Further 1995 Dodge Intrepid's Check Engine Light

Prior to the introduction of Onboard Diagnostics, Series II in 1996, most manufacturers including Chrysler used a system of blinking lights to communicate stored engine information to the vehicle owner. While OBD-II's vast array of sensors could deliver thousands of different trouble codes, the older OBD-I system is limited to but a few dozen. Other People Are Reading How to Turn Off the Check Engine Light on a Dodge How to Troubleshoot Dodge Intrepid Engine Problems Systems Monitored
The OBD monitors not only the engine via the sensors, but itself and the sensors. The computer monitors the battery and charging system voltage, the emissions system components, manifold air pressure, each of the fuel injectors, the idle-air control system, air-conditioning system, air-to-fuel ratio, crankshaft position and rpm, a number of functions in the transmission, antilock brakes and a number of other ancillary systems. The computer also monitors itself and sensors by continuously comparing the sensor inputs and ensuring they make sense.
Checking the Codes Chrysler's OBD-I offers mechanics two different options when it comes to pulling the codes. The technician can plug a specialized scanner into the computer diagnostic port and pull the code numbers or he can use the old "blinking light" or "self-retrieval" method. Pulling the codes with the scanner is faster and more accurate, but the blinking lights will work in a pinch if you don't have a scanner. Any chain auto parts store or dealership service center should have a complete code listing for your exact model and trim level. A repair manual will have the same information.
Don't Blink Without starting the engine, sit in the driver seat and turn the ignition key on three times in rapid succession: on, off, on, off, on. Note the check engine light begin to flash in sequence and pause, indicating the number code. The first series indicates the tens place, a short pause indicates it's finished with the tens place, the second series the ones place and a long pause means it's through with that series. Example: three flashes, a short pause, five flashes and a long pause indicate a code 35.
Further Diagnosis Don't treat the codes as gospel; the fact is that the OBD system will give you some idea of the basic engine malfunction (overheating, lean condition and more), but it's up to you to figure out exactly what's causing the failure. OBD-II is far better at pinpointing the exact cause of a failure, primarily since it collects data from so many more sensors. OBD-I data can be a bit misleading as well. For instance, the computer might record an EGR malfunction, but the culprit may in fact be a malfunctioning manifold air pressure sensor that fails to record accurately the pressure effects of exhaust gas in the manifold.