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Error codes going off in your Turbo Regal?
NO Scanmaster?
Or no type of scan tool at all to read your Turbo Regal engine codes?
One of those devices would make diagnoses easier, but they aren’t actually required to figure things out in your Buick Grand National, Turbo T, or Regal T-type.
A simple paper clip is all you really need to read the error codes stored in your ECM.
The method to check the diagnostic circuits which causes the Service Engine Soon light (or check engine light) to come on can be viewed manually without some type of scan tool.
You can read the codes set in the ECM, by looking at the SES light, and counting the number of blinks it gives off.
Here’s how:
1. Find the ALDL connector, which is located under the dashboard, on the drivers side, to the left of the radio. It’s a black rectangular connector with 12 terminal slots (but not all of these terminals are wired up).
2. Turn the ignition ON but DON’T start the engine. “Take a bent U-shaped paper clip, and stick one end in the A slot, the other end on the B slot.
[ as you are looking at the ALDL as installed in the car: ]
A = the top right hole.
B = the hole directly to the left of that.
A = ground connection.
B = diagnostic terminal.
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3. Once you insert the paper clip, the Service Engine Soon light will begin to flash.
The first code it will blink will be code 12.
It will do this 3 times in a row.
This means that the ECM diagnostics are functioning properly.
AFTER those 3 code 12’s, any error codes that the ECM sees (stored in the memory) will begin to flash.
Any/all error codes will repeat 3 times, each, starting with the lowest code and working up.
Once the computer is done revealing all of the error codes, it will start over with the code 12.
This cycle will continue until you remove the paper clip, or you start the engine.
You should write down any codes the ECM give you, so you can look them up and check what the issue is with your Buick Regal.
[ error codes list ]
4. Fix any/all issues that are revealed.
5. Once that’s done, you’ll need to clear the codes from the computer.
Disconnect the ECM wire, which can be accomplished by removing the fuse from the line (orange wire, near the battery).
Keep it disconnected for at least ten seconds.
Then reinstall, which will clear all codes.
[ just fyi, if you don’t clear the codes, the ECM will do it for you after starting the engine 50 times, assuming that all the malfunctions are now fixed ]
How do you know if there’s NO error codes on your G-body Regal?
By default, a steady on, non-blinking Service Engine Soon light, with the ignition ON and the engine not running, will confirm proper battery and ignition voltage being supplied to the ECM, with no codes being flashed.
So there you go, you don’t need any scan tools to read the error codes.
But they surely do make things easier when you have one!
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