checking for codes

Discussion in '2.3L (N/A & Turbo)' started by tim_lemmy, Apr 2, 2008.

  1. tim_lemmy New Member

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    is there any way i can check for codes w/o spending 50+ dollars to have a mechanic do it? on my old firebird all i had to do was plug a paper clip in a couple of the fuse slots and it would start spitting codes out. is there a trick like this with these cars or am i just gonna have to suck it up and go have it done? thanks for the help
    Blake
    tim_lemmy, Apr 2, 2008
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  2. 65ShelbyClone Founding Member

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    65ShelbyClone, Apr 3, 2008
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  3. tim_lemmy New Member

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    I do have a CEL so when i put the paper clip in bottom left slot (with the narrow end on bottom) i turn my key to the on position and then count flashes, right? and thanks again
    tim_lemmy, Apr 3, 2008
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  4. 65ShelbyClone Founding Member

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    Yeah, just count the flashes from the driver's seat.
    65ShelbyClone, Apr 3, 2008
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  5. tim_lemmy New Member

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    It's not working i put the paper clip in the slot mentioned above and i get nothing. the light comes on but it doesn't flash. am i doing something wrong or forgetting something?
    tim_lemmy, Apr 3, 2008
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  6. Red_LX Doubt I could be of much help, unless you need por

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    You might consider just picking up a code reader...they're like $20.
    Red_LX, Apr 4, 2008
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  7. tim_lemmy New Member

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    i will over the weekend if i can't get this to work tonight
    tim_lemmy, Apr 4, 2008
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  8. Jimmy2Times Member

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    You have to put the other end of the paper clip in the single diagnostic terminal.
    Jimmy2Times, Apr 7, 2008
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  9. tim_lemmy New Member

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    these are the numbers i pulled. i don't know how to decifer codes so here are the numbers as they came out
    1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 7
    2 1 8 6 3 3 2 5 4
    2 1 7 2 1 8 6 3 3
    2 5 4 2
    I'm assuming that
    1 7 2 1 8 6 3 3 2 5 4 2
    are my codes because it repeats
    so my codes are either
    17, 21, 86, 33, 25, 42
    or
    172, 186, 332, 542
    thanks jimmy w/o your help i would've bought something i don't need
    tim_lemmy, Apr 8, 2008
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  10. tim_lemmy New Member

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    I checked http://www.troublecodes.net/Ford/ and it could be either set of codes because they essentially say the same thing. I have not tested with the car running yet but i will prob do that over the weekend. any suggestions? and again thanks for all the help
    tim_lemmy, Apr 8, 2008
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  11. Jimmy2Times Member

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    Glad you got them downloaded! I think fox mustangs through '93 are 2-digit codes, so I would go with your first set.
    Jimmy2Times, Apr 9, 2008
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  12. tim_lemmy New Member

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    code 17 has nothing to do with my motor since it's not a 1.7 or a 2.5 so i'm gonna ass/u/me it's 3 digit codes for now
    172 Oxygen sensor not switching - system is or was lean - Single, Right or Rear HO2S - Fuel control
    186 Injector pulse width longer than expected or Mass Air Flow (MAF) lower than expected - Fuel control
    332 EGR did not open/respond during test or if memory code, did not open intermittantly - EVR or PFE
    542 Fuel pump open, bad ground or always on

    all of these are fuel system related but the last one especially could explain the bad gas mileage. any tips on how to fix this stuff?
    tim_lemmy, Apr 9, 2008
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