Engine Codes
Engine Codes
Postmaster
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 3,742
Likes: 2
From: UT
You can buy an OBD-2 code reader (~$50), which will only pull trouble codes without the added functionality of a scanner. If you want a simple jumper wire/count CEL flashes like is available with OBD-1 models, you aren't going to get one.
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 143
Likes: 2
MrShorty, thanks for the reply. This is someone else's truck, so I am not thinking about running out to spend any money for a code checker/scanner if I don't have to. Call me cheap 
If I have to, than I will see if they would like to buy one.
However, I thought there was a way to read the codes using a analog voltmeter. I know with a Tempo I own....no comments please....I am able to short two of the pins on the test connector and measure one of the other pins. This allows me to count the number of times the needle swings and than convert this reading to codes. I know a reader/scanner would be so much easier, but I would just like to know it this method is usable.
If I have to, than I will see if they would like to buy one.However, I thought there was a way to read the codes using a analog voltmeter. I know with a Tempo I own....no comments please....I am able to short two of the pins on the test connector and measure one of the other pins. This allows me to count the number of times the needle swings and than convert this reading to codes. I know a reader/scanner would be so much easier, but I would just like to know it this method is usable.
Postmaster
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 3,742
Likes: 2
From: UT
I don't know what year your Tempo is, but from your description of the code reading procedure, it's pre-'96, as that method only works for OBD-1 vehicles. When they went to OBD-2 in '96 model year vehicles, they did away with the ability to simply short a couple of terminals to read the trouble codes. I'm sorry but them's the breaks.
If you don't want to buy a scanner or code reader, you might ask around at the local parts houses. Many of them will read the codes for free, and then try to sell you parts. Other parts houses may rent/borrow you the scanner.
If you don't want to buy a scanner or code reader, you might ask around at the local parts houses. Many of them will read the codes for free, and then try to sell you parts. Other parts houses may rent/borrow you the scanner.
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 143
Likes: 2
There ya go! That is the problem, the Tempo is a 84. I tend to drive things until the hubcaps start rubbing together! 
I Just wanted to make sure I couldn't do it, before I tried it and burnt the computer up or something.
So guess I will start my search of area for a reader/scanner. Should have just done that from the start, but thought maybe there was just a way to do it.
Thanks, you have been a wealth of help!!!
I Just wanted to make sure I couldn't do it, before I tried it and burnt the computer up or something.So guess I will start my search of area for a reader/scanner. Should have just done that from the start, but thought maybe there was just a way to do it.
Thanks, you have been a wealth of help!!!
