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Reading Trouble Codes

The ECM stores component failure information for CEC system under a related trouble code which can be recalled for diagnosis and repair. When recalled, these codes will be displayed by flashes of the "CHECK ENGINE" lamp. Trouble codes are displayed starting with the lowest numbered code. Only codes that represent a definite malfunction will be shown.

Trouble codes are read by counting flashes of the "CHECK ENGINE" lamp. For example, "FLASH", "FLASH", pause, "FLASH", longer pause, identifies "21". The first flashes are the first digit of the trouble code; the second series of flashes are the second digit of the trouble code.

ECM TROUBLE CODE IDENTIFICATION

Code Circuit Affected
12 (1) No Reference Pulse
13 Oxygen sensor circuit
14 Shorted coolant sensor circuit
15 Open coolant sensor circuit
21 Open or short in TPS circuit
23 Open or short in M/C solenoid circuit
34 Open or short in vacuum sensor circuit
41 No distributor reference at specified manifold vacuum level
42 Open or short in EST system
44 Lean exhaust indication
45 Rich exhaust indication
44 & 45 (Together) Faulty oxygen sensor circuit
51 Faulty PROM or PROM installation
54 Shorted M/C solenoid circuit or faulty ECM
55 Shorted voltage reference circuit, faulty oxygen sensor or ECM
(1) Code "12" will display only if no reference pulses are received by ECM; it will never be stored as a malfunction.