Check engine light

My check engine light came on today and someone told me to plug 2 paperclips in the to computer plug in and turn the key on...when i did this the check engine light flashed once paused then flased twice so im guessin that means the code is 12...does anyone know what that means or how i can find out what it means

In looking back through all of your threads, I see that you have a '93 4x4.  Please include this information in your posts if you are seeking help with a problem so those of us wishing to help do not have to dig for that information.

*Moving to 1st Gen Tech*

Does this pertain to the two other threads you have open on the subject of rough idle?  If so, please try to keep everything together.  I will be closing your other threads in an effort to consolidate things down to a single problem thread.  This will reduce overlap in suggestions and avoid confusion.

Oh yeah that probably would be a little helpful
 
its a 93 s10 blazer with a 4.3 L Vin W

Does the CEL only blink the 12 and then nothing else?  If there are more codes pending, it should blink 1, then 2, longer pause, then the next two digit code.  If I remember right, it should flash 12 again when all of the codes have been displayed...

wait, do all 1st gens have this paperclip trick?

Yes, all 1st gens with OBD1 should be able to be diagnosed with the paper clip trick.  If you have a plug under the dash, you should be able to do this.  Trucks with a carb, well...  You don't have OBD..

It should repeat the codes three times.