Clearing the codes does NOT make the problem go away. Further diagnostics will usually be necessary to diagnose the faulty part that needs to be replaced to fix your problem.Ĩ. VERY IMPORTANT: Most codes DO NOT tell you what part to replace,only that a problem has occurred in a particular sensor circuit or system. You can no safety clear (erase) the codes by pressing the CLEAR CODES button or choosing the erase code option on the scan tool menu.ħ. If your tool does not also display the definition of the code, Click Here to look up the definition of the code(s).Ħ.
WRITE DOWN THE CODES! This is important for later reference. Your scan tool should display any diagnostic fault codes that are present in numerical order.
You will first have to enter this information before the scan tool will read any fault codes.ĥ. Note: some scan tools do not automatically recognize the year, make and mode of your vehicle. Depending on the scan tool you are using, push the READ CODES button or select the READ CODES option on the tool menu. This is usually necessary so the scan tool can communicate with your car's computer.Ĥ. Turn the ignition ON, but do not start the engine. If you cannot locate the OBD II diagnostic connector, refer to your vehicle owners manual.Ģ. On some the connector may be located in the center console or someplace else. Note: On some vehicles, it may be necessary to remove a knee bolster panel or other panel to find the connector. Locate the 16-pin OBD II diagnostic connector (usually under the dash near the steering column).
On 1996 and newer vehicles is OBD II, the connectors are all the same - but the software (and hardware) that is required to read the codes can vary depending on the year, make and model of your vehicle. Since connectors were not standardized, the scan tool must have the proper adapter for the vehicle's diagnostic connector (since they were all different). On older (pre-1996) vehicles, an OBD I scan tool is required. To read codes, you need the proper scan tool. The tool will then display the code or codes that have turned on the Check Engine Light. To read the codes, you will have to plug a scan tool or code reader into the 16-pin OBD II diagnostic connector, which is usually located under the dash near the steering column. When this happens, the OBD II system sets one or more diagnostic trouble codes that correspond to the problem detected.
How to Read Diagnostic Trouble Codes by Larry Carley copyright 2019 Ĭheck Engine Light On? That means the onboard diagnostic system on your vehicle has detected a problem that could increase emissions.
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