How to pull check engine codes

[Jerzey]

I was wondering if there is an easy way to get the check engine codes without a scanner? This morning, started my truck and warmed it up (its 17 degrees here) for about 3 minutes. Jumped in the truck, threw it in reverse to back down the driveway and BOOM-
Check Engine light pops on..... I don't have a scanner, and wanted to know if there is an easy way to get the code to display by "blinking" check engine a certain amount of times?
Thanks

 

[TheGTkid]

Not sure if that is an option, but I know AutoZone does free engine code scanning atleast the ones here in Jackson, Michigan
I would imagine all of them do
give your local AZ and see if they will do that!

 

[Joe Dirt]

Not on a 2000. Ability to do a light flash count stopped after 1995.

Scanner, Autozone, or the like are you options now.

 

[Jerzey]

Not on a 2000. Ability to do a light flash count stopped after 1995.

Scanner, Autozone, or the like are you options now.

Stopped at autozone on the way home. Code 171???

 

[96eb96]

Stopped at autozone on the way home. Code 171???

Possibly P0171... some sort of intake leak? (a guess, but it means the oxygen sensor is detecting too much air).

 

[Jerzey]

Possibly P0171... some sort of intake leak? (a guess, but it means the oxygen sensor is detecting too much air).

Well, your the second one that said that. Damn- got any tips on a link for a fix or how to troubleshoot it? Im mechanically apt to fix it, just without a garage.

 

[ripcurl366]

I too had a check engine light recently, and had my codes pulled at a local auto parts store. P0171 usually refers to a 'system too lean bank 1' error.

I would refer you to http://www.obd-codes.com/p0171.

In my case the solution was the Mass Air Flow censor. Upon inspection there was a small piece of paper wrapped around the censor wire.

Also you might try running some Fuel Injector cleaner through your fuel system, as the culprit may be a blocked fuel injector not giving enough fuel to the engine.

Good Luck!

 

[Jerzey]

I too had a check engine light recently, and had my codes pulled at a local auto parts store. P0171 usually refers to a 'system too lean bank 1' error.

I would refer you to http://www.obd-codes.com/p0171.

In my case the solution was the Mass Air Flow censor. Upon inspection there was a small piece of paper wrapped around the censor wire.

Also you might try running some Fuel Injector cleaner through your fuel system, as the culprit may be a blocked fuel injector not giving enough fuel to the engine.

Good Luck!

Thanks for the great link. I'll need to figure what is "safe" to clean the mass air with. Looks like I'll be looking into it this weekend.

 

[gonenuke]

CRC MAF Cleaner most autoparts stores carry it

 

[morgfarm1]

Common issue on the 4.0L SOHC from what I've researched. My 01 Sport had this on Both banks. A cheap place to start would be changing the intake gaskets (both Upper AND lower). You can get the gaskets cheaper than you can get a MAF or an O2 sensor, it's just a lot more difficult to change than either of the sensors.
You don't want a shop to do this for you though. You're best off changing them yourself.
Be careful, though. The intake uses Star bolts and the ones at the firewall are a PITA without the proper drivers.

 

[Jerzey]

Common issue on the 4.0L SOHC from what I've researched. My 01 Sport had this on Both banks. A cheap place to start would be changing the intake gaskets (both Upper AND lower). You can get the gaskets cheaper than you can get a MAF or an O2 sensor, it's just a lot more difficult to change than either of the sensors.
You don't want a shop to do this for you though. You're best off changing them yourself.
Be careful, though. The intake uses Star bolts and the ones at the firewall are a PITA without the proper drivers.

Thanks for the heads up guys. Biggest issue for me right now, is the weather. If I can get it to warm up, I'll knock it out.