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Reading Trouble Codes

NOTE: Trouble codes retrieved from ECM/PCM may be related to either engine or transmission. For engine related codes, use this article. For transmission related codes, see the G - TESTS W/ CODES ELECTRONIC TRANSMISSION article in the ENGINE PERFORMANCE Section. To identify which codes relate to transmission or engine, see TROUBLE CODE IDENTIFICATION table.

The ECM stores component failure information under a related trouble code which can be recalled for diagnosis and repair. Read trouble codes by counting SERVICE ENGINE SOON light flashes or with diagnostic scan tester connected to the ALDL connector. The tester is faster, and capable of reading information which would require testing individual ECM and sensor/solenoid connector terminals with a digital voltmeter. See SCAN TESTER DATA table and SCAN TESTER USAGE.

NOTE: When using a scan tester, there is a time delay between serial data updates. For instantaneous response, a digital voltmeter must be used.

If scan tester is not available, SERVICE ENGINE SOON light flashes can be read by grounding ALDL diagnostic terminal with ignition on and engine off. For example, FLASH, FLASH, pause, FLASH, longer pause, indicates Code 21. The first series of flashes are the first digit of trouble code. The second series of flashes are the second digit of trouble code. Trouble codes are displayed starting with the lowest code. Each code is displayed 3 times and will continue as long as ALDL is grounded.

NOTE: Trouble codes will be recorded at various operating times. Some codes require sensor or switch operation for 5 seconds and others may require longer under certain conditions. Some codes may not set in a service bay operational mode.
TROUBLE CODE IDENTIFICATION

Code Probable Cause
12 (1) No Engine Speed Sensor Reference Pulse To PCM/TCM
13 (1) Open Oxygen Sensor Circuit
14 (1) CTS Voltage Low (Sensor Or Signal Line Grounded)
16 (1) System Voltage High/Low (3.8L)
17 (1) RPM Signal Problem (3.8L)
18 (1) Cam/Crank Error (3.8L)
15 (1) CTS Voltage High (Sensor, Connections, Or Wires Open)
21 (1) TPS Voltage High (Open Circuit Or Misadjusted TPS)
22 (1) TPS Voltage Low (Circuit Grounded)
24 (1) Vehicle Speed Sensor Circuit Open Or Grounded
26 (1) Quad-Driver "B" Fault (3.8L)
31 (1) Park/Neutral Switch Circuit (3.8L)
32 (1) EGR Error (Improper Vacuum Signal)
33 (1) MAP Voltage High (Circuit Open Or Short To Voltage)
34 (1) MAP Voltage Low (Circuit Open Or Short To Ground)
34 (1) MAF Sensor Signal Voltage Low (3.8L)
36 (1) Shift Control Problem (3.8L)
38 (1) Brake Switch Circuit (3.8L)
39 TCC Stuck Off (Faulty TCC Solenoid)
41 (1) Cam Sensor Circuit (3.8L)
42 (1) EST Circuit Fault
43 (1) ESC Fault
44 (1) Lean Exhaust Indicated
45 (1) Rich Exhaust Indicated
51 (1) Improperly Installed/Faulty PROM/MEM-CAL
52 (1) Fuel CAL-PAC Missing
54 (1) Fuel Pump Circuit Voltage Low
55 (1) Faulty ECM
56 (1) Quad-Driver "B" Fault (3.8L)
61 (1) Cruise Vent Solenoid (3.8L)
62 (1) Cruise Vacuum Solenoid (3.8L)
63 (1) Cruise System Problem (3.8L)
65 (1) Cruise Servo Position (3.8L)
66 (1) Low A/C Refrigerant Charge (3.8L)
67 (1) Cruise Engage Switches (3.8L)
68 (1) Cruise System Problem (3.8L)
69 (1) A/C Head Pressure Switch (3.8L)
(1) Engine code. For transmission code diagnosis, see TESTS W/CODES ELECTRONIC TRANSMISSION article in this section.
NOTE: Trouble code charts should only be used if SERVICE ENGINE SOON light is illuminated (indicating a current problem exists). Exceptions are Code 13, 15, 24, 44 and 45 charts, which may be used to help diagnose intermittent codes. Anytime Codes 51, 52 or 55 are displayed with another code, start with 50-series code first and proceed to low profile numbered codes.