How to use the paper clip check

paper clip trick and ignition on
flash engine light count for codes list
might be online somewhere
anything on youtube to do this with the 1998 ford explorer ?

first you will need to know which pins to bridge on the diagnostic port

or you could fry the ECU

your vehicle is running in "safe mode" or in "limp mode"

do you know how to use a paper clip to jump the 2 terminals and access the honda's OBD1 trouble codes?


Check Engine Light Codes



eric used a piece of wire, but you can use a paper clip

Hi, It could be various things & like anything else try the process of elimination. To make sure it's not electrical(fuse or computer issue get Do the "Paper Clip Trick" :a simple paper clip bend it into the "U" shape- *Find where the diagnostic "Tester" is(Or go to Auto-Zone) They will test it free(Note where they plug in the Diagnostic tester-because YOU can do that test with a paper clip bent in the shape of a "U"...Then start your car -You will see a series of Flashes/Blinks(YOUR DASH LIGHTS older cars it may be check engine or oil light), *The first set of lights Flashing on Dash may be your engine code. *Then watch & count- EACH SLOW FLASH(Light on Dash or older cars it will be engine light/oil light) is "10" & EACH FAST FLASH is "1"...Your cars computer will show you what is wrong if it is electrical or computerized with a sensor. After it shows you a code it will DOUBLE FLASH- IF THERE IS MORE THAN 1 THING WRONG & and show you that 1st code double blink & start a different code...Write down a SLOW Flash/Blink as a short line & any FAST as a DOT...the add Slow=10 Fast=1 *Then go to a public library(you can do this before you do the test & Xerox the pages with the Diagnostic codes so YOU have them on hand if your car starts acting up). *Ask a Librarian to use THEIR COMPUTER as a GUEST- have them help you USE THEIR PUBLIC LIBRARY SITE: Then tell them you need to go to the PAID WEBSITE(FREE IF YOU USE THE PUBLIC LIBRARY'S SITE). It's Called ALLDATA.COM (This site has trouble codes,Diagnostic codes-exploded views & shows you prices of the parts & how to put on/remove parts). *It will ask for Your Cars Info: Year,Make,Model & Engine size. **Check connecting wires(make sure from battery to starter there isnt a cut(or frayed)wire. *Check your battery at an Auto zone for free to make sure it has enough cold cranking amps/paks. Check fuel filters & Air Filter, Check your Spark plugs(make sure they are gapped correctly(and aren't gunked up or in correct firing order & all working...Check your Oxygen Sensor(on exhaust manifold), Check for Vacuum leaks, check also & make sure your catalytic converter isn't full, Check your fuel pump to make sure it's pushing the fuel through. I know it's a lot- but it's a process...save $$$ & get to know your car! Have a Great Day & Good Luck! Xx, JazzyCleveland PS<Remeber site:alldata.com>.

Interesting. It could be that the circuits are shorted out inside the instrument cluster. The oil light should be on when oil pressure drops below 5psi. Oil level in the engine would not have a direct effect on the warning light unless the engine was empty.

• Hi, I can help.

• You don't have an OBDII port. You have an On Board Diagnostic set up or just plain OBD I.

• The connector is under the dash. Take a paper clip and put it between the number 1 and number 2 ports. When you first stick the paper clip in you will get 1 blink and a pause the a 2 blinks which is normal and lets you know that the the OBD computer is reading properly and your codes will shortly follow in sets of two.

• If you have any comments please feel free to leave them here.
• Hope this helps and thank you for using FixYa.

Regards, Tony

Hi, first check the 15 amp Stop Light Fuse. If that is good, pull the connector off the stop light switch above the brake pedal and connect the orange and light blue wires using a paper clip in the end of the connector. If you can get the lights to come on with this paper clip, replace the stoplight switch. Please let me know if you have questions, and thanks for using FixYa.

Doubt it. You will need to have it scanned for codes. You can do it yourself with a paper clip. Do you know where the diagnostic plug is in the engine compartment.

GO TO THE LINK FOR INSTRUCTIONS

http://check-engine-light-codes.blogspot.com/2006/03/gm-1983-95-vehicles-obd1-codes-self.html

No you should be able to pull it. You only need a paper clip to pull it of that
Finder the connector in this picture under the driver side of the dash. With the key in the on position but the engine NOT running put the paper clip in the A and B slot (top 2).
Now the code will blink through the engine light. The first code will be 13. 1 flash STOP and 3 flashs then STOP. It will do that 3 times. After nujmber 13 that will be the problem code.
Come back and post and I will help more.

http://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/62217_GM_DLC95_Older_17.jpg

there is a jumper wire on the passenger side kick panel, short this wire with a paper clip and turn your ignition to run, the CEL check engine light will flash the number of the trouble code,
long flashes = 10's
short flashes = 1's
so a code read like this
L<L<L<S<S<S<S<S
would be 35
there will be short pauses between flashes and a long pause between separate codes,
hope this helps