How to read code with out reader?

[ZHORN88]

The engine light came on in my 2014 Ram 1500. I've tried to get the code several times by turning the key 3 times and leaving it on the 3rd time and I still cant get it tom work. I have the big display in between the tachometer and speedometer. Does anyone know if i'm doing something wrong or if there's a different way without a reader?

 

[Whiteannerdy]

Didn’t know we could do this for regular engine codes. Although I have a reader after my last car was constantly giving me issues.

Was cheap on sale at Canadian Tire. Worth the investment in the long run.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[SYKRAMMAN]

@whiteannerdy, great screen name bud, not much can give me a chuckle this early anymore.

 

[WilliamS]

a 10 dollar scanner is worth its weight in diamonds!

 

[rotwiler]

I tried on my 2013 1500 5.7 with the large premium evic and couldn't get codes. Best bet, buy a obd2 ELM adaptor on amazon, mine was $20 but there are cheaper ones, then download torque app for free, or for a couple bucks more you can get the vehicle specific plug ins for torque. The basic app you can scan codes, clear codes, check basic readings, and the plug in you pay for let's you see every available sensor reading available. Can use on any vehicle with obd2, I have reset 20+ codes on different vehicles of my own and friends over past couple years, is well worth $20 or less. Can even record a sensor while running to look back at it. Think my pcm is bad and this helped me determine this.

 

[pilgrim6]

The engine light came on in my 2014 Ram 1500. I've tried to get the code several times by turning the key 3 times and leaving it on the 3rd time and I still cant get it tom work. I have the big display in between the tachometer and speedometer. Does anyone know if i'm doing something wrong or if there's a different way without a reader?

My guess is that procedure was for retrieving codes in the time before OBDII.

 

[rotwiler]

Some trucks with obd2 you can.

 

[Fergusontd]

I believe pre '96 you could that. On - off 3 times then leave on......count the flashes, pause, count again. 1st. set flashes 1st. No. 2nd. set flashes 2nd. no. Eg. 3 flashes 3, second set 6 flashes 6......CODE 36. ftd

 

[avantiguy]

Any auto store will read the code for you. But I'd recommend you buy a cheap scanner if you are interested in reading them in the future.

 

[Demon-HeMi]

My guess is that procedure was for retrieving codes in the time before OBDII.

on the early 3rd gen you could do the key trick and get the gauges would give you the exact codes, and if you had no codes present you would just get a "-DONE-" on the gauges, i think they stopped it in 2006


Here is a capture from one of my 03 rams before the motor swap...

 

[MADDOG]

My guess is that procedure was for retrieving codes in the time before OBDII.

Nope...OBD II has been with us longer than that. It was mandated for all cars and trucks in the US starting in 1996.

I remember using the key trick on my 1996 Impala SS.

 

[Dieselram408]

Works on my 2013 just fine