How do you read a check engine light code?

How do you read a check engine light code?

1. How to read OBD codes: Preparation.
2. Step 1: Plug the OBD scanner into the OBD port.
3. Step 2: Turn on the ignition.
4. Step 3: Enter the Vehicle Identification Number.
5. Step 4: Find OBD codes in the menu.
6. Step 5: Interpret the first character of the OBD code.
7. Step 6: Interpret the second character of the OBD code.

Can I read my own check engine light?

Can I Check My Own Light? You can. All that you need to check your own light is an OBD-II reader, which can pull codes that help you find out what’s wrong with your car.

How do I find my engine code?

Find it in the lower corner of your windshield on the driver’s side. Your VIN number is your vehicle identification number and you can find your engine size by VIN number. In the series of numbers and letters, the tenth from the left denotes the model year and the eighth is the engine codes.

Does AutoZone lend code readers?

We can help you get a reading yourself. Borrow an OBD reader to get a Check Engine Light reading with the AutoZone Free Fix Finder Service. It’s a simple task that takes less than two minutes.

Does AutoZone do free code reading?

Many drivers don’t realize that AutoZone, the nation’s largest auto parts chain, will do the following services free of charge: Read the codes on your check engine light. Test your battery’s voltage. Check your alternator and starter.

What does my VIN number stand for?

vehicle identification number
That’s your vehicle’s VIN or “vehicle identification number.” It’s essentially your car, truck or SUV’s unique code – a sort of specific serial number – that is used to identify where and when a vehicle was made as well as who made it. Actually, the vehicle’s specific serial number is located at the end of the VIN.

What does 0 DTC mean on a code reader?

Means you have no codes.

What are engine fault codes?

Diagnostic Trouble Codes, also known as engine fault codes, are five-digit codes that identify a particular problem in the car. Each individual combination of letters and numbers relates to a specific problem within the car, whether a generic issue or a manufacturer-specific error.

What should you do when your check engine light comes on?

When your Check Engine Light comes on, you should get it checked out quickly by a certified mechanic. If the engine light comes on due to a serious concern, you risk damaging your car further by not repairing the issue right away. Warning: If the Check Engine Light comes on and flashes, it indicates a very serious concern.

How many different codes can a check engine light represent?

There are literally hundreds of different codes a Check Engine Light can represent. While that sounds daunting, with a little patience, tackling basic diagnostics will give you useful knowledge about your vehicle and will also allow that Check Engine Light to do what it is really supposed to do: be your guide.

Is there an app that can diagnose check engine light?

There are several ways to diagnose your check engine light, but we’re going to use an app called Dash. This app lets you store important information about your car, track your driving and, as a bonus, diagnose check engine lights.

What kind of port does check engine light use?

Every car sold in the US after 1996 has an OBD-II port that you can use to connect your car to your phone. This is the same port that a mechanic will connect to in order to find out what’s wrong with your car when the Check Engine light comes on.