Mat - 98 R/T

I've been all over the internet tonight looking for a way to retrieve the CELs without using a scanner tool. My Neon had a real simple on-off-on-off-on key sequence and all you had to do was count the CEL flashes. I can't find squat and it's making me nuts.

How do I retrieve the CELs? I've found a ton of websites to decode them, but how to get the codes?! I've got a '99 2.5GT 5-speed.

Naturally, I'd like to know because my CEL came on while driving home today. I wasn't cornering hard or driving maniacally...it just came on. If it makes a difference, I had 10 miles on a fresh tank of gas (only filled it 10.2gal) and the car has about 51K on it. Help...please!?

Mulder

With an OBDII car you must have a scanner. If there is an Autozone near you go there, they will scan your car for free and give you the codes.
Alternately you can try to hook up with someone in your local area with a scanner, lots of people have them. You can also buy a decent one for $100 and up.

Mat - 98 R/T

And I just don't get that. My Neon was a '98. Then again, I guess they were just more prone to engine codes or something.... Alright, I'll get a damn scanner. Thanks....

Mat - 98 R/T

Oh yeah, can you point me in the right direction for one of these?

Mulder

There are many scanners on the market, however I don't recommend the really cheap ones that you can get at the parts store. They don't always work on all cars and may not properly read some of the manufacturer-specific codes.
I've used AutoXray products for a long time and suggest you look into those, their entry-level scanners start in the low- $100 range.
www.autoxray.com

robtech

A scan tool isnt a fix all. knowing what the code is is only 10% of the battle. you still have to be able to diagnose whats wrong......an Oxygen Sensor code doesn't mean the sensor is bad. And so on. You will waste more money throwing parts at a car than you would just finding a compitent tech and letting him fix it.

Mat - 98 R/T

Yeah, I know that the diagnostic tool is barely that. It just points you in the right direction. But I'm pretty competent with a wrench and an ohmmeter, so I'm not worried. Thanks for the heads up, though.

FWIW, the light went out. Maybe I really didn't tighten the gas cap all the way...though that would really be a first.

Mulder

The light will go out if the ECU doesn't detect the condition again for a few consecutive drive cycles, but that doesn't necessarily mean that all is well. You still should scan it and read the code to see what it was. The code will remain in memory even after the light goes out and can still be read.

johndove

yeah, my cel went on on sunday and off on monday. took it in anyway and the diagnostic scan showed that the #3 cylinder is misfiring. so they're shipping the ecu back to soa and now i am driving 1.8 nissan sentra rental car. it's super bland and pitifully slow. i am short about 100hp!