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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 TESTS W/CODES - DIESEL (for Diesel engines) or and TESTS W/CODES - TRANSMISSION (if transmission codes are displayed) article. To identify which codes relate to transmission or engine, see TROUBLE CODE IDENTIFICATION TABLE below.

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 No Engine Speed Sensor Reference Pulse To PCM/TCM
13 Open Oxygen Sensor Circuit
14 CTS Voltage Low (Sensor Or Signal Line Grounded)
15 CTS Voltage High (Sensor, Connections, Or Wires Open)
21 TPS Voltage High (Open Circuit Or Misadjusted TPS)
22 TPS Voltage Low (Circuit Grounded)
23 Intake Air Temperature Sensor Voltage High
24 Vehicle Speed Sensor Circuit Open Or Grounded
25 Intake Air Temperature Sensor Voltage Low
28 (1) Pressure Switch Manifold Range Circuit Open Or Shorted
31 Turbocharger Wastegate Overboost
32 EGR Error (Improper Vacuum Signal)
33 MAP Voltage High (Circuit Open Or Short To Voltage)
34 MAP Voltage Low (Circuit Open Or Short To Ground)
35 IAC System Fault
39 (1) TCC Stuck Off (Faulty TCC Solenoid)
42 EST Circuit Fault
43 ESC Fault
44 Lean Exhaust Indicated
45 Rich Exhaust Indicated
51 Improperly Installed/Faulty PROM/MEM-CAL
52 Fuel CAL-PAC Missing
53 System Voltage High (Charging System Problem)
54 Fuel Pump Circuit Voltage Low
55 Faulty ECM
58 (1) TTS High Temperature (Sensor Or Signal Line Grounded)
59 (1) TTS Low Temperature (Sensor, Connections, Or Wires Open)
68 (1) Overdrive Ratio Error (Engine RPM Greater Than Input Speed)
73 (1) Force Motor Commanded Amperage Differs From Return
75 (1) System Voltage Low (Charging System Problem)
81 (1) QDM Solenoid "B" Monitored Voltage Differs From Commanded
82 (1) QDM Solenoid "A" Monitored Voltage Differs From Commanded
83 (1) QDM TCC Monitored Voltage Differs From Commanded
85 (1) Undefined Gear Ratio (Input Or Output Sensor Failure)
86 (1) Shift Solenoid "B" Stuck On (Commanded Gear Not Engaged)
87 (1) Shift Solenoid "B" Stuck Off (Commanded Gear Not Engaged)
(1) Code is transmission related. For transmission code diagnosis, see TESTS W/CODES - DIESEL (for Diesel engines) or TESTS W/CODES - V6 (for Gas engines) and TESTS W/CODES - TRANSMISSION (if transmission codes are displayed) 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.