whats the paper clip trick???

[darkshadow]

My check engine light comes on almost every day on my 88 3/4 burb and want to know how the clip trick works to get the light to flash out the code , and does anyone know the codes? /forums/images/graemlins/burb.gif /forums/images/graemlins/waytogo.gif

 

[87BrnRsd]

All you do is take a paperclip, bend it in half so you have two straight pieces, then push the two ends into the a and b ports in the terminal under the dash. The a and b ports are the last and next to last ones on the top right of the terminal. There are two rows of ports, just stick one end into the top right port, and the other in on the top in the port right to the left of it (Do this with the truck off) Then, turn on the ignition, but dont start the truck. Count the flashes. The flash format is easy to follow. Its gonna always flash code 12 first. It will flash once, then a pause, then flash twice. Thats code 12 or "diagnostic mode". It will flash this three times, then a long pause, then the first code in the same format. After it flashes the next code three times, wait for a while too see if it flashes any more. Here is a link to a site with all of the codes on it, and a picture of the terminal with instructions: code page
You do need adobe to view it though. I think that should have you covered.
-Harrison

 

[84_Chevy_K10]

It will also flash code 12 to signify the end of the sequence.

 

[y5mgisi]

That sight is realy cool! But how do you tell what code it is flashing? /forums/images/graemlins/1zhelp.gif /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

 

[heavy4x4]

First sequence of flashes = first digit
Pause
Second sequence of flashes = second digit



Example: flash, flash, pause, flash, flash, flash = code 23

/forums/images/graemlins/waytogo.gif

 

[southernspeed]

If you don't have abode to view that page someone posted all the codes on here a couple of weeks ago. A search should find it easy /forums/images/graemlins/thumb.gif

 

[87BrnRsd]

Just how heavy4x4 said to do it.
-Harrison

 

[BurbinOR]

Codes..............

www.autoxray.com - the paper clip trick is a good short term fix to find the code...........but the reality for FI is you need a scanner of some type - winaldl or the autoxray like I have reads operating conditions.