help with code reading

[funky technician]

hay guys, I finally checked the code my car was intermitently throwing, it was either 18 or 8, I don't know, when I turned the key forward with the test lead grounded, all the lights came on(including the CEL) and then the CEL went off for a good 3 or 4 seconds and then it came on flashing and flashed 8 times, so is the initial turning of the key when you start counting or do you wait till after it went out the first time from turning the key forward, then you start counting after it starts again, also does anyone know what these codes are? its an FI b6 with the B6 ECU out of an 89 323, I don't know if the codes are the same for the 1.3, but I lost my haynes anyhow so I guess it doesn't matter
thanks :wink:

[25Horseplay]

I thought the code numbers were univesal.

[funky technician]

really? i don't know, I dont hvae my haynes manual ant more either to check :cry:

[skeeters_keeper]

that would be a code 8, the initial period when it was on happens whether there is a code set or not. if there is no code set it will come on, then the CEL will shut off and stay off. If there is a code it comes on, goes out for a few seconds and then begins flashing the code, and the code keeps looping with 4 or so seconds between each repeat.

code 8 is MAF code, check the wiring/ etc on your airflow sensor... thats probably why your running rich. The codes for OBD I codes are NOT universal, however for OBD II (95 and up in the US, not sure about you guys) they are universal. however the B3/B6 codes are the same, both my B3 and B6 ECM threw a code 17 on my B6.


you LOST YOUR HAYNES??? how could you? lol... better go get another!

[funky technician]

thanks man, at least were getting closer to the answers with our swaps :wink: and ya I know, I lost the bible :shock: I need to do a real good serch for it, all the torques and everything is in there :?