For some reason, did you not think that was important? I am honestly curious!
It's not that he thought it was NOT important, it's that he did not have immediate access to the code(s) yet,
but had access to the other stuff.
Funny thing going on here.
Automakers all agreed upon a system where the Check Engine light comes on,
instead of just showing the code(s) is (are) up front on the IP/DIC, so that the driver has to go to 'some extra effort' to be told roughly where the problem is -
NOT WHAT it is, but roughly WHERE.
In this case the pcm was kind enough to describe what it's doing as a result of (a) symptom(s), but it's not saying much else ...
Meanwhile the driver has immediate access to whatever symptoms the vehicle is suffering, and whatever else the pcm says up front ...
Steadicam305, unfortunately asking questions (to anyone, not just us) about symptoms without bringing at least one trouble code ...
is like telling most of America, that if they want to go to Manhattan, head east.
Technically, they'd all be headed in the right direction for a while, but most of them need more and better directions sooner or later or they're gonna get lost.
EVERY TIME there are symptoms, you MUST check for trouble codes.
If there are any codes, they will point you in the direction toward what to do, even if you can't or won't use these:
LEMON Manuals provides free repair/service/workshop manuals for about 10,000 US and Canada market vehicles from 1960-2025. No sign-up, no paywall!
lemon-manuals.org.ua
Operation CHARM provides completely free repair/service/workshop manuals for over 50,000 models of cars and trucks manufactured 1982-2013. No sign-up or paywall.
charm.li
(If you checked and there are no codes present, luckily these vehicles are at least 19 years old,
by now some experience has been collected for cases without codes as well.)
Steadicam305, you own a 22 year old vehicle. If you want it to make it to 30 in good shape,
you will find it very useful to have your own personal diagnostic access to your vehicle's pcm.
I know this forum would be cheaper, but I promise it's worth the investment.
