In order to scan your car for codes, you must first locate the diagnostic connector. It will be under the
drivers side dash. Here is an example of its location. Your vehicle may be in a little different spot.
If you do not have a car code reader, many of the large national parts store chains will scan your cars
computer for free.
drivers side dash. Here is an example of its location. Your vehicle may be in a little different spot.
If you do not have a car code reader, many of the large national parts store chains will scan your cars
computer for free.
| On todays newer vehicles (1996-and up, OBDII), the diagnostic terminal is what powers up the scan tool. If the scan tool does not power up after plugging in to the connector, you will need to check fuses. Different vehicles use different fuses to power this connector. |
| After reading the codes(s) and the short description, you will need to use a diagnostic chart to pinpoint the problem. Just because the scanner shows, lets say, a code for the intake air temperature sensor, does not necessarily mean that the sensor is bad. |
The most basic scanners will just read trouble codes from the Powertrain Control Module (PCM). A little higher
priced scanners will read codes, and give some live data streams. The high end scanners will do this, and read
other computers such as Body Control Module(BCM), Anti-lock Brake module(ABS), Airbag module(SIR), Door
modules, 4-wheel drive modules, etc. These will also be able to control devices in a given circuit to go along with
diagnostic charts, and run preprogrammed test, and re-program replacement computers.
priced scanners will read codes, and give some live data streams. The high end scanners will do this, and read
other computers such as Body Control Module(BCM), Anti-lock Brake module(ABS), Airbag module(SIR), Door
modules, 4-wheel drive modules, etc. These will also be able to control devices in a given circuit to go along with
diagnostic charts, and run preprogrammed test, and re-program replacement computers.
| 12-9-10 The heads up display on a 05 Grand Prix won't come on. |
Comments
| 12-11-10 Check all the fuses. Make sure the switch is turned on. |
| 1-6-11 i am trying to find the meaning of 2 codes on my 2005 trailblazer they are P0641 and also 2138 |
| The first is a 5 volt reference problem. Either a wiring problem, or a faulty electronic throttle, accelerator pedal, coolant fan speed sensor, AC pressure sensor, fuel tank pressure sensor or Secondary air Injection valve circuit. The other relates to the accelerator pedal position sensors 1 - 2 incorrect correlation. |
| 2-4-11 my vehicle will reverse but it wont drive. |
| 4-9-11 trying to find out what c1295 code is on a chevy van adventure. |
| 8-17-11 what does error only mean on the code reader |
| 10-3-11 I'm trying to find out why when I press on the gas I get this squealing noise. |
| Sounds like the scanner is not linking up properly with the car computer. |
| 10-6-11 code p1870 for 1996 GMC jimmy. |
| P1870 is transmission component slipping. Either your have a bad trans or a solenoid problem. |
| Squealing is normally caused buy a bad belt or possibly a pulley. |
| 10-20-11 I have a code P2432 on an 07 Trail blazer it is idling rough and has knocking sound when revved up and stalls. |
| 10-20-11 I cannot find code for P0455,i think it has something to do with my tranny shifting hard from 1st to 2nd.2004 cavalier. |
| Code P0455 is a large EVAP system leak. Possibly a broken wire at the vent valve under the rear of your Chevy Cavalier. |
| 12-7-11 My 2001 Chevy Malibu won't start. It turns over but won't go. It also says CAL ERR on the radio and the dash wont light up to tell me the millage. |
| Too many things to list. Do you have spark, fuel pressure, injector signal, theft light etc. CAL ERR means your radio is locked. Odometer not lighting up is most likely a bad gauges cluster assembly. |
| 1-2-12 i have a 2005 Chrysler Sebring and everything is going on my odometer reading keeps blinking my check engine light,brake light, battery light slippery pavement light and my abs n brake light is all on and when i drive the flicker.... Please help me establish what i could be facing |
| 1-12-12 trans off light and abs lights won't go off on my 2000 Monte Carlo. |
| 1-12-12 Never heard of a transmission off light? |
| 1-20-12 2002 Toyota Camry , Trac off lights come on after putting car into drive won't go off. |
| 2-28-12 My 02 Chevy Impala check engine light stays on then it blinks sometimes when j reach over a certain speed it keeps saying misfire on cylinder 4 but I've changed the coil the plug and the wire but it still comes up misfire? |
| Well, the last things are a sticking fuel injector or an internal engine problem like a broken valve spring or rocker arm stud that has pulled out of the cylinder head (on the 3.4L engine only) |
| 3-4-12 I have a 1993 Pontiac Bonneville,with a 3.8l v6 supercharger, the car in pretty good shape especially the interior. I am getting a service engine light, can I electrically check to see what the problem may be? Also since it is supercharged not anyone can work on it, is there a book or video i can purchase to enlighten me on the care of my car? Thanks. |
| Being supercharged doesn't limit a shop or mechanic from being able to work on it. It isn't anything special on your car. The check engine light should really be checked with a scanner, but since it is OBD1, you can purchase a small tool that looks like a two pronged key to insert into the diagnostic port to flash the codes over the check engine light. |
| 3-12-12 I have and 2001 Chevy impala and my Anti lock is on my brakes. Also my service traction light, tracker light is on. Every time I drive then brake its start to grind and then completely stop |
| 3-13-12 Where can I find the crankshaft position sensor on my 1996 Pontiac Sunfire 2.4L 5 speed Manuel transmission. |
| The crank sensor is near the starter. Best to view it from under the car. Just one bolt olds it on. |
| Common is a bad front wheel speed sensor. |
| 4-24-12 Replaced IAC Valve in a 2000 malibu. It idles rough car bucks back and forth. Also it makes a high pitch squeal from IAC valve when driving. Any help would be appreciated. |
| Not sure how you know there is a high pitch squeal from the IAC while you are driving ! The hood is closed and you are inside the car I would assume, because you are driving ! You have a vacuum leak. |
| I get intermittent idle issues on my 2005 ford explorer sport trac - sometimes to where it dies, and I can't start for about 5 minutes. A few times (4 or 5) the check engine light came on, with code p1235 - I've replaced my Fuel filter and fuel pump driver module - and am having a hard time recreating the issue. It seems to do it when it wants to.. Any tips/tricks? I'm using a pinpoint test for the problem, but can't figure out how to do the following (the first step): Access the PCM and monitor the FPM PID. Observe the FPM PID for an indication of a concern while carrying out the following: Shake, wiggle, and bend the FPC circuit between FPDM and the PCM Lightly tap on the FPDM to simulate road shock Do you have any suggestions? |
| Sounds like a throttle position sensor problem. |
| I have a GM quick card with two prongs that fits into data link module you then count the flashes on the dash , which terminals does this go in. |
| Depending on the year of your car, i think it is terminals 2 and 7. |
HELP CENTER
SHARE ON...
Like Us On Facebook
How To Scan Car Computer Codes
jack abascal said:
tried to have parts store scan for codes on my 1998 lincoln town car, and it could not read any it just said hit enter after all information was put in for
car.
tried to have parts store scan for codes on my 1998 lincoln town car, and it could not read any it just said hit enter after all information was put in for
car.
Bill said:
@jack abascal, So it is either a problem with the scanner or a problem with your car. Try a different store, or better yet, a repair shop. No way to tell if
it is a problem with that parts stores scanner or your car without trying another one.
@jack abascal, So it is either a problem with the scanner or a problem with your car. Try a different store, or better yet, a repair shop. No way to tell if
it is a problem with that parts stores scanner or your car without trying another one.