Can you manually extract diagnostic codes on a 1994 Mazda protege DX?

Question

Can you manually extract diagnostic codes on a 1994 Mazda protege DX?

Answer 1

Most likely you can, but you would need a shop manual or find the information on-line as to exactly how and what the codes mean. A quick Google of "Mazda Protege Forums" turned up many responses, so check with them.

Most cars allow the use of a volt meter to read stored codes.  The manual would specify which contacts on the diagnostic port to connect with the volt meter probes.  The best are the analogue meters as you can watch the needle swing.  The pattern of the "swing" details an error code which can then be referenced to a chart in the manual.

Also, many vehicles have 3rd party software that can run on laptops or PDA's that can do this much easier.  You would by the appropriate software/hardware and simply plug into the diagnostic port to read codes, sensor data, etc.  Again, check on the forums to see what is available and recommended