A/T - Alternative Method to Retrieve Codes
January, 1994Technical Bulletin # 206
^ Transmission: KM 175 Series
^ Subject: Trouble code retrieval
^ Application: Chrysler Mitsubishi, Hyundai
KM175
Series Trouble Code Output
An Alternative Method
Trouble codes on a Chrysler/Mitsubishi/ Hyundai with a KM175, 6 or 7 style unit are retrieved by connecting a voltmeter to the ELC/4AT terminal of the diagnostic connector, located either in the glove box or next to the fuse box above the drivers feet. Your service manuals show you the hookup and read procedures, as well as the code patterns and lists.
When you experience a problem, the computer will recognize it and probably put the unit into the "fail-safe" mode, which locks the unit into third gear. The computer will set a trouble code that you can read by hooking up a voltmeter to the diagnostic connector and watching the pattern and length of 12 volt On and Off pulses.
One problem here is that the code patterns can be confusing. You might misread the codes, resulting in an incorrect diagnosis and wasted time. A better method of reading these trouble codes is to listen to them with a buzzer.
Go to your local Radio Shack(TM) and pick up a 12 volt buzzer such as number 273-026, or 273-055. Solder some miniature alligator clips to the wires (Figure 1).
Now you can hook up your buzzer to the diagnostic connector instead of your voltmeter. When trouble codes are set you can listen for the long and short beep patterns, rather than try to make sense out of voltmeter needle sweeps. Hook the red (+) clip to the ELC/4AT terminal and the black (-) clip to the ground terminal and you're ready to go (Figure 2).
Another side benefit to using a buzzer ... When you call the ATRA Helpline for assistance on trouble codes, you can hold the phone near the buzzer and the car can "talk" directly to us. This way there won't be any mix-ups over the wrong code patterns.