check light engine question...

[zoolanda]

I'm a new owner and I have a problem with my 96 civic,..the engine light is on continously. when erased, the fault resumes within a week but there are no performance changes. Is there anyway to retrieve the fault code without a scan tool?
check engine light?

[4wheeldrift]

Some cars you can make it flash the fault code through the CEL, but this may not work with all of them (the procedure seems to be different between manufacturers, and even models), and it won't give you any way to reset the CEL either.

[egmike]

You have to loop the connector by the passanger side kick panel, it will flash the CEL, a long pulse = 10 and short pulses = 1 so if it pulsed once long and 6 short = code 16.

[12V]

where did you learn that??

[B18C]

In your passenger kick panel there is a little green boot with a plug in it (blue, I think). Take a paper clip or something and stick it into the two holes in the plug to "jump" or "short" it. Then turn your ignition key until just the accessories are on (1 click). Your CEL will start flashing. Count the flashes. Long blink = 10; short blink = 1. (eg. 4 long flashes and 2 short flashes = code 42).

The codes are listed here: CEL codes

[egmike]

Originally posted by 12V
where did you learn that??

Hayes manual has the complete description, but B18C filled in what I missed