My check engine light came on, so I looked up how to pull codes with the ignition key. Turn the key through 3 cycles, ending with it on, right? Well, I can't get it to work. I'm guessing I'm doing something wrong- any ideas? I also tried 5 cycles, e- brake on, holding my mouth just right, etc. I've got an 08 Unlimited if that matters.

 

On off on off on. That's the cycle.

 

Yep, tried that- still nothing. Weird.

 

I had the same thing on my '07. I tried the key trick with no success only to realize later that the key trick only shows the code once. If it showed and you were still doing the key thing wrong and you missed it, now the code is gone but the light remains.

Go to AutoZone or whatever your local chain auto parts store is and tell them you have a check engine light on. Not only will they scan it for free, but look up the code for you, and if you want, clear it too.

Don't be surprised if it's the EGR valve. It's a common problem with the 3.8L going back to it's minivan origin.

 

is your driver's door closed when you do it? hood?

 

I think the trick was to go from off to on to acc to on to acc to on fairly quickly. And yeah, I did see a code briefly before my slow reflexes could catch up. Couldn't get it to come back- now I just get the dashes and dOne. Oh well- keeping my fingers crossed that it was just a loose gas cap, and that the light goes off soon. Thanks for the help, guys.

 

quadratec.com,,,
goto the knowledge section,,, theres a section for codes,, youll find anything you want in there

 

The trick for me was to consciously keep pushing the key toward the center of the steering column during the On off on off on cycle previously mentioned.