How To Read Error Codes
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detected a problem that could increase emissions. When this happens, the OBD II system sets one or more diagnostic trouble codes that correspond to
How To Read Engine Codes Without A Reader
the problem detected. To read the codes, you will have to how to get check engine light codes without scanner toyota plug a scan tool or code reader into the 16-pin OBD II diagnostic connector, which is usually located
Where To Get Car Codes Read For Free
under the dash near the steering column. The tool will then display the code or codes that have turned on the Check Engine Light. To read codes, you need the car diagnostic codes list proper scan tool. On older (pre-1996) vehicles, an OBD I scan tool is required. 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 1996 and newer vehicles is OBD II, the connectors are all the same - but the software (and hardware) that is required read obd2 codes without scanner ford to read the codes can vary depending on the year, make and model of your vehicle. HOW TO READ DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES 1. Locate the 16-pin OBD II diagnostic connector (usually under the dash near the steering column). Note: On some vehicles, it may be necessary to remove a knee bolster panel or other panel to find the connector. On some the connector may be located in the center console or someplace else. If you cannot locate the OBD II diagnostic connector, refer to your vehicle owners manual. 2. Plug in your code reader or scan tool. 3. Turn the ignition ON, but do not start the engine. This is usually necessary so the scan tool can communicate with your car's computer. 4. Depending on the scan tool you are using, push the READ CODES button or select the READ CODES option on the tool menu. Note: some scan tools do not automatically recognize the year, make and mode of your vehicle. You will first have to enter this information before the scan tool will read any
Instructable »How to Read Codes From Your Check Engine Light (For older cars) by noahw in cars Download 3 Steps Share Favorite I Made it! Collection Intro Intro: How to Read Codes From Your Check Engine Light (For older cars)You can pay a mechanic a bunch of money to read your car's error codes when http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-Read-Codes-From-Your-Check-Engine-Light-Fo/ your check engine light comes on, or you can grab a paper ... 1 Step 1: Find Your Vehicle's Diagnostic PlugThe first step is to find your vehicles diagnostic plug. The one in my car was a small blue plug that was http://codes.rennacs.com/Manual-info.php bundled together with another factory plug ... 2 Step 2: Bridge the WiresGet a paper clip or a piece of wire with the ends stripped off. Stick one end of the wire or paper clip in one of the holes ... how to 3 Step 3: Watch the Flashing Light and Decipher the CodeWith the wire in place, put the key in the ignition and put the car into the "run" position. That's two clicks for Honda users. Wait a second ...Show All Items You can pay a mechanic a bunch of money to read your car's error codes when your check engine light comes on, or you can grab a paper clip and read the codes yourself.After 1996 all cars were made to hook up to codes without a an external error code reader. Before 1996 however, cars reported their errors from the computer themselves via a flashing code from the check engine light. The dreaded check engine light comes on while you are driving only to signify that there is a problem. The specific error or failing part could be one of many different things that the computer senses for. You can bridge a set of wires in your car and send the cars computer into its error reporting mode so that you can find out whats wrong with your car. Again, this instructable is only useful for people who have cars that report engine trouble via a flashing check engine light. This should be true for many cars made before 1996.Here is a short video explaining the code deciphering process. For the full instructions check out the following steps.Step 1: Find Your Vehicle's Diagnostic PlugShow All Items The first step is to find your vehicles diagnostic plug. The one in my car was a small blue plug that was bundled together with another factory plug beneath my glove box on the passenger's side of the car. Just stick your head up under the dashboard on the passenger side and look around for a plug that isn't connected to anything. If you don't have a Honda Accord then do a search online for where your plug is located and you will probably find some good leads. Pull the diagnostic plug out from the plastic housing that is bundlin
you can use as a jumper wire is a "Steel Paper Clip" that has been straightened out as shown in the diagram to the right. It must be a steel one, and not have any plastic coating on it. Using a paper clip or a piece of wire as a jumper wire is PERFECTLY SAFE. Using jumper wires to flash codes has been built in by the car manufacturers to ensure people without a Scan Tool or Code Reader can still diagnose the vehicle faults by reading the codes. Simply follow the step by step instructions which clearly show you which terminals on the diagnostic connector to link, and then insert the Paper Clip into those terminals. The picture to the right show a typical example of bridging 2 terminals of a diagnostic connector to start a Check Light flashing on the dashbaord. The website pages will now generally ask you to turn the Ignition Key On. A Check Light on the Dash will now begin to Flash as shown in the diagram to the right. By using the code timing information, you can now understand the pattern of the light flashes, and you can write down the code numbers as they are flashed in sequence. You can then enter the code numbers into the final Codes Screen to get the code description (code meaning). Using an LED Tester or Voltmeter to read the codes Some vehicles such as pre 1998 Mitsubishi's and Hyundai's, plus some Kia and Mazda vehicles do not display codes on a flashing dash light. These vehicles give thier code signals directly from the diagnostic connector. You will need to use an LED tester or a Voltmeter to read the codes from these vehicles. If you don't have a voltmeter or an LED tester you can easily make an LED tester for under $1, as detailed in the steps below. How to make an LED tester to read the codes for less than $1 Step 1 Solder a 10K ohm resistor on to the positive (longer leg) of an LED. You need the 10K ohm resistor to limit the current draw from the vehicles diagnostic lines. The LED will still be bright enough to see flashing. Step 2 Solder one wire onto the bottom of the resistor. Solder another wire WHICH IS SLIGHTLY SHORTER THAN THE FIRST WIRE onto the remaining LED leg. The Longer wire is your Positive (+) wire. You should now have something looking similar to the picture below. This basic LED tester will work perfectly well, and allow you to read t