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1990 Oldsmobile 88 Royale - need to know how to do paper clip code check
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babydollface
Novice
Jan 28, 2009, 3:41 PM
Post #1 of 9
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1990 Oldsmobile 88 Royale - need to know how to do paper clip code check
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I have done the paper clip trick before on a different car of mine but I can't seem to find where/how to do it on my current car.
The "Service Engine Soon" light has come on again today.
I have a 1990 Oldsmobile 88 Royale
I belive the engine is a 3.8L
111,000 miles
The car doesn't seem to be doing anything different that usual. This is the 2nd time in the past month or so that the light has come on.
Can someone tell me where/how to do the paperclip check for codes, and where I can find what the codes (flashes) mean?
Any help is much appreciated!!
(I don't have the money to take it to the repair shop just for them to plug this in and charge me an arm and a leg for only a few minutes of their time).
Also, how accurate are these codes that show up with the paper clip trick? Can I count on the results this way being the problem?
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Loren Champlain Sr
Veteran
/ Moderator
Jan 28, 2009, 3:51 PM
Post #2 of 9
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Re: 1990 Oldsmobile 88 Royale - need to know how to do paper clip code check
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Pulling the codes is only telling you what area the problem is in. You then take the code and follow a 'flow chart' doing, sometimes, very lengthy tests. It isn't a crystal ball that tells you the LF tire is low on air. Charging an arm and a leg to use a $4000.00 piece of equipment, the knowledge and experience? Having it diagnosed is more than 'just pulling codes'. A monkey can do that. If all you want is codes, many of the parts stores will do that for you, but they will also try and sell you parts that may or may not fix the problem. Your call.
Loren
SW Washington
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babydollface
Novice
Jan 28, 2009, 3:56 PM
Post #3 of 9
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Re: 1990 Oldsmobile 88 Royale - need to know how to do paper clip code check
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So, can you tell this "monkey" how to pull the codes for my car?
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Loren Champlain Sr
Veteran
/ Moderator
Jan 28, 2009, 4:17 PM
Post #4 of 9
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Re: 1990 Oldsmobile 88 Royale - need to know how to do paper clip code check
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LOL...I hate to say this, but I can't remember, for sure, which two (out of four) that you 'paper clip'. Maybe, one of the younger guys that have some brain cells left will jump in. Sorry.
Loren
SW Washington
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babydollface
Novice
Jan 28, 2009, 6:56 PM
Post #5 of 9
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Re: 1990 Oldsmobile 88 Royale - need to know how to do paper clip code check
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thanks anyways, I figured it out. Paper clip went into A & B. Now to figure out the code for 4 flashes, a pause & then 3 flashes.
I'm off to hunt it down on the net
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Loren Champlain Sr
Veteran
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Jan 28, 2009, 7:03 PM
Post #6 of 9
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Re: 1990 Oldsmobile 88 Royale - need to know how to do paper clip code check
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Code 43 is Knock sensor. This sensor 'listens' for an engine knock, or ping, like you'd get from cheap gas. External or internal engine noises can cause this code. When the sensor detects the noise, it will retard the timing, thinking it is the result of low octane (pinging). These sensors do go bad, but rarely.
Loren
SW Washington
(This post was edited by Loren Champlain Sr on Jan 28, 2009, 7:07 PM)
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babydollface
Novice
Jan 28, 2009, 7:44 PM
Post #7 of 9
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Re: 1990 Oldsmobile 88 Royale - need to know how to do paper clip code check
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Well that makes sense. Over the past couple of months I have noticed that when I press on the gas pedal there is an odd sound coming from under the hood. Nothing major I don't think.
Now to figure out what is making the noise....?? And/or how much the sensor costs to replace it.
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Loren Champlain Sr
Veteran
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Jan 28, 2009, 7:53 PM
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Re: 1990 Oldsmobile 88 Royale - need to know how to do paper clip code check
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Probably not the sensor that's the problem. It is telling the computer that "I'm hearing a noise". Need to correct the noise. This is a perfect example why 'pulling codes' and throwing parts at something is not the answer.
Loren
SW Washington
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babydollface
Novice
Jan 28, 2009, 7:57 PM
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Re: 1990 Oldsmobile 88 Royale - need to know how to do paper clip code check
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Ok, thank you for all your input today. I'll talk to some mechanical friends to see what they think it is "hearing" :)
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