cant get engine light to flash Options

[jt_3212]

I did what it says in the how to aritcles but i cant get it to flash any codes, Connected the te1 to the E1 with paper clip and nothing happened. Followed the instructions right so if any one can help that would be appreciated. thanks!

edit: please check down several posts, i have explained my new problem and need help with that.

This post has been edited by jt_3212: May 14, 2008 - 11:12 PM

[devilsden97]

are u using a tiny paper clip? get a larger one. sand the ends so it makes good contact. try it again, if not come back.

edit: IIRC its only doable on OBDI cars...your '97 is OBDII...

This post has been edited by devilsden97: May 14, 2008 - 12:19 PM

[jt_3212]

oh really, that blows, is there still away to do it myself or do i need to take it somewhere?

[purplegt4]

they should scan it for free at your local car parts place.

[devilsden97]

ODBII code reader, plug it into the diagnostic (wow i suck at spelling) port, and let it work its magic.

should tell u the code, then look it up online.


Mind me asking what is wrong that your looking for an engine code? (there are alot of people here that can probally help)

[GriffGirl]

Autozone will scan it for free!

[jt_3212]

ok cool i'll keep that in mind. but the craziest thing just happened today. I was trying the paper clip thing and it wasn't working so i just stopped trying and then about an hour later tried to start the car. then it wouldn't start, but it was as if the battery was dead so i jumped it and it started, with out the check engine light on. so i was thinking cool! but then it died again when i threw it in reverse a few moments later. Now i just got a new battery last month because the other one was causing bad corrosion and also wouldn't keep a charge. so it shouldn't be the battery. But then i jumped again let it run for like ten minutes, and it ran fine with no engine light on. So obvioulsy i'm extremely puzzled. and the only thing i could think is i have a bad alternator(but its weird because the battery seems to be getting charged) or a short somewhere. but its been running fine with the new battery no problems at all for a little over a month now. and i'm willing to bet when i start it tomorrow everything will be fine. (but i cant count on it.haha) i'm really hoping my check engine light doesn't come back on but i'm also worried because it is there for a reason and i haven't solved any problems.haha so if anyone has an answer to this crazy problem that would be sweet.

[blackbullet]

Your check engine light is off but run it for a while or a few days and it will come back on if it's the O2 sensor, that's what happened to me. About your car dying on you, if there is no corrosion around the battery cable then probably your alternator, but if it's the alternator then you won't be able to run your car for another whole day cause it also happened to me when i had a corolla. Lights started dimming and then car started to die slowly, i gas it up and started to backfire, and went out on me. You should get your alternator check out at like autozone or something because it's better to be on the safe side.

[jt_3212]

ok yeah that sounds good. i'lll try that, seems like that is the only thing i could think of as well.

[GriffGirl]

Check your ground wires, it sounds like you have a bad ground.

[jt_3212]

well i got my alternator checked and it said it was good. so do you think i could have shorted something when i put the paper clips in the diagnostics? and alright Griff i'll check those. But would that explain this suddenly happening? it did it again today so i have the battery on a charger and if i cant fix it i'll just bring it to a mechanic.