Pulling Codes - Total Newbie

[LordVngr]

I would like to pull the codes on my 89 ranger just to SEE what comes up and I have never done that before. I'm not even sure I can do it on a 89 with a scan tool. Truck is a supercab with a 2.9. I looked in the tech library and checked out the illustration but it's not much help for me. Exactly Where is this plug located at on my truck. I got to Find it before I can plug a scanner in. Thanks...



Lv

 

[smokey]

it's in the engine compartment passenger side by the blower motor.

 

[MAKG]

You can do it with an OBD-I scan tool, but most of the functionality won't be there (no PIDs).

Or you can do it with a paper clip. Short STI to ground and read the check engine light for codes. Run each test in order and DO NOT go on to the next one until you get an 11. Don't ignore ANY codes or the next test will be invalid.

 

[LordVngr]

Ok, Thanks for the info. Let me ask you this. If I have Never had the check engine light come on other then when I first start the truck does that mean that everything is ok and there wont be any codes to pull. Thanks...


LV

 

[MAKG]

No. It could mean your check engine light is burnt out, or that you have a condition that it wasn't sure about under uncontrolled driving conditions (but it might be under the more controlled self-test conditions). Not all problems light up the CEL while driving. For instance, nondetection of a knock sensor signal (for those vehicles that have them).