This article contains OBD1 trouble code definitions and retrieval method for
To gather trouble codes turn the ignition key on off in rapid succession five
times with the cycle ending in the "ON" position. Once this activation has started
the check engine light will start to flash. The first set of check engine light
flashes will be the first digit of the two digit code. After the check engine light
pauses for a short time it will start to blink again starting the second digit identification
and completing the code's second number. If additional trouble codes are stored
in the computer the first digit will begin to flash, and then the second digit.
For example: check engine light flashes four times, pauses and then flashes three
more times, the code is 43. The check engine light will flash five and then five
(55) meaning the code gathering is over. The system will flash 12 if there are no
codes stored in the computer's memory. To clear codes disconnect the negative battery
terminal for 30 seconds and reconnect.
Domestic Car Code Definitions
11 - Camshaft signal or ignition signal, no reference signal during cranking.
12 - Memory to controller has been cleared within 50-100 engine starts.
13 - Map sensor not detecting any change during test.
14 - Map voltage too high or too low.
15 - Vehicle speed sensor, no signal detected.
16 - Knock sensor circuit. open or short detected.
17 - Low engine temperature, possible thermostat fault.
21 - Oxygen sensor signal, neither rich or lean detected.
22 - Coolant sensor voltage low.
23 - Air charge voltage high/low detected.
24 - Throttle position sensor voltage high/low.
25 - Automatic idle speed motor driver circuit, short or open detected.
26 - Injectors 1,2,3 peak current not reached.
27 - Injector control circuit does not respond to control signal.
31 - Purge solenoid circuit, open or short detected.
32 - EGR solenoid circuit, open or short detected.
33 - A/C clutch relay circuit, open or short detected.
34 - Speed control servo solenoid, open or short detected.
35 - Radiator fan control relay circuit, open or short detected.
36 - Waste-gate solenoid, open or short detected.
37 - Part throttle unlock(PTU) circuit, open or short detected.
41 - Charging system circuit not responding to control signal.
42 - Fuel pump or auto shutdown (ASD) relay voltage sensed at controller.
43 - Ignition control circuit not responding.
44 - Battery temperature voltage circuit problem.
45 - Turbo boost limit exceeded-map sensor detects over-boost.
46 - Battery voltage too high.
47 - Battery voltage too low.
51 - Air/fuel at limit.
52 - Logic module fault.
53 - Internal controller failure.
54 - Camshaft reference circuit not detected.
55 - End of message.
61 - BARO read solenoid, open or short detected.
62 - EMR mileage not stored.
63 - Eprom write denied.
64 - Flex fuel sensor signal out of range.
65 - Manifold tuning valve, open or short detected.
66 - No ccd messages.
76 - Ballast bypass relay, open or short detected.
77 - Speed control relay, open or short detected.
Import Car Code Definition
1 - Oxygen sensor.
2 - Crank engine sensor.
3 - Air flow sensor.
4 - Barometric pressure sensor.
5 - Throttle position sensor.
6 - Motor position sensor.
7 - Engine coolant temperature sensor.
8 - No.1 cylinder tdc sensor.
12 - Air flow sensor.
13 - Air temperature sensor.
15 - SC motor position sensor.
21 - Engine coolant temperature sensor.
22 - Crank angle sensor.
24 - Vehicle speed sensor.
25 - Barometric pressure sensor.
31 - Knock sensor.
32 - Manifold pressure sensor.
36 - Ignition timing adjustment signal.
39 - Oxygen sensor.
41 - Injector circuit
42 - Fuel pump.
43 - EGR failure.
44 - Ignition coil circuit failure.
52 - Ignition coil circuit failure.
53 - Ignition coil circuit failure.
55 - IAC valve position sensor.
59 - Heated oxygen sensor.
61 - Transaxle control unit cable.
62 - Warm up control valve position sensor
Chrysler, Dodge and Plymouth automobiles have a diagnostic trouble code retrieval
method, unlike Gm and Ford which have a data port connector to gather codes from.
Written by Ken Lavacot Co-Founder and CEO of 2CarPros.com 35 years in the automotive repair field, ASE Master Technician, Advanced Electrical and Mechanical Theory.
COMMENTS TO THIS ARTICLE
Please use our question form if you have a specific question about your car as we are not able to give you a full answer on this page.
Article first published 2009-09-15 (Updated 2015-01-05)