This site has quite possably the best list of CEL codes out there. and they even go into describing what each digit means which is even better.

If your CEL light is on, put the key in the ignition and turn it to run and back off three times leaving it in the run possition. In the odometer read out you will see a P code most likely. write these numbers down. when you come to the last code it will say 'done'. turn the ignition off.

take these numbers (eg P0236, P0190. . .) and match up with the data base listed in the link above. this will help in troubleshooting what is wrong.

also, if it was a code that was thrown, cause like me I'm a dummy sometimes and forget to plug things back in by accident, if nothing is truly wrong the code will go away after 5 full starts of the engine.


hope this helps guys.

 

Great site. I am going to try to get a 3100 or 3110 reader.

 

Not sure why this bothers me so much, but I just have to vent....

The proper term is MIL.
Malfunction Indicator Lamp.

I know everybody in the world calls it a Check Engine Light.
But I just had to vent.

 

HA HA HA

nothing wrong with that, it is the same as pronouncing potato, or potaato, tomato, or tomaato

 

Ok, CEL comes on, won't go off. Tried the turn and off 3 times and no codes. took it to Autozone and they hooked up scanner, wouldn't show any code, just "Linking". He tried unplugging it and plug in 2 times, same thing "Linking". Drove home and tried the 5 ful starts CEL still comes on won't go off. Any suggestions?? I did install the block heater yesterday and drove approx. 200 miles/9 starts of truck and no CEL. Will take to dealer in the morning. Took to dealer, they weere "downloading the scanners" and couldn't look at till next week when I get off work. What a crock!!

 

the key on key off 3x will not work on the 2006.

You may get it to say "DonE" but it did not display my 2 CEL codes that caused my lite to come on. Dealer cleared them and they have not returned.

 

there are some codes that will not be displayed on the dash for reasons I dont know. They may just be erronious codes like the infamous one for the tempreature of the batteries.

 

I also have an '06, 3 X key off works for me, got the "done" code.

 

just be carefull about doing this alot, the ECU does a key-on count and you just added three start sequences to the computer. if the dealership hooks the computer up and sees alot of key-on/off from you pulling codes they can take that as you are doing alot of short trips and limit what you can claim on warranty if you have problems.

 

Wow!
They will use any and all tactics to avoid the warranty issues we may have.

Thanks for the heads up.