Does anyone have any insights or links to a page that gives instructions to pull error codes with a voltmeter? All of the links that I have found in other threads are dead. I'm trying to see if there are any errors being thrown on a 94 explorer (obd-1), and there isn't anyplace close that I know of that will pull the codes for me for free. Besides, I'd just like to know how to do it. Thanks.

 

http://dalidesign.com/hbook/eectest.html

 

Thanks for the links. Would you happen to know if you can use a digital multimeter for this? I haven't tried yet, but the instructions only mention an analog multimeter.

 

You cannot use a digital voltmeter.

You have to have analog because the response time on digital is too slow. What you are watching for is the swing of the needle. It will go to the right and then drop rapidly. A digital voltmeter will not respond quick enough to jump to 12 v and then back down because it has already received another surge by the time it starts to react to the first one.

You can use the paperclip method and watch the CEL or Service Engine Soon light on the dash.

You can try HERE and see if they tell you how with a paperclip or wire jumper.

 

Here's how. You don't need any meter - just a paperclip.

 

Thanks everyone. I was able to dig an ancient analog voltmeter out of the basement. My wife always complains that I never throw anything away, this just proves that it might take 20 years, but eventually you will need everything again. I was able to get the trouble codes.