How to check OBD codes without a scanner

[Brasscatz]

Thanks again to Scott (XJ4IV) for bringing this to my attention. I had my check engine light come on during my drive home the other night, and was planning to take it up to the auto parts store the next day to have the codes read. Scott told me that Jeep made it possible on later models to read your trouble codes without using a scanner.

Pre- 97 Jeeps can be read by putting the key in the ignition and turn the key to run (not start), then off, then run, then off, then run (that's 3 runs and 2 offs). Leave the key in the run position. The check engine light will turn on for a few seconds, then turn off, then (sometimes after 20-30 seconds) start flashing. The flashes are counting out 2-digit trouble codes. Fast flashes count up each digit, with a longer pause between digits. 55 indicates the end of all codes. Once you've got your code list, consult the list below to see what they mean.

97+ I did the same procedure, but in addition to my check engine light flashing, my digital odometer flashed the 2 digit codes as well.

http://i356.photobucket.com/albums/oo7/thestalliontruck/Random/CodeDescriptions.jpg


In addition, here are some videos that show how to run these checks:

96 and under

jeep cherokee check engine light OBD1 - YouTube

97 and newer (video is of my test on my 97)

Checking OBDII codes on '97+ Jeep Cherokee - YouTube


And another video showing how to test your instrument panel functions on a 97+. I don't know if this works on any other Jeeps.

Jeep Cherokee Instrument Cluster Self Test Diagnosis - YouTube

[denverd1]

really cool!

[bluedragon436]

Yeah I found this on a friend's 06LJ... and tried it on my XJ when the CEL came on one day, and I wasn't sure what was causing it.... I think that this is an awesome option... GM's had this option too from even back in the late 80's.... you just had to use a paper clip or wire to jump the diagnostic port to get the flashes on the CEL to get the code, but always thought it was an awesome design...

[JeepFreak]

Wow I never knew you could do that! Thanks for the great information!

[rabies]

my obd2 scanner doesnt work on my 98 and the manual code checking doesnt worky.
ooooooooh welllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll

[QatarXJ2001]

Thanks again to Scott (XJ4IV) for bringing this to my attention. I had my check engine light come on during my drive home the other night, and was planning to take it up to the auto parts store the next day to have the codes read. Scott told me that Jeep made it possible on later models to read your trouble codes without using a scanner.

Pre- 97 Jeeps can be read by putting the key in the ignition and turn the key to run (not start), then off, then run, then off, then run (that's 3 runs and 2 offs). Leave the key in the run position. The check engine light will turn on for a few seconds, then turn off, then (sometimes after 20-30 seconds) start flashing. The flashes are counting out 2-digit trouble codes. Fast flashes count up each digit, with a longer pause between digits. 55 indicates the end of all codes. Once you've got your code list, consult the list below to see what they mean.

97+ I did the same procedure, but in addition to my check engine light flashing, my digital odometer flashed the 2 digit codes as well.

http://i356.photobucket.com/albums/oo7/thestalliontruck/Random/CodeDescriptions.jpg


In addition, here are some videos that show how to run these checks:

96 and under

jeep cherokee check engine light OBD1 - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c6e1Q23pGd0)

97 and newer (video is of my test on my 97)

Checking OBDII codes on '97+ Jeep Cherokee - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NYz-j-HMIjI)


And another video showing how to test your instrument panel functions on a 97+. I don't know if this works on any other Jeeps.

Jeep Cherokee Instrument Cluster Self Test Diagnosis - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mEeIuTWjdlg)
Hi...

It is not work with my XJ2001 on OBD check.
Do u know other trick?

[4.3LXJ]

Hi...

It is not work with my XJ2001 on OBD check.
Do u know other trick?

You will need a code reader for that year. You are from Qatar? You can get inexpensive blue tooth readers that will work with a free app for a cell phone that will read your codes

[Poorboy]

1996 XJ OBDII does use the Keydance method for the OBDI style codes. Anything OBDII you'll need the scanner.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PKLTzmmJuGs

[nickyg]

I have a 96 and use the key trick. it's kinda vague. a scanner get you more information. If you have a smart phone or a tablet this is the thing to get.
Amazon.com: Vgate Bluetooth Scan Tool OBD2 OBDII Scanner for TORQUE APP ANDROID: Automotive@@AMEPARAM@@http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41JhRgXChpL.@@AMEPARAM@@41JhRgXChpL

[Poorboy]

I have a 96 and use the key trick. it's kinda vague. a scanner get you more information. If you have a smart phone or a tablet this is the thing to get.
Amazon.com: Vgate Bluetooth Scan Tool OBD2 OBDII Scanner for TORQUE APP ANDROID: Automotive (http://www.amazon.com/Vgate-Bluetooth-Scanner-TORQUE-ANDROID/dp/B00AAOOQJC/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&qid=1446240375&sr=8-9&keywords=obd2)

I agree, the MIL is a bit vague, but it will point in the right direction. I've got a Snapon Scanner here at the house that I use.