another code checking thread...
12-21-2005, 10:42 PM
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another code checking thread...
so let me get this straight, unless i want to install the "california bulb" in my dash then all i need to check for codes is a LED with a resistor? then connect the 2 wires, connecting A1 and B1...correct?? (NG)
12-22-2005, 08:41 AM
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My 91 90 (no Q) didn't (have a CEL). There are several variations....
<center><img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/60004/fault_light_connectors.jpg"></center><p>
But, yeah, Luke, overall you are close! See the diagram.
<b>Here are a whole lot of the various caveats:</b>
To verify that the vehicle is equipped with a functional fault lamp turn the ignition "on", and observe dash lights. A "CHECK" light with an engine symbol should illuminate (fault indicator lamp). If no fault lamp is showing, leave the ignition turned "on" and insert a fuse into the top of the fuel pump relay (located in the fuse/relay panel under the hood and just front of the lower left corner of the windshield, in the plenum).
If the vehicle is equipped with a functional fault lamp, the lamp will light up while the fuse is inserted, or while test connectors under dash are properly bridged (see DISPLAYING FAULT CODES in this section), and provided the lamp is not burned out. If the lamp did not light when the ignition was turned on, but did light with a fuse inserted in the fuel pump relay, then there may be a problem with the ECU lamp driver circuit, ECU terminal connection/wiring, or the ECU itself. Before suspecting a bad ECU, or if at this point no fault lamp has shown, follow procedures under DISPLAYING FAULT CODES for MODELS WITHOUT FAULT LAMP .
The fault lamp is also used to display any trouble codes that have been stored in memory, however, some models equipped with a fault lamp will not display codes by flashing the lamp. These models require connecting an LED test light to special test connectors on the wiring harness to display codes (see DISPLAYING FAULT CODES in this section). Codes are read by counting the number of flashes of the lamp while the computer is in diagnostic mode. For the procedure for entering diagnostic mode and displaying fault codes, as well as a list of the codes and their definitions, see DISPLAYING FAULT CODES and EXPLANATION OF FAULT CODES in this section.
<b>Models Without Fault Indicator Lamp</b>
Audi vehicles with the CIS-EIII engine control system, which are not equipped with a fault indicator lamp, have only a temporary fault memory. Trouble codes are stored in this volatile memory and cleared each time the engine is started, or in some cases, when the ignition is turned "off". The ignition and fuel control units each have their own fault memory.
Beginning in 1989, some Audi models will have new test connectors for activating and reading fault codes. These new connectors are color coded for identification and are located below the dash panel, on the driver's side. Vehicles equipped with these connectors display codes by flashing an LED test light, connected between the test connectors. Models with these new connectors may still use a fuel pump relay with a fuse receptacle on top, however, the fault memory display cannot be activated through the fuel pump relay.
<b>VEHICLES WITH UNDER DASH TEST CONNECTORS </b>
1) Make sure all fuses are OK, and operate vehicle for at least 5 minutes, being sure that engine speed excedes 3,000 rpm at least once and throttle is opened to wide open throttle position at least once ("punch it" once during test drive), then let engine idle for an additional 2 minutes. Do not turn engine off as some models will erase the temporary fault memory when the ignition is turned off.
2) With engine running (or key "on"), connect LED test light positive lead to top terminal of black connector, and negative lead to bottom terminal of brown connector, using appropriate flat male connectors. Also, connect one end of a jumper wire to the bottom terminal of the black connector, and leave the other end free.
3) Touch the free end of the jumper wire to the bottom terminal of the brown connector for at least 4 seconds, then remove. Fault memory is now activated.
4) Observe LED. A start up code will display (light on once for 2.5 seconds then off for 2.5 seconds) followed by the first code stored in memory.
5) After the first code is displayed and recorded, to retrieve the next code, touch the free end of the jumper wire to the bottom terminal of the brown connector again for 4 seconds then remove. This step must be repeated for each code until ending code 0000 is displayed, indicating all stored codes have been displayed. Code 0000 is represented by the light coming on for 2.5 seconds at regular 2.5 second intervals. Record all codes as they are displayed.
6) Turn ignition "off". Remove jumper wire and test light.
But, yeah, Luke, overall you are close! See the diagram.
<b>Here are a whole lot of the various caveats:</b>
To verify that the vehicle is equipped with a functional fault lamp turn the ignition "on", and observe dash lights. A "CHECK" light with an engine symbol should illuminate (fault indicator lamp). If no fault lamp is showing, leave the ignition turned "on" and insert a fuse into the top of the fuel pump relay (located in the fuse/relay panel under the hood and just front of the lower left corner of the windshield, in the plenum).
If the vehicle is equipped with a functional fault lamp, the lamp will light up while the fuse is inserted, or while test connectors under dash are properly bridged (see DISPLAYING FAULT CODES in this section), and provided the lamp is not burned out. If the lamp did not light when the ignition was turned on, but did light with a fuse inserted in the fuel pump relay, then there may be a problem with the ECU lamp driver circuit, ECU terminal connection/wiring, or the ECU itself. Before suspecting a bad ECU, or if at this point no fault lamp has shown, follow procedures under DISPLAYING FAULT CODES for MODELS WITHOUT FAULT LAMP .
The fault lamp is also used to display any trouble codes that have been stored in memory, however, some models equipped with a fault lamp will not display codes by flashing the lamp. These models require connecting an LED test light to special test connectors on the wiring harness to display codes (see DISPLAYING FAULT CODES in this section). Codes are read by counting the number of flashes of the lamp while the computer is in diagnostic mode. For the procedure for entering diagnostic mode and displaying fault codes, as well as a list of the codes and their definitions, see DISPLAYING FAULT CODES and EXPLANATION OF FAULT CODES in this section.
<b>Models Without Fault Indicator Lamp</b>
Audi vehicles with the CIS-EIII engine control system, which are not equipped with a fault indicator lamp, have only a temporary fault memory. Trouble codes are stored in this volatile memory and cleared each time the engine is started, or in some cases, when the ignition is turned "off". The ignition and fuel control units each have their own fault memory.
Beginning in 1989, some Audi models will have new test connectors for activating and reading fault codes. These new connectors are color coded for identification and are located below the dash panel, on the driver's side. Vehicles equipped with these connectors display codes by flashing an LED test light, connected between the test connectors. Models with these new connectors may still use a fuel pump relay with a fuse receptacle on top, however, the fault memory display cannot be activated through the fuel pump relay.
<b>VEHICLES WITH UNDER DASH TEST CONNECTORS </b>
1) Make sure all fuses are OK, and operate vehicle for at least 5 minutes, being sure that engine speed excedes 3,000 rpm at least once and throttle is opened to wide open throttle position at least once ("punch it" once during test drive), then let engine idle for an additional 2 minutes. Do not turn engine off as some models will erase the temporary fault memory when the ignition is turned off.
2) With engine running (or key "on"), connect LED test light positive lead to top terminal of black connector, and negative lead to bottom terminal of brown connector, using appropriate flat male connectors. Also, connect one end of a jumper wire to the bottom terminal of the black connector, and leave the other end free.
3) Touch the free end of the jumper wire to the bottom terminal of the brown connector for at least 4 seconds, then remove. Fault memory is now activated.
4) Observe LED. A start up code will display (light on once for 2.5 seconds then off for 2.5 seconds) followed by the first code stored in memory.
5) After the first code is displayed and recorded, to retrieve the next code, touch the free end of the jumper wire to the bottom terminal of the brown connector again for 4 seconds then remove. This step must be repeated for each code until ending code 0000 is displayed, indicating all stored codes have been displayed. Code 0000 is represented by the light coming on for 2.5 seconds at regular 2.5 second intervals. Record all codes as they are displayed.
6) Turn ignition "off". Remove jumper wire and test light.
12-22-2005, 09:00 AM
#4
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great, thanks craig...btw hows the audis running? quite the "winter" were having huh..lol
my cars an 88, and it has the check engine light in it... it has been flashing randomly lately after i drive for awhile, but strangely i cant say i notice any difference in my cars performance. It still runs great actually, so im just kinda curious as to what it is throwing.
12-22-2005, 11:25 AM
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The 91 is running great - the 92 needs a new battery...
Here's some stuff about those cars WITH the CEL and WITHOUT the test plugs: <i>(I didn't write these btw, just 'borrowed' them from another source.)</i>
Audi vehicles with the CIS-EIII engine control system, which are also equipped with a fault indicator lamp, have a permanent fault memory. Any emission related trouble codes that set will remain in the computer memory until manually erased. Other non-emission related codes are stored in a volatile memory and cleared each time the engine is started, or in some cases, when the ignition is turned "off". The ignition and fuel control units each have their own fault memory. The fault lamp will illuminate when a problem is detected by either ECU. If the problem is intermittent, the light may go out when the fault is no longer present, or may stay on until the memories are cleared (depending on the particular software in the computer).
<b>NOTE: Not all systems with the fault lamp will display codes through the lamp.</b> Some require connecting an LED test light between a special test lead (located near the fuel distributor) and the battery positive terminal (or other battery power source) to display codes. On these systems, the LED will flash codes in the same manner as other systems that use the fault lamp for display. To find out which system you are attempting to test, activate fault memory display (see procedure below) and observe fault lamp. If fault lamp does not flash a code, then it will be necessary to connect an LED test light to display codes. In this case the fault lamp is used only to inform the operator that a fault has been detected and a trouble code has been stored.
<b>ACTIVATING FAULT MEMORY DISPLAY</b>
Beginning in 1989, some Audi models will have new test connectors for activating and reading fault codes. These new connectors are color coded for identification and are located below the dash panel, on the driver's side. Vehicles equipped with these connectors do not display through the fault indicator lamp. Instead, an LED test light must be connected between the test connectors to display codes. Models with these new connectors may still use a fuel pump relay with a fuse receptacle on top. Inserting a fuse into the relay will cause the fault indicator lamp to illuminate and stay on until the fuse is removed, however, this is a fuse check only. The fault memory display cannot be activated through the fuel pump relay.
On models not equipped with the new style diagnostic test connectors, the fault memory display is activated in the same manner as earlier models, by inserting a fuse into the top of the fuel pump relay for four seconds and then removing. When activated, codes will display by the flashing of either the fault lamp or a properly connected LED test light.
<b>VEHICLES WITHOUT UNDER DASH TEST CONNECTORS</b> use the following procedure to display fault codes.
<b>1)</b> Make sure all fuses are OK, and operate vehicle for at least 5 minutes, being sure that engine speed excedes 3,000 rpm at least once and throttle is opened to wide open throttle position at least once ("punch it" once during test drive), then let engine idle for an additional 2 minutes. Do not turn engine off as some models will erase the temporary fault memory when the ignition is turned off.
1a] If the engine won't start, make sure all fuses are OK, and use the ignition key in the start position to crank it over for at least 6 seconds. This will allow the control units to read signals from input sensor, check for incorrect readings, and restore or set fault codes (if any). Don't turn ignition off , fault memory may be erased.
<b>2)</b> With engine running (or key "on"), connect LED test light negative lead to test connector near fuel distributor, and positive lead to battery positive terminal (if vehicle is not one that displays via fault lamp) - (if this is the proper connection on your vehicle, there will be an unconnected plug socket coming off the fuel regulator wire harness, near the fuel distributor).
(Note: If you are not sure which lead on your test light is the positive lead, connect test light between the battery terminals. If the LED lights up, you have the positive lead on the positive terminal. If not, reverse the connections. If it still doesn't light, get a new test light.)
<b>3)</b> Insert a good fuse into the receptacle on top of the fuel pump relay for at least 4 seconds, then remove. Fault memory display is now activated.
<b>4)</b> Observe fault indicator lamp (or LED). A start up code will display (light on once for 2.5 seconds then off for 2.5 seconds) followed by the first code stored in memory.
<b>5)</b> After the first code is displayed and recorded, insert fuse into the relay again for 4 seconds, then remove, to retrieve the next code. This step must be repeated for each code until ending code 0000 is displayed, indicating all stored codes have been displayed. Code 0000 is represented by the light coming on for 2.5 seconds at regular 2.5 second intervals. Record all codes as they are displayed.
<b>6)</b> Turn ignition "off", and remove test light.
<b>READING FAULT CODES </b>
When the fault memory display is activated, the fault lamp (or LED) will display a start signal, and then the first code, by flashing the fault lamp (or the properly connected LED test light). Codes are four digits long and are read by counting the number of flashes in each sequence.
After one sequence of flashes is displayed, designating one code, that sequence will repeat until the next sequence is manually activated. For example, 2 flashes-short pause, then 1 flash-short pause, then 2 flashes-short pause, then 3 flash-long pause, repeat, indicates a code 2123 (full throttle switch - shorted switch or grounded wire). The next code will not display until activated in the same way as the first. The ignition ECU will display it's memory first. When all ignition related codes have been displayed, the fuel control unit will begin displaying it's codes. All codes are read in the same manner except for code 0000 (end of display) which is displayed by the light staying on for 2.5 seconds, then going out for 2.5 seconds alternately.
Audi vehicles with the CIS-EIII engine control system, which are also equipped with a fault indicator lamp, have a permanent fault memory. Any emission related trouble codes that set will remain in the computer memory until manually erased. Other non-emission related codes are stored in a volatile memory and cleared each time the engine is started, or in some cases, when the ignition is turned "off". The ignition and fuel control units each have their own fault memory. The fault lamp will illuminate when a problem is detected by either ECU. If the problem is intermittent, the light may go out when the fault is no longer present, or may stay on until the memories are cleared (depending on the particular software in the computer).
<b>NOTE: Not all systems with the fault lamp will display codes through the lamp.</b> Some require connecting an LED test light between a special test lead (located near the fuel distributor) and the battery positive terminal (or other battery power source) to display codes. On these systems, the LED will flash codes in the same manner as other systems that use the fault lamp for display. To find out which system you are attempting to test, activate fault memory display (see procedure below) and observe fault lamp. If fault lamp does not flash a code, then it will be necessary to connect an LED test light to display codes. In this case the fault lamp is used only to inform the operator that a fault has been detected and a trouble code has been stored.
<b>ACTIVATING FAULT MEMORY DISPLAY</b>
Beginning in 1989, some Audi models will have new test connectors for activating and reading fault codes. These new connectors are color coded for identification and are located below the dash panel, on the driver's side. Vehicles equipped with these connectors do not display through the fault indicator lamp. Instead, an LED test light must be connected between the test connectors to display codes. Models with these new connectors may still use a fuel pump relay with a fuse receptacle on top. Inserting a fuse into the relay will cause the fault indicator lamp to illuminate and stay on until the fuse is removed, however, this is a fuse check only. The fault memory display cannot be activated through the fuel pump relay.
On models not equipped with the new style diagnostic test connectors, the fault memory display is activated in the same manner as earlier models, by inserting a fuse into the top of the fuel pump relay for four seconds and then removing. When activated, codes will display by the flashing of either the fault lamp or a properly connected LED test light.
<b>VEHICLES WITHOUT UNDER DASH TEST CONNECTORS</b> use the following procedure to display fault codes.
<b>1)</b> Make sure all fuses are OK, and operate vehicle for at least 5 minutes, being sure that engine speed excedes 3,000 rpm at least once and throttle is opened to wide open throttle position at least once ("punch it" once during test drive), then let engine idle for an additional 2 minutes. Do not turn engine off as some models will erase the temporary fault memory when the ignition is turned off.
1a] If the engine won't start, make sure all fuses are OK, and use the ignition key in the start position to crank it over for at least 6 seconds. This will allow the control units to read signals from input sensor, check for incorrect readings, and restore or set fault codes (if any). Don't turn ignition off , fault memory may be erased.
<b>2)</b> With engine running (or key "on"), connect LED test light negative lead to test connector near fuel distributor, and positive lead to battery positive terminal (if vehicle is not one that displays via fault lamp) - (if this is the proper connection on your vehicle, there will be an unconnected plug socket coming off the fuel regulator wire harness, near the fuel distributor).
(Note: If you are not sure which lead on your test light is the positive lead, connect test light between the battery terminals. If the LED lights up, you have the positive lead on the positive terminal. If not, reverse the connections. If it still doesn't light, get a new test light.)
<b>3)</b> Insert a good fuse into the receptacle on top of the fuel pump relay for at least 4 seconds, then remove. Fault memory display is now activated.
<b>4)</b> Observe fault indicator lamp (or LED). A start up code will display (light on once for 2.5 seconds then off for 2.5 seconds) followed by the first code stored in memory.
<b>5)</b> After the first code is displayed and recorded, insert fuse into the relay again for 4 seconds, then remove, to retrieve the next code. This step must be repeated for each code until ending code 0000 is displayed, indicating all stored codes have been displayed. Code 0000 is represented by the light coming on for 2.5 seconds at regular 2.5 second intervals. Record all codes as they are displayed.
<b>6)</b> Turn ignition "off", and remove test light.
<b>READING FAULT CODES </b>
When the fault memory display is activated, the fault lamp (or LED) will display a start signal, and then the first code, by flashing the fault lamp (or the properly connected LED test light). Codes are four digits long and are read by counting the number of flashes in each sequence.
After one sequence of flashes is displayed, designating one code, that sequence will repeat until the next sequence is manually activated. For example, 2 flashes-short pause, then 1 flash-short pause, then 2 flashes-short pause, then 3 flash-long pause, repeat, indicates a code 2123 (full throttle switch - shorted switch or grounded wire). The next code will not display until activated in the same way as the first. The ignition ECU will display it's memory first. When all ignition related codes have been displayed, the fuel control unit will begin displaying it's codes. All codes are read in the same manner except for code 0000 (end of display) which is displayed by the light staying on for 2.5 seconds, then going out for 2.5 seconds alternately.
12-22-2005, 01:53 PM
#7
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I don't know for sure on your car.....but
there seem to be a couple ways to hook up a test light (if the CEL is not there, or IS there but your version doesn't show codes) AND there seem to be a couple ways to trigger the Code Blinking.
I've waded through all this stuff and here's my summary version, if you do NOT have a CEL OR if triggering the blinking does NOT set the CEL flashing. It seems either could occur, OR, the CEL could flash and your life would be simpler. (so many variations!):
<b><u>Connect Test LED:</u></b> either by:
1) Connecting to the A & B connectors that should be dangling below the knee pad/shelf panel... <i>OR</i>
2) Connecting to the fuel distributor/regulator lead plug and the battery. <i>(never heard of this version until I read the article)</i>
<b><u>Triggering the Code Blinking:</u></b> <i>doing either one or the other of these for about 4 seconds with the ignition on</i>
1) Inserting a fuse into the top of the fuel pump relay (under the hood)... <i>OR</i>
2) Jumping the correct connections on the test plug connectors dangling below the knee pad/shelf panel.
<b>On my car,</b> the test plugs hang down at the far front edge of the lower dash (knee pad/shelf) panel. They weren't at first, but I just reached up from below and felt around at the edge of the panel - found them a little left of the brake pedal. Now that I've pulled them down, they are always accessible, but high enough not to be caught by my shoe.
On my 91 90 (non Q), I trigger Code flashing with the LED connected to the lower dash test plugs and using a jumper wire at that location also. Others may vary...
I've waded through all this stuff and here's my summary version, if you do NOT have a CEL OR if triggering the blinking does NOT set the CEL flashing. It seems either could occur, OR, the CEL could flash and your life would be simpler. (so many variations!):
<b><u>Connect Test LED:</u></b> either by:
1) Connecting to the A & B connectors that should be dangling below the knee pad/shelf panel... <i>OR</i>
2) Connecting to the fuel distributor/regulator lead plug and the battery. <i>(never heard of this version until I read the article)</i>
<b><u>Triggering the Code Blinking:</u></b> <i>doing either one or the other of these for about 4 seconds with the ignition on</i>
1) Inserting a fuse into the top of the fuel pump relay (under the hood)... <i>OR</i>
2) Jumping the correct connections on the test plug connectors dangling below the knee pad/shelf panel.
<b>On my car,</b> the test plugs hang down at the far front edge of the lower dash (knee pad/shelf) panel. They weren't at first, but I just reached up from below and felt around at the edge of the panel - found them a little left of the brake pedal. Now that I've pulled them down, they are always accessible, but high enough not to be caught by my shoe.
On my 91 90 (non Q), I trigger Code flashing with the LED connected to the lower dash test plugs and using a jumper wire at that location also. Others may vary...
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12-22-2005, 02:10 PM
#8
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excellent, i just found the 2 "dangling connectors" by the footwell..
I'll have to mess with it later tonight or tomorrow, the gf is taking me out for my bday dinner.....great info, mucho gracias!
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