check engine light on on my 88 caprice i used multiple diagnostic machines and none of them were able to read the computer what can it be????

Asked by fresh Apr 01, 2012 at 05:26 PM about the 1988 Chevrolet Caprice

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

3 Answers

195

Try to take a paper clip and bend it out of shape so you have 2 pointed ends. find the 2 upper right pins on the DLC. Stick the modified paper clip into those 2 pins. With the key on engine off you will see the engine light flashing. The flashes are the code numbers. It will always flash code 12 which means it is in diagnostic mode, it really means nothing. It will flash code 12 twice, after that it will then flash the trouble code of your car. you can go online put the gm code number in and find out what it means. If this does not work then I suspect you have a bad computer

6 people found this helpful.
16,190

If the paper trick doesn't work then try scanning it with an OBDI specific scan tool. Chances are the other scanners where OBDII only or required an adapter to scan an OBDI vehicle.

2 people found this helpful.
155

just the light coming on, but no "REAL ISSUES"? ignore it. mine comes on any time I idle for several minutes, like at a drive thru or a long stop light. then it goes out once I'm in motion again.

3 people found this helpful.

Your Answer:

Caprice

Looking for a Used Caprice in your area?

CarGurus has thousands of nationwide listings and the tools to find you a great deal.

Postal Code:

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    james sparrow
    Reputation
    1,050
  • #2
    Sam Sumlin
    Reputation
    840
  • #3
    Gene Arnett
    Reputation
    400
View All

Find great deals from top-rated dealers

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Chevrolet Camaro
16 Great Deals out of 475 listings starting at $11,999
Used Dodge Charger
44 Great Deals out of 828 listings starting at $6,999
Used Chevrolet Monte Carlo
9 listings starting at $9,800
Used Chevrolet Corvette
33 Great Deals out of 837 listings starting at $14,900
Used Ford Mustang
48 Great Deals out of 1,640 listings starting at $5,999
Used Ford F-150
288 Great Deals out of 13,977 listings starting at $3,888
Used Ford Crown Victoria
3 listings starting at $4,499
Used Ford Taurus
8 Great Deals out of 81 listings starting at $4,490

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.