So, is there a way for a DIYer to see what codes are being thrown without having to hook it up to a computer? My check engine light came on and I don't want to have to go pay the dealer 90 bucks to hook up to it. The 99 in my sig.

 

You can buy a code reader (you want an OBD-2 reader) from Kragan, Napa, Autozone, Northern Tools, Sears and so on. I got mine on EBay for pretty cheap.

 

If you have a Autozone, or Checkers close to you and it still runs they'll read the codes for free in the parking lot.

 

Can't you just cycle the key three times? I don't remember which years that works on, but it works on my 2001.

Dave

 

it doesn't work on some trucks , i have to use a code reader to pull all the codes, i have an early '01

 

The key cycle works fine on mine, and mine's an 01.

 

same here early 01 and I have to use a code reader

 

the basic code reader at two of my local autoparts won't read all the codes. I still have a brake and ABS light on whenever it's below 60 degrees and When I hook it up it says no codes present....but they work on my wife and daughter's cars.
Try the ones by you and if they read it post the manu and model# of the reader!!

 

The "brake light" and "ABS light" always being lit are the code. It's a pretty common issue with our trucks. It means one of the ABS sensors are bad or malfunctioning; usually the rear one in the top of the differentional. But brake issues will not show up in the ECM's OBDII system; they are two completely different systems.

 

From what I've found, the key on-off trick won't work on a 99 but yes, it should on an 01. Yea, as stated take it to any AutoZone, O'Riely or I think even NAPPY auto and they'll read the codes for free.

 

The only years the key off/on trick for reading codes doesn't work on is '98 and '99.

 

It works on my 2001. Have to do it just right not to fast not to slow. Try it a few times.

 

So what is it when just the ABS light lights periodically, by itself, and not the brake light?

 

Could be a short? I'd look over each of the sensors and see if there is anything visually wrong with them first though. I had a similar problem happen on one of my old cars and one of the mounting bolts for an ABS sensor was missing which allowed it to rotate a little bit, after I put a bolt back in it stopped lighting up every now and then.

Harbor freight sells them for $20 normal price, and they go on sale for $10 occasionally, if my friend didn't have a nice expensive code reader I would have bought one already :P.