Any way I can pull my OBD/CEL code myself?

[Joey Link]

My car's check engine light comes on then goes off at random times and the car has an idle surge problem, I believe they're related. I can most likely fix it myself, but I want to know what's wrong before I go shootin in the dark and spending a bunch of money. Before I take it somewhere, is there any way I can pull the code myself? Someone on bf.com mentioned there's a gas pedal method but after an exhaustive search of multiple boards, I can't seem to find it.

*EDIT* figures, right after I post I find it.

[parkerbink]

Displaying Fault Codes for Motronic 1.3 (E34 5 Series, etc)
Using Motronic 1.3, The ECU (Engine Control Unit) remembers fault codes if problems develop while operating. When a problem is detected, the ECU stores the fault code and then flashes the Check Engine light. Normally these codes are retrieved using a scan tool plugged into the diagnostic connector. There is an alternate method to read these codes if no tool is available:

1. Turn the ignition key to the run position.
2. Depress the gas pedal to the floor five times in rapid succession. (Activates the wide open throttle switch)
3. The ECU then displays the error codes by flashing the check engine light in a sequence that corresponds to the code. Eg: Error Code 1222 is displayed by flashing once, then pausing, then flashing twice, then pausing, then flashing twice two more times. If there are no faults, you should see the 1444 code, or 2444 if you have a 12 cylinder model. 12 cylinder models have additional codes for the second Motronic ECU. The code replaces
the first digit (1) with a (2).

Motronic 1.3 Fault Codes
Fault Code
Malfunction

1211 DME Control Unit
1215 Air Mass/Volume Sensor
1216 Throttle Potentiometer
1218 Output Stage, Group 1
1219 Output Stage, Group 2
1221 EGO(O2) Sensor 1
1212 EGO(O2) Sensor 2
1222 Lambda Control 1
1213 Lambda Control 2
1223 Coolant Temp. Sensor
1224 Intake Air Temp. Sensor
1225 Knock Sensor 1
1226 Knock Sensor 2
1227 Knock Sensor 3
1228 Knock Sensor 4
1231 Battery Voltage/DME Main Relay
1232 Throttle Idle Switch
1233 Throttle WOT Switch
1234 Speedometer A Signal
1237 A/C Compressor Cut Off
1242 A/C Compressor
1243 Crankshaft Pulse Sensor
1244 Camshaft Sensor
1245 Intervention, AEGS
1247 Ignition Secondary Monitor
1251 Fuel Injectors (group 1)
1252 Fuel Injectors (group 2)
1253 Fuel Injector 3
1254 Fuel Injector 4
1255 Fuel Injector 5
1256 Fuel Injector 6
1257 Fuel Injector 7
1258 Fuel Injector 8
1261 Fuel Pump Relay Control
1262 Idle Speed Actuator
1263 Purge Valve
1264 EGO Heater
1265 Fault Lamp (check engine)
1266 VANOS
1267 Air Pump Relay Control
1271 Ignition Coil 1
1272 Ignition Coil 2
1273 Ignition Coil 3
1274 Ignition Coil 4
1275 Ignition Coil 5
1276 Ignition Coil 6
1277 Ignition Coil 7
1278 Ignition Coil 8
1281 Control Unit Memory Supply
1282 Fault (Code) Memory
1283 Fuel Injector Output Stage, No Cyl#
1286 Knock Control Test Pulse
1444 No Failures
Copyright ? 1999 Richard Nott

[Joey Link]

Thanks! :D

[Jand3rson]

Does pulling the codes with this method still work if your ECU is chipped?

[e30sd]

yes

[AdamF 88iS]

Only applies to Motronic 1.3, which means the end of 88 and up. 87s and early 88s have 1.1, it flashes the single digit codes by itself just by turning the key on without starting.

[parkerbink]

My 90 works like this with MarkD's chip.