CEL Paperclip Method

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NickTheTrick

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So I've been on here searching for the paperclip method to read the codes for the CEL. But the links I've found are no longer useful. Could someone help me out?
How do I read my codes with a paperclip? I have a '89 and a '90, so OBDI obviously.
 

rubydist

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You connect the jumper from the single connector to the right-hand terminal of the row with 2 on the larger connector.

You turn the key to "on", and the cooling fan will run on low and then high speed for about a second each.

The cel will flash very rapidly (dumping codes to a reader if connected).

The cel will blink out the two or three digit "current" codes, from low to high, and repeat once. (e.g. 1 1 1 space 1 1 1)

There will be a pause, and a single flash will occur. This is a separator flash and is not counted.

The cel will blink out the "stored" codes from low to high and repeat once.

Note, if your cel is burned out, you can still read codes. You substitute a 12V test light for the jumper. The test light will flash out the codes just like the cel will.

Note too, that if you unplug the jumper while the codes are still flashing, that will reset codes. This is the easiest and most reliable way to reset codes, in my experience.
 

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