 Lucky Texan Posted August 5, 2013 Share Posted August 5, 2013 (edited) nvrmd Edited August 5, 2013 by 1 Lucky Texan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scoobiedubie Posted August 5, 2013 Share Posted August 5, 2013 You would probably want to remove the panels above your knees at this point in time. Then when you get the next trouble light on your dash, you pull over into a parking lot or driveway and leave the car running. Then you get out of your vehicle and peek below the steering column for the flashing red light. Once you turn it off, you cannot read the codes anymore. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dee2 Posted August 5, 2013 Author Share Posted August 5, 2013 Sorry. It is a 1990 Loyale sedan, automatic, spfi So to help me understand, I can only read the flashing LED while the Check engine light is on , or does the LED keep flashing so long as the ignition is on ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
caspice Posted August 5, 2013 Share Posted August 5, 2013 The LED will flash when the ignition is turned on, as long as there is an active Code and the unit has not been reset (disconnect the battery). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dee2 Posted August 5, 2013 Author Share Posted August 5, 2013 (edited) Okay, so I took the panel off, turned on the ignition and I see the LED. It is flashing 8 quick short flashes followed by a pause, then it seems to just repeat. 8, pause, 8 pause.... Anyone know what that means ? Edited August 5, 2013 by Dee2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scoobiedubie Posted August 5, 2013 Share Posted August 5, 2013 It means you should drive it around until you get the red trouble light to come on, on your dashboard. They you pull over but DO NOT TURN THE ENGINE OFF. Then you read the codes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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