The check engine light on the 1989 Chevrolet Silverado comes on only to indicate a serious problem with any of the sensors, solenoids or valves that help the Silverado run properly. Since the check engine light can indicate a malfunction or failure of any number of components, you need to know how to troubleshoot the problem before you fix it. While the dealership has specialized tools for doing this, you can read your check engine light at home for free through the assembly line communication link in the passenger side footwell.
Tools Used: Paperclip, Protective gloves
Troubleshoot Check Engine Light
Locate the assembly line communication link in the passenger side footwell to the left of the glove box.
Put on your protective gloves. Then, straighten out a large paperclip. You will need to jump or connect two of the terminals in the link.
Locate the 5th and 6th terminals on the top row of the link.
Ground the 5th and 6th terminals (also called terminal "B" and terminal "A" in the vehicle's service manual). Insert one end of the paperclip into one of the terminals and insert the other end of the paperclip into the other terminal.
Turn the ignition to the "on" position. This will ground the terminals and cause the computer to enter the diagnostic mode. The check engine light will begin to blink. A series of flashes will appear. For example, the light may flash once, then pause, then flash two more times. This indicates an error code of "12." If the light flashes twice, pauses, and then flashes three more times, this is error code "23." The computer will flash the entire error code three times. Note the error code and use the Silverado's service manual to determine what problem corresponds with the particular error code.
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