Check engine light..and what does pulling codes mean???
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Check engine light..and what does pulling codes mean???
Hi, my boyfriend has a 96 Ford Explorer and the check engine light came on, so we added oil cause we thought it was low. We're not mechanically inclined in any sense so we have no idea what we're supposed to do. I've been reading other postings and people keep mentioning pulling codes and computer readings etc. I have no idea what this means. I know I'm an idiot but if someone could please fill me in that would be great. Does this mean we have to go to a Ford Dealership to get the truck scanned or something? Any help would be great.
Thanks
confused in canada
Thanks
confused in canada
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2002
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From: Billings MT
Check engine light..and what does pulling codes mean???
Nobody is an idiot, just uninformed.
"Pulling the codes" means to read the computer of the errors it has stored in it. There are a few ways. The paperclip method, which makes the check engine light flash in sequences denoting codes. IE 1 long flash, pause, 3 short flashes, is code 13. You need to know where the interface is to do that, and I can't help with that.
Or, you can take it a car parts place like AutoZone(don't know who you have up there, but there are a lot of Canadians around here to ask) and they will get the codes for you, usually for free.
By the way, welcome. You will probably find more information than you can absorb, I know I do.
Good luck, and don't hesitate to ask.
"Pulling the codes" means to read the computer of the errors it has stored in it. There are a few ways. The paperclip method, which makes the check engine light flash in sequences denoting codes. IE 1 long flash, pause, 3 short flashes, is code 13. You need to know where the interface is to do that, and I can't help with that.
Or, you can take it a car parts place like AutoZone(don't know who you have up there, but there are a lot of Canadians around here to ask) and they will get the codes for you, usually for free.
By the way, welcome. You will probably find more information than you can absorb, I know I do.
Good luck, and don't hesitate to ask.
Postmaster
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 3,742
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From: UT
Check engine light..and what does pulling codes mean???
Your truck uses a computer to monitor various sensors and then control various controls on the engine/transmission to obtain the best efficiency/emmission. The check engine light is the computer's means of telling you, the driver, that it sees a problem with one or more sensors/controls. With the check engine light, the computer stores diagnostic trouble codes (DTC's) in it's memory. With the proper tool (scan tool, code reader) you can then ask the computer what problem it saw.
Your '96 computer uses "OBD-2" (on-board diagnostics 2nd generation). If you choose to invest in your own scantool/code reader, you will need to get one that is OBD-2 compatible. If you choose to have someone else read the trouble codes, try parts stores. in some cases, they will read the trouble codes for free, in hopes of selling you something.
Your '96 computer uses "OBD-2" (on-board diagnostics 2nd generation). If you choose to invest in your own scantool/code reader, you will need to get one that is OBD-2 compatible. If you choose to have someone else read the trouble codes, try parts stores. in some cases, they will read the trouble codes for free, in hopes of selling you something.
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Check engine light..and what does pulling codes mean???
Thanks for all your help. I appreciate your help. I think I understand a little more now. We'll probably have to take it to the dealership because I've never heard of Autozone before. Thanks again!
confused in Canada
confused in Canada
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