Brasscatz
08-22-2012, 07:56 PM
Thanks again to Scott (XJ4IV) for bringing this to my attention. I had my check engine light come on during my drive home the other night, and was planning to take it up to the auto parts store the next day to have the codes read. Scott told me that Jeep made it possible on later models to read your trouble codes without using a scanner.
Pre- 97 Jeeps can be read by putting the key in the ignition and turn the key to run (not start), then off, then run, then off, then run (that's 3 runs and 2 offs). Leave the key in the run position. The check engine light will turn on for a few seconds, then turn off, then (sometimes after 20-30 seconds) start flashing. The flashes are counting out 2-digit trouble codes. Fast flashes count up each digit, with a longer pause between digits. 55 indicates the end of all codes. Once you've got your code list, consult the list below to see what they mean.
97+ I did the same procedure, but in addition to my check engine light flashing, my digital odometer flashed the 2 digit codes as well.
http://i356.photobucket.com/albums/oo7/thestalliontruck/Random/CodeDescriptions.jpg
In addition, here are some videos that show how to run these checks:
96 and under
jeep cherokee check engine light OBD1 - YouTube
97 and newer (video is of my test on my 97)
Checking OBDII codes on '97+ Jeep Cherokee - YouTube
And another video showing how to test your instrument panel functions on a 97+. I don't know if this works on any other Jeeps.
Jeep Cherokee Instrument Cluster Self Test Diagnosis - YouTube
Pre- 97 Jeeps can be read by putting the key in the ignition and turn the key to run (not start), then off, then run, then off, then run (that's 3 runs and 2 offs). Leave the key in the run position. The check engine light will turn on for a few seconds, then turn off, then (sometimes after 20-30 seconds) start flashing. The flashes are counting out 2-digit trouble codes. Fast flashes count up each digit, with a longer pause between digits. 55 indicates the end of all codes. Once you've got your code list, consult the list below to see what they mean.
97+ I did the same procedure, but in addition to my check engine light flashing, my digital odometer flashed the 2 digit codes as well.
http://i356.photobucket.com/albums/oo7/thestalliontruck/Random/CodeDescriptions.jpg
In addition, here are some videos that show how to run these checks:
96 and under
jeep cherokee check engine light OBD1 - YouTube
97 and newer (video is of my test on my 97)
Checking OBDII codes on '97+ Jeep Cherokee - YouTube
And another video showing how to test your instrument panel functions on a 97+. I don't know if this works on any other Jeeps.
Jeep Cherokee Instrument Cluster Self Test Diagnosis - YouTube