Running codes

Disclaimer: Links on this page pointing to Amazon, eBay and other sites may include affiliate code. If you click them and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission.

shoRunner

New Member
Joined
Jan 4, 2003
Messages
137
Reaction score
0
Location
GA
Has anyone had any problems running codes using a paper clip/short wire. A mechanic that i took my car to said that it was a very bad idea and it could short out the computer and is not very accurate. I don't think that it could be any less accurate than doing it any other way, but is it possible to ruin the computer?
 

projectSHO89

SHOless In St L
Joined
Nov 7, 2001
Messages
6,116
Reaction score
160
Location
St. Louis, MO
Obviously, this mechanic does not understand how to pull codes from an EEC-IV computer.

Done correctly, it functions exactly the same as a scan tool except that the scan tool has a switch to make the same connection.

Steve
 

sdpatt

Sr. SHO Engr.
Joined
Dec 6, 2000
Messages
9,670
Reaction score
383
Location
Dallas, TX
I have created the my SHO super custom EEC test jumper wink for little more than the cost of the paper clip. It consists of a 4" length of 14ga. (approx) wire with a 1/4" spade lug crimped onto each end. This jumper fits into the SELF TEST INPUT and SIGNAL RETURN terminals of the EEC test plugs. Then all you need is the ignition key to run the test. Once the test has run, all you need is the decription of the code flash sequences and the code numbers. Go to the sites in my signature for the test instructions and links to the code descriptions.
 

shoRunner

New Member
Joined
Jan 4, 2003
Messages
137
Reaction score
0
Location
GA
yeah i used the Midwestsho directions to do the EEC test, and got a 21. since my car was already going to the shop, i asked if they could just replace the ECT cause it wouldn't be too hard. the mechanic asks me why i think my ECT should be replaced, i told him it was throwing a code. he asked me how i know this. i told him i ran the EEC test. he asked how and i tell him, and he says that is not the right way to run the test and it's dangerous and inaccurate and he will run the test for me and see if it needs to be replaced. so i just wanted to make sure that no one is damaged their computer doing the test. and that i'm not the idiot my mechanic thinks me to be. well that go kinda long...
 

projectSHO89

SHOless In St L
Joined
Nov 7, 2001
Messages
6,116
Reaction score
160
Location
St. Louis, MO
On the other hand, you might want to consider your mechanic's attitude before utilizing his services in the future.

He is somewhat misinformed on this specific issue.

Replacing the ECT is only a 15 minute job, tops, and is easily done by a DIYer. Of course, just because you got a 21 code does not necessarily mean you have a bad sensor. There's more to troubleshooting the issue than just getting a code. In this case, a 21 code could result from your failure to follow the preparation instructions, i.e., warming the engine to operating temperature.

Steve
 

Mr Anonymous

Tire Wall
Joined
Apr 24, 2002
Messages
7,317
Reaction score
1,947
Location
St. Louis, MO
Yeah, as Steve alluded to, you might want to consider finding another mechanic or learning to do some of the other maintenance/repair items yourself.

This guy sounds like he really doesn't like informed/knowledgeable car owners -- now he won't be able to soak you for a new set of points, leaf springs and a gallon of blinker fluid...
 

masho95

got Zex?
Joined
Mar 5, 2003
Messages
2,039
Reaction score
4
Location
Chicopee, MA
That's funny that you mention that... I just had to get the leaf springs replaced and the blinker fluid filled last time I took my car to a garage.

<small>[ July 23, 2003, 10:49 AM: Message edited by: masho95 ]</small>
 

DrEvil

New Member
Joined
Jul 3, 2003
Messages
16
Reaction score
0
Location
Orlando
masho95:
That's funny that you mention that... I just had to get the leaf springs replaced and the blinker fluid filled last time I took my car to a garage.
I think thats a common problem with the 95. lol lol
 

91 SHOplus

Sholess 4 Now
Joined
Jun 3, 2002
Messages
2,405
Reaction score
1
Location
North Jersey
Points!

lol

Seriously though, shop around for another mechanic. It sounds to me like he is unaware of the difference between EEC-IV and OBD-II computers.
 

shoRunner

New Member
Joined
Jan 4, 2003
Messages
137
Reaction score
0
Location
GA
the engine was warmed. i thought i might as well replace it since its not like its a very expensive part, and pretty easy to do. and since my car was already going to the mechanic, i thought he might as well do it and save me some time.
 

Forum statistics

Threads
107,077
Messages
1,181,196
Members
16,142
Latest member
Kaevorlly

Members online

Back
Top