2000 chevy malibu how do I check engine codes?

Question

I know I can take it to almost any auto part store to get it read but I don't live close enough to one to have that convenience. I know most vehicles can be read by making the light blink the codes but I can't figure out the trick on this car. I've turned the key off 3 times and back on nothing. So I tried 5 times still nothing. What I am doing wrong?

Answer 1

Newer cars such as yours doesnt use the "BLINK" method anymore. GM stopped using that process long ago, back in the early 90's. Now, you have to use a scan tool to be able to read DTC's

Answer 2

You will need a code reader, anything 96 and newer does. If you have a smart phone or tablet that runs android or apple with Bluetooth then you can get a code reader that will read and clear codes with pids and emissions monitors for under 25 bucks. You need a Bluetooth obdII adapter and an app to pair with it. Amazon has them for about 15 bucks. Search for elm 327 Bluetooth. I have the blue mini one and I use it all day at work. The app I use is called torque pro and it cost about 5 bucks from Google play. Apple also has similar apps. Honestly this works way better than any other code reader I have used and I often use it for some basic diagnostics just because of its simplicity.

Answer 3

buy a scan tool , Chrysler / dodge products are the only ones that let you read many (not all) of the codes

by turning the key on/off three times

Answer 4

That's ridiculous when you could pull the codes no problem with a jumper on the obd0.

Answer 5

You have to have a scan tool for vehicles newer than 1996. The second generation or O.B.D.II computer system monitors a lot more information than the first generation systems did and you would be counting flashes all day if there was a serious issue in some cases. If the vehicle is running fine but has the engine light on it is usually an e.v.a.p code telling you there is a small gas leak such as a loose gas cap or something. Hope this helps.

Answer 6

I don't believe you can on a GM. Had a 2001 Pontiac and never located the instructions or procedure to do it that way.



There are some pretty cheap code readers available these days.



http://www.amazon.com/s/?ie=UTF8&keywords=equus+obd+ii+code+reader&tag=googhydr-20&index=aps&hvadid=44461708861&hvpos=1t1&hvexid=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=1972467355262183459&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=b&hvdev=c&ref=pd_sl_1atrxew820_b