Reading Trouble Codes

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 28 other vehicles, including the 1984 Pontiac Phoenix, 1984 Pontiac Parisienne, 1984 Pontiac Grand Prix, 1984 Pontiac Firebird, and 1984 Pontiac Bonneville. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

The ECM stores component failure information for CCC 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" light. 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" light, or by reading the output of a diagnostic tool connected to the ALCL connector under the dashboard. The tool is faster and more accurate, but is not mandatory.

If the tool is not available, read the flashes of the dashboard light. For example, "FLASH", "FLASH", pause, "FLASH", longer pause, identifies "21". The first flashes are the first digit of trouble code; second series of flashes are the second digit of trouble code.