My jeep suddenly wont start and after some reading I am suspecting the crank sensor but I wanted to do a manual code scan first to make sure. My jeep is a 96 cherokee. I turned the key on and off 3 times leaving it on the third time. Supposedly this should result in the check engine light flashing codes but nothing happens. Does anyone know what is going on or what I need to do differently to get the scan to work.

 

What year???

 

96

 

OBDII models (1996 and “SOME” 1997 models) Put the key into the ignition, push down the odometer reset button, then turn the key to RUN with your finger on the button - and then release the button. The odometer will go through 1111111 through 999999, then display the car's serial number. It will then show the 2 digit error codes. A "5-5" will always occur to signal the end of the sequence. Some will flash the "1-2" code indicating a recent battery disconnect even if you haven't done it. Ignore these two codes, and mark down all others.

The2 digit code is helpful, but it is not as specific as the full PXXXX code, which is only available using a code reader or scan tool, so generally I recommend using the code reader or scan tool. But if you have a CEL and don’t have access to a code reader or a scan tool, try the odometer technique to point you in the right direction until you can gain access to a code reader or scan tool

Note: The above OBDII odometer technique works only for 1996 and early 1997 model XJs, so while it might work on one 1997 XJ, it might NOT work on another! Once Chrysler made the change during the 1997 build year, for anything built after that date through 2001 you will need either a code reader or a scan tool to retrieve the codes.

 

Ok I thought that way was only for the models with digital odometers