The following steps will guide you through the process of removing fault codes: You can clear fault codes by using a scanner or a code reader. How to Clear Fault Codes?Ĭlearing fault codes is a basic and essential task that you must carry out after every repair or service on a car. Many resources are available to help you troubleshoot engine problems, including service manuals and online forums. Once you have the code, you can start troubleshooting the problem. Code readers work the same way as scanners, but they don’t offer the same level of functionality. Code readers are less expensive than scanners, and you can purchase them at most auto parts stores. If you don’t have an OBD-II scanner, you can also use a code reader. Some scanners also come with software that interprets the codes and describes the problem. OBD-II scanners plug into the vehicle’s diagnostic port and allow you to read and clear the codes. There are a few ways to read the codes, but the most common is through an OBD-II scanner. Once you have located the module, you can start reading the codes. Most vehicles store the trouble codes in the Engine Control Module (ECM) or Powertrain Control Module (PCM). To read trouble codes, you’ll first need to know their location. However, it is always best to have a problem checked out by a qualified mechanic to be sure. Often, a DTC will simply indicate that a sensor circuit is out of range or a problem with the emissions control system. It is important to note that not all problems will generate a code, and not all codes indicate a serious problem. In contrast, manufacturer-specific codes are specific to a certain vehicle’s make and model. More than one manufacturer may use generic codes. Plus, codes typically have two categories: generic and manufacturer-specific. There are many different types of DTCs, and they are updated regularly as new problems are discovered. Mechanics also use them for troubleshooting and repairing vehicles. These codes indicate the cause of a problem with the vehicle and can help diagnose what is wrong. Follow the OEM repair procedures and information to ensure a complete, safe, and quality repair.7 Final Considerations What is a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC)?Ī Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) is a code that the engine control unit (ECU) stores after a diagnostic test run. Make sure to research and repair any relevant DTCs that you find when repairing the vehicles. This may be information that a service technician will need at a later time to diagnose a problem unrelated to the collision. The final example would be if there is an internal engine DTC that set months before the accident, that code should not be deleted. This is a digital fingerprint of the repair process and may confuse future diagnostics if left in the system. These codes should be cleared and verified they are corrected. These DTCs were most likely set due to the vehicle being started and moved while the parts were disconnected. This means the system may not be functioning correctly.Īnother example would be if parts were removed from a vehicle during the repair process and the DTCs were for loss of communication with those parts. If the DTC is just deleted, the system may not reset the DTC until a certain distance is travelled. An example would be if a DTC says a calibration is needed. These are all actions that cannot be ignored. there was a loss of communication with a module.If the code was from a previous issue, it could hinder future diagnostics. Simply deleting these codes can leave the door open for problems further on. The DTC could be from the accident, from the repair process, or a previous issue altogether. When a DTC comes up on the scan, this means that there is an error or problem in the system. In order to properly repair the vehicle, the DTCs need to be recorded, investigated, and a decision made on how they should be handled. There is a misconception in the collision repair industry that when the physical repairs are completed, you hook up a scan tool, and clear all codes. Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) are normally the main goal of scanning, however, DTCs are often misunderstood.
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