Hey all,

I drive a 98 Acura 2.3CL now, and it gave me a check engine light earlier this week. I read up on it, and found out there is a connection point for the OBD-II underneath the glove compartment. By simply jumping this connection using a paper clip (one end of the paper clip on one side, the other end on the other side) and turning the key to position II (electonics on, but not the engine itself) the CEL flashes the code. Long flashes for 10s (10, 20, 30 etc), short flashes for 1s (1,2,3,etc). For example, mine flashed 6 long and 7 short, meaning a code of 67.

Using this number, I was then able to find the meaning of the code online in a graciously posted service manual.

I just wanted to give you a heads up, as I imagine that the same would be possible in any OBD-II equipped car. Seeing the high number of CELs people were getting on their WRXs, this seems like a much easier way of finding out the problem rather than going to the dealer or a mechanic and paying $$$.

Sean

PS Any feedback on this is more than welcome, since I am seriously curious as to whether or not this works on other makes and models of cars, especially the WRX.

I know you can do that with older GM cars. I don't recall anyone doing it with a new Suby. Anyone know?

/\rcanum

Originally posted by Arcanum
I know you can do that with older GM cars. I don't recall anyone doing it with a new Suby. Anyone know?

/\rcanum

Never heard of that method before, but Ill try it tonight and see what happens. If I get electrocuted, Im suin' ;)

Pete

I have heard of this method. I know that SVX owners that are OBDI do this to find out what CEL code they had thrown. Basically once you connect two pins you count how many times the CEL flashes and it will let you know specifically what it is.

Originally posted by IMPREZIV
Never heard of that method before, but Ill try it tonight and see what happens. If I get electrocuted, Im suin' ;)

Pete

wouldn't you have to have a cel to see? :confused:

for a few bucks, you can buy odbII software and cable that works really well (and allows you to clear your codes).

www.odb-2.com is what I bought, and it works great.

Originally posted by Dick Fitzwell
wouldn't you have to have a cel to see? :confused:

No, it runs through a test kinda mode. It flashes some number that means no CELs are present. I don't remember the exact pins to connect. I belive one was ground and the pin right above it. I take no responsibility for fried ECMs :)

/\rcanum

If you live near a "AutoZone" store, they can pull the CEL codes for you for free.

Originally posted by Arcanum
No, it runs through a test kinda mode. It flashes some number that means no CELs are present. I don't remember the exact pins to connect. I belive one was ground and the pin right above it. I take no responsibility for fried ECMs :)

/\rcanum I thought that's what the 2 green connectors under the dash on the drivers side were for. When you put them together and turn the key on it sends the ECU into some test mode or something.

Originally posted by jjunior887
I thought that's what the 2 green connectors under the dash on the drivers side were for. When you put them together and turn the key on it sends the ECU into some test mode or something.

What kind of car, I am only familiar with doing this on GM's. You have to jumper 2 pins on the data port that has about 10 or so pins?

/\rcanum

That doesn't sound right, you shouldn't be able to do this on a 98. Anything 96 and up would be OBDII, and AFAIK there is no way to do the paper clip trick on any of these. OBDII is a more-or-less universal standard among all mfrs. and requires a scan tool to read stored data. Older OBDI cars had proprietary protocols for each mfr. and most allowed for reading codes through the check engine light.

Originally posted by jjunior887
I thought that's what the 2 green connectors under the dash on the drivers side were for. When you put them together and turn the key on it sends the ECU into some test mode or something.

It does activate a test mode but has nothing to do with being able to read codes. This is used at the factory or dealer but is of little use to us.

Originally posted by Mulder
It does activate a test mode but has nothing to do with being able to read codes. This is used at the factory or dealer but is of little use to us. That's what i meant, I need to be a little clearer next time. I know it doesn't help us much I was just stating that it put it through some sort of diagnostic test.

i just converted my car from obd 1 to obd 2 and i've yet to put the engine back. When i turn the key for the first time, as much as i dont want it, i expect to see a check engine light.

If before i turn the key, i activate test mode, will it tell me any possible problems without actually starting the car, and possibly causing some damage?

Thanx