Check engine light on how to get codes?

MSHWBSTR

MEMBER
1995 HONDA CIVIC
4 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
125,000 MILES

I have a 95 Honda civic LX in which the check engine light has just come on. I wanted to get a code reader so that I could check out what the problem was that was causing the CEL to come on. When I went to buy one the guy at the parts store told me that my car computer was probably not OBD (because it is a 95 and OBD became standard in 96) thus I would need a special code reader. Can you help me with info on which code reader I need?

1 Reply

SATURNTECH9

MECHANIC
30,869 POSTS

This guide can help with instructions below

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/honda-car-1990-1995-obd1-code-retrieval-procedure-and-definition-table

When the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) has been reported on, do the following:

Connect the Service Check Connector terminals with a jumper wire as shown. (The 2P Service Check Connector is located under the dash on the passenger side of the car.) Turn the ignition switch on.

Note the Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC): The MIL indicates a code by the length and number of blinks. The MIL can indicate simultaneous component problems by blinking separate codes, one after another. Codes I through 9 are indicated by individual short blinks. Codes 10 through 48 are indicated by a series of long and short blinks. The number of long blinks equals the first digit, the number of short blinks equals the second digit.
That's how you can get the code's without a scan too.