How to Read Plymouth Repair Codes & the Check Engine Light

by Brad Maddy

Overview

Chrysler, Plymouth and Dodge automobiles have a computer built into them that is able to monitor and record error conditions. Repair shops have fancy tools that they can plug into your vehicle's computer to read these error codes. The vehicle manufacturer has also made it possible for the vehicle owner to check error codes by following a few simple steps.
How to Display Codes

Step 1

Climb into the driver's seat of your car and place the key into the ignition.
Step 2

Turn the key to the "On" position and quickly cycle back and forth between "On" and "Off" between three and five times, depending on the model. Some vehicles need to cycle between "ACC" and "ON."
Step 3

Watch the "Check Engine Light" blink. The light displays the two-digit error code by blinking on and off. Error code 24 would display as two blinks, followed by a short pause, then four blinks.
Step 4

Count the total number of codes. The light may display multiple codes. Remember that each code is only two digits. The ending code is 55. That means that when it blinks five times, pauses, and blinks five times, the vehicle has finished displaying codes.
Step 5

Record the codes on your pad of paper for reference.

2
Pad of paper Pen or pencil
Pad of paper
Pen or pencil
You may need to try multiple times in order for the vehicle to display the codes correctly. You should complete the cycle within about five seconds. Newer models will display the error code in the odometer. The codes begin with the letter P.
You may need to try multiple times in order for the vehicle to display the codes correctly. You should complete the cycle within about five seconds.
Newer models will display the error code in the odometer. The codes begin with the letter P.
Make sure that the parking brake is applied. The codes will not display in some models if the brake is not on. Do not start the car. Simply turn the key to the "On" position.
Make sure that the parking brake is applied. The codes will not display in some models if the brake is not on.
Do not start the car. Simply turn the key to the "On" position.