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Check Engine Light On?
Is your "Check Engine Light" on? An illuminated "Malfunction
Indicator Lamp" (or MIL ) means a fault has been detected in the
engine control system and one or more "diagnostic trouble codes" (DTCs) are stored in the engine's computer. Depending on the nature of the fault, the lamp may come on and go off, remain on continuously or flash. Some types of
intermittent faults will make the lamp come on only while
the fault is occurring. When the fault goes away, the lamp goes off.
Other types of problems will turn the light on, and it will remain on
until the fault is diagnosed and repaired.
The Check Engine lamp has proven to be a great annoyance to many
motorists (as well as professional technicians) because it seems to
have a mind of its own. For one thing, it doesn't tell you anything about
the nature of the problem or what the trouble code might be. It could be something serious - or it might
not. There is no way to know without performing a diagnostic test on the
system. Consequently, you don't know if you should stop immediately
or ignore the light and keep driving. If no other warning lights are on,
and the engine seems to be running normally (no unusual noises,
smells, vibrations, etc.), it is probably safe to assume the problem is
minor and won't hinder your ability to continue driving. But sooner or
later, you should have the cause of the light investigated.
Whenever the Check Engine light comes on, a "diagnostic trouble code"
(DTC) or fault code is recorded in the powertrain control module (PCM) memory. The trouble code has a number that corresponds to the type of fault. Some problems can generate more than one trouble code, and
some vehicles may suffer from multiple problems that also set multiple
trouble codes.
SETTING TROUBLE CODES
In most older vehicles (those made before
1996), disconnecting the computer power source or disconnecting a battery
cable could erase fault codes -- at least temporarily until the trouble code resets and
turns the check engine light back on. But on many newer vehicles, you do NOT want to
disconnect the battery because doing so can wipe out the computer's
memory settings as well as the trouble codes. This may affect the operation of the transmission,
climate control system and other functions.
In most newer computer systems, fault codes are stored in a
"nonvolatile" memory that is not lost if the battery is disconnected. The
trouble codes remain intact until they are cleared using a scan tool.
To look up generic Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), see the following pages:
DTC CODES P001 to P0099
DTC CODES P0100 to P0199
DTC CODES P0200 to P0299
DTC CODES P0300 to P0399
DTC CODES P0400 to P0499
DTC CODES P0500 to P0599
DTC CODES P0600 to P0699
DTC CODES P0700 to P0799
DTC CODES P0800 to P0899
DTC CODES P0900 to P0999
Chrysler Powertrain Codes P1100 to P1399
Chrysler Powertrain Codes P1400 to P1899
Ford P0171 & P0174 Lean Codes
Ford Powertrain Codes P1000 to P1299
Ford Powertrain Codes P1300 to P1499
Ford Powertrain Codes P1500 to P1699
Ford Powertrain Codes P1700 to P1999
GM Powertrain Codes P1000 to P1299
GM Powertrain Codes P1300 to P1499
GM Powertrain Codes P1500 to P1699
GM Powertrain Codes P1700 to P1899
Controller Area Network (CAN) Codes
Check Engine Light On? Got a Trouble Code and Need Help Now?
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Diagnostic Trouble Code DTC Reference Guide
<< Main Menu . . Sample screen >>
Quick Reference Guide to Automotive Diagnostic Trouble Codes
Diagnostic Trouble Code Finder provides a searchable database of thousands
of engine, emissions and transmission fault codes by vehicle make. This program makes it
easy to quickly look up trouble code definitions so you can know what the trouble code means.
NOTE: This program does NOT include ABS, airbag, climate control, suspension or body trouble codes. It is OBD II trouble codes only.
DTC Code Finder tells you how to retrieve and read fault codes on the import and domestic
vehicles that are covered (see below). On pre-OBD II vehicles, it tells you how to
retrieve trouble codes if flash codes are provided. On OBD II vehicles, a scan tool or fault code
reader must be plugged into the diagnostic connector to read out the trouble code numbers. You
can then use this program to find out what the trouble code number means (many inexpensive scan tools
and fault code readers only give you a number and no definition). The program also includes
some general tips on how to proceed with your fault diagnosis.
Diagnostic Trouble Code Finder lists definitions for basic fault codes (pre-OBD II vehicles) as
well as 1996 and newer vehicles with OBD II (including both "generic" and
"enhanced" OEM codes).
Coverage includes the following applications:
* Audi
* Chrysler & Jeep
* Ford, Lincoln & Mercury (including KOEO & KOER codes)
* General Motors (Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Oldsmobile, Pontiac, Saturn)
* Honda
* Hyundai
* Infiniti
* Isuzu
* Kia
* Lexus
* Mazda
* Mitsubishi
* Nissan
* Toyota
* Volkswagen
* Volvo
* Any vehicle that is OBD II "generic" compliant
NOTE: This software does NOT interface with the vehicle or make your PC function as a scan tool.
It provides definitions for trouble codes only. For use with vehicles that can
provide manual FLASH CODES only, or for use with a BASIC SCAN TOOL or plug-in CODE READER that
can display a diagnostic code number."
If you are looking for software that allows your PC to interface with a vehicle and
read fault codes and other sensor data, try
Auto Tap OBD II software for PCs.
Diagnostic Trouble Code Finder will run on any PC with Windows 95 or higher (98, ME, 2000, XP).
PRICE: $19.95 for download version, add $2.95 for program on CD sent by first class mail
How To Order DTC Code Finder Guide Software:
Click Here if you wish to order DTC Code Finder by mail (printable order form)
Click Button Below if you wish to buy DTC Code Finder now and receive it as a DOWNLOAD file.
(The program will be sent to you as an email ZIP file attachment when we receive notice of your credit card payment ):
NOTE: Orders placed late at night or on holidays may not be processed until next business day.
For Download help, click here
Click button below to want to buy Diagnostic Trouble Code Finder on a CD.
The CD will be sent to you today (or next business day) by First Class mail:
Click button below to get our Special 4-in-1 Diagnostic Software CD that includes all four of our best-selling programs: OBD II Guide,
Sensor Guide, Emission Guide and DTC Code Finder -- all on one CD for the special price of $69.95 (plus $2.95 postage)...
The CD will be sent to you today by First Class mail:
Be sure to visit our other websites:
AA1Car Automotive Diagnostic Help Center
Carley Automotive Software
Auto Repair Yourself
OBD2HELP
Random-Misfire
ScanToolHelp.com