Checking Codes Without Scanner?

[T4RFool]

ok, so im having some engine trouble, i havent gotten a check engine light yet but i know one is pending. i dont have a scanner to check the codes and i live too far away from any auto parts store to drive to and have the codes check. i did a little looking online and found there are ways to check codes without a scanner through various procedures which differ between manufacturer. my question is, is there a way to check the codes without a scanner and if so would it work on pending codes?

 

[T4R_Finally]

Order one online. Always good to have one, especially if going to a store is a major out of the way pain. Surely, with all those mods, you can pop 100 bucks for a good scanner.

 

[A.Wilson013]

On some cars you can jump terminal 4 and 9 of the obd2 port, turn the key to on, and watch the CEL... Not sure if it will work on our 4runners, not willing to risk trying it out.

 

[T4RFool]

Order one online. Always good to have one, especially if going to a store is a major out of the way pain. Surely, with all those mods, you can pop 100 bucks for a good scanner.

i would buy a scanner but i unfortunately require the funds else where. It would be at least another month or 2 before i would be able to afford a scanner.

 

[shadow247]

Amazon.com: BAFX Brand - ELM327 BLUETOOTH - OBDII OBD2 DIAGNOSTIC SCANNER - CAN ELM 327 SCANTOOL - CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAR CODE READER: Car Electronics

But this for 24 bucks,
Download Torque from the Android market for your phone.

Now you can scan and read a lot of the individual sensors.

 

[T4RFool]

i have plans to buy a scanner, unfortunately im having problems with the engine right now before i have been able to buy a scanner. im not looking to buy a scanner at this time, im looking to see if there is a way to get the codes without a scanner. if the problems im having with my motor are what i think it is, im gonna need the money to fix it.

 

[Hatteras-surfer]

Amazon.com: BAFX Brand - ELM327 BLUETOOTH - OBDII OBD2 DIAGNOSTIC SCANNER - CAN ELM 327 SCANTOOL - CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAR CODE READER: Car Electronics

But this for 24 bucks,
Download Torque from the Android market for your phone.

Now you can scan and read a lot of the individual sensors.

I thought I was the only Android smartphone geek around here

 

[Ocman]

I use torque and the Android app. Works awesome

 

[Duhockey]

Order one online. Always good to have one, especially if going to a store is a major out of the way pain. Surely, with all those mods, you can pop 100 bucks for a good scanner.

if you have a droid or jailbroken iphone, get the Torque app for 5$ and a bluetooth dongle on Amazon for 25$

30$ and you have waaaaay more capability than a scangauge and you can reset codes til your hearts content.

edit: aha... I was beaten to the punch... great minds think alike!

 

[shadow247]

i have plans to buy a scanner, unfortunately im having problems with the engine right now before i have been able to buy a scanner. im not looking to buy a scanner at this time, im looking to see if there is a way to get the codes without a scanner. if the problems im having with my motor are what i think it is, im gonna need the money to fix it.

NO CEL means no codes, so checking them won't do you any good. The Torque app will allow you to read the values and see if there is a problem with an individual sensor that may not throw a code.

 

[Duhockey]

i have plans to buy a scanner, unfortunately im having problems with the engine right now before i have been able to buy a scanner. im not looking to buy a scanner at this time, im looking to see if there is a way to get the codes without a scanner. if the problems im having with my motor are what i think it is, im gonna need the money to fix it.

go to advance auto or autozone, they will pull the codes for you for free

 

[T4RFool]

go to advance auto or autozone, they will pull the codes for you for free

i live an hour away from any advanced auto or autozone. the local shop in town charges $25 to have codes checked. im trying to check the codes if its possible considering i dont have a CEL right now without spending any money. im trying to figure out if my engine is in fact misfiring and if its related to a coil pack, fuel pressure sensor or if its timing related. i should have a pending code but since i havent driven it enough for it to cycle my CEL, the light doesnt stay on.