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View Full Version : How to check CEL code without a scanner?


Marsh
03-09-2010, 08:42 PM
Every other Japanese car I've seen has a method to retrieve the trouble codes without using an OBDII scan tool (since Japan doesn't use OBDII AFAIK). But I can't find any info on how this is done.

My 3 threw a code last night and I want to know why before going to the mechanic.
Gizzmo_jr
03-09-2010, 08:45 PM
Not sure. I think code reader only. Never saw any other mention in the repair manual.
I remember on old chrysler's one turned on/off the ignition 3 times and count the blinks.
Marsh
03-09-2010, 10:11 PM
Not sure. I think code reader only. Never saw any other mention in the repair manual.
I remember on old chrysler's one turned on/off the ignition 3 times and count the blinks.

Speaking of which, where did you get a repair manual. I asked at the dealer and they said it's only available online in a digital format for mechanics.
Cosmo77
03-09-2010, 10:17 PM
you either need an OBDII scanner or a factory MDS system to retrieve codes these days. Gone are the days of making the engine light flash codes
Gizzmo_jr
03-09-2010, 11:26 PM
Speaking of which, where did you get a repair manual. I asked at the dealer and they said it's only available online in a digital format for mechanics.

I walked in an asked at the Parts counter. Comes in a 8inch thick box, pre punched but not in binders. This was back in 2008 thou. Maybe they (Mazda) went paperless.
Axelarate
03-10-2010, 11:57 AM
non-obdII (Pre-1996) cars use the "count the blinks" method. You need a scanner nowadays to diagnose a car.
luffy
03-10-2010, 09:59 PM
If you're around Oakville or Mississsauga I'll hook my scanner up to it so you can see what code it is giving, otherwise go buy some timmies for the guys at partsource and see if they'll do it for you,

Adam
Cosmo77
03-17-2010, 11:23 PM
Yes we are paperless from 2008 on.
Marsh
03-18-2010, 01:08 PM
No. My 1997 Honda Prelude (OBDII car) still had count the blinks. Many imports still had this for years after because they didn't use the OBDII system in the rest of the world.
wikdslo
03-19-2010, 09:57 AM
Time for you to hit up Princess Auto my man. $38.88 for their el cheapo scanner, but it reads codes like any other Scanner.

If you're serious about stuffs, I'd recommend a Scangauge II. I picked one up for about $150 + tax, that thing is great.
Keeps track of a lot of info, programmable, etc.

I'll try to remember to bring it to the Mosport event and you can check it out if you want. Damn sweet little tool if you ask me.
stevenma188
03-19-2010, 10:14 AM
^I also bought a scangauge. Really good tool. I find it's more useful than a plain OBD reader, since you will you that maybe a few times, but I use my Scangauge every day to add L/100KM, water temperature, ambient air temp, etc to my dash.
TheMAN
03-19-2010, 04:03 PM
Every other Japanese car I've seen has a method to retrieve the trouble codes without using an OBDII scan tool (since Japan doesn't use OBDII AFAIK). But I can't find any info on how this is done.

My 3 threw a code last night and I want to know why before going to the mechanic.

Japan not using OBD2 (which is now past tense) has nothing to do with the "same" japanese car you buy in canada... they are built and spec'd differently, which is simply the reason why you can't legally import a brand new JDM car without lots of trouble
there's no other way to get the codes without a scanner... go buy a cheap one or just stop by crappy tire or parts source to have them pull it for free