Checking CEL codes

[9ine]

Is there a way to check the codes on a 3rd gen 4runner without hooking it up to a machine? On my Honda I was able to put a paper clip in a plug and the light would flash a certain amount of times which i could then check online what the corresponding code was. I don't feel like wasting a bunch of money for such a simple procedure... its a 97 limited.

Thanks

 

[TheDurk]

`No. You need a scanner, just as on every other car made since 1996. Autozone will lend them for free (outside of CA), and some other stores, too.

 

[Victor_inox]

Cheap obdii scanner will do just fine,try amqzon,ebay or harbor freight.$20for cheap one.

 

[kball]

`No. You need a scanner, just as on every other car made since 1996. Autozone will lend them for free (outside of CA), and some other stores, too.

Durk is the man... usually... but this quote is not.. entirely.. accurate. I don't know about "every" car out there but my Dodge Dakota 01 that I just recently got rid of would flash the codes if you cycle the key from off to on, back to off, on, off then to on and leave it there, the codes would show in the trip odometer.

Of course I found this out after I bought a reader to read codes on that truck!

I've tried this trick on numerous Toy's and my wifes Mazda and no worky...

 

[TheDurk]

Durk is the man... usually... but this quote is not.. entirely.. accurate. I don't know about "every" car out there but my Dodge Dakota 01 that I just recently got rid of would flash the codes if you cycle the key from off to on, back to off, on, off then to on and leave it there, the codes would show in the trip odometer.

Of course I found this out after I bought a reader to read codes on that truck!

I've tried this trick on numerous Toy's and my wifes Mazda and no worky...

Thank you kball, I stand corrected. My last Dodge was a 1979 (Brazilian) Polara, actually a copy of the Hillman Avenger, great car. Make that ''most cars". I should have known better.

 

[9ine]

Thanks for the replies, I had a 2000 honda civic which i could do it in, but i guess i'll be buying a cheap scanner... even though my light turned off on the way to work today. Is it safe to say there are no problems anymore?

 

[kball]

Is it safe to say there are no problems anymore?

No, the light will cycle on and off over time even though the problem is still there. I should say, I"ve experienced the light cycling on and off on other vehicles I've had if I ignored the CEL over weeks at a time.

I've never had a CEL on my runner but I would assume they will do the same.

 

[TheDurk]

Thanks for the replies, I had a 2000 honda civic which i could do it in, but i guess i'll be buying a cheap scanner... even though my light turned off on the way to work today. Is it safe to say there are no problems anymore?

There is a good chance you can retrieve a stored code. An example would be a periodic misfire. Pulling the code would give you the cylinder(s) involved. You could then switch packs around and see if it moves the next time.

If I had a CEL even for a few minutes or even seconds, I absolutely would want to know what it is. I like my cars to keep running.