Repair 7

How to Manually Read Codes in a 94 Nissan Altima

You can manually read the trouble codes set by the diagnostics computer in your 1994 Nissan Altima right from your garage, saving both time and money. The 1994 Nissan Altima has an "Onboard Diagnostics I" computer (OBD I) that retrieves and stores all trouble codes sent to it from sensors positioned throughout the vehicle. When these sensors detect any malfunction in the Altimas powertrain, they send trouble codes to the computer. The computer, in turn, illuminates the warning and service lights on the instrument cluster. You can retrieve these codes using an OBD I code scanner. You can purchase an OBD I scanner at any auto parts store.

Instructions

1

Locate the data link connector (DLC) port on the driver-side dashboard under the steering column. Its the same size and shape as the connector on the OBD I code scanner. Carefully plug the code scanner into this port.

2

Put the key into the Altimas ignition and turn it to the "on" position, but dont start the engine. Wait for the code scanner to power on.

3

Select the command "Read Codes" or something similar. Wait while the code scanner retrieves the codes. Write the codes it displays down on a piece of paper.

4

Look up the codes in the scanners manual to get an exact diagnosis. Unplug the scanner and have the vehicle repaired or serviced based on the information obtained from the codes.