Cash dispensing automated banking machine diagnostic system

An automated banking machine operates responsive to data read from data bearing records. The machine includes a card reader that is operative to read data from user cards corresponding to financial accounts. A controller in the machine selectively illuminates light emitting devices for purposes of facilitating user operation of the machine. Sensing devices adjacent a card reader slot on the machine enables the controller to detect the presence of unauthorized card reading devices. Servicing the machine is facilitated through use of a portable diagnostic article which enables the controller to access diagnostic data stored in memory and which provides data indicative of the significance of the diagnostic data.