[200q20v] code-triggering switch (was Re: 200q20v digest, Vol 1 #258 - 10 msgs)

[Phil & Judy Rose]

At 10:34 AM -0800 2/26/01, George Sidman wrote:
>A few requests for more info on the code display button came
>in, so here goes.
>I grew weary of crawling under the dash to fiddle with a
>jumper on the code connector, so, when I had the under dash
>trim off to put in the new wiper intermittent relay, I also
>dropped the side panel against the console. I unscrewed the
>mounting block that holds the connector plug, and using
>inline crimp connectors, I parallel wired the two code
>connector pins to a black momentary contact push button,
>which I mounted in the side of the console just to the left
>of the lighter.
>
>Now, when I want to know the codes, I turn on the key and
>press the button for four seconds. The check engine light
>then flashes out the codes. I understand that on some cars
>the check engine light might be missing its bulb, so you'll
>want to make sure that is fixed. This allows a wrench with a
>computer to connect and do the normal thing, and lets me see
>the codes on my own. The button is almost invisible, while
>allowing me to psychoanalyze the dysfunctional
>codependencies between the engine and the ECU......

I've done the same, except that I mounted the little 
momentary-contact switch below the dash above the clutch pedal--on 
the plastic air duct that runs just above the pedals. It's so 
stealthy that I usually need  to grope for a few seconds to find it. 
It's reachable from a seated position. It's perhaps the most fruitful 
20 or 30 minutes you can spend on your car, IMO.

Oh, that 20-30 minutes doesn't count the replacement of the 
check-engine bulb. :-)

Phil
-- 
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*  Phil & Judy Rose           Rochester, NY  *
*        mailto:pjrose at frontiernet.net       * 
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