Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums General General Cracking diagnostic codes - article

Yep.

http://www.cnn.com/2002/TECH/ptech/06/24/diagnosing.cars.ap/index.html

I am confused .

What "codes" are they talking about in the article?

My understanding is that ALL 1996+ cars that are sold in the U.S. are Federally mandated to use the OBD-II system for emissions. This means that there is only ONE standard out there.

The article says:

Can't they just look up the OBD-II code?

Is there something that I am missing here???

If I am correct, each car has different codes. The OBD-II is just a standard system for obtaining these codes. Ford, GM, and other makers use different versions of this system, but can all be read by the same device if it's programmed correctly. The mechanic has to have the codes for each car, because the system only is a standard for retrieving the codes.

Well, there are a set of OBD-II standard codes. And then each manufacturer adds to it with "manufacturer specific codes". Then you have the Airbag codes, the ABS codes, the ATX codes, etc. I think those codes are the ones the article is talking about.

i agree, my brother has a obd2 diagnostic, reader if u wanna call it that. and it tells, what the code is, on reader. it would say like p0231 (made code) oxygen sensor bank 2

it says exactly whats wrong with it. but there are some codes, that say manufacture specific.

I'd say PA 3L SVT has it nailed. OBD-II specifies a standard set of engine management related codes, or the P-codes (for powertrains, such as P0171.)

Chassis codes are vendor specific. So when it comes to learning what the ABS, climate control system, or whatever the carmaker has tied up to the computers (yes plural) in the car, your local shop may not be able to read the codes.

And remember, if you are trying this at home, if you get a code, you need to know why you got that code. The codes don't always just say, replace Bank 1 O2 sensor.

And if you have a mechanic working on your car, don't pay for guessing. Let them know that you are paying for their expertise, not guessing. If you want guessing, come to my house, and I'll start picking parts to swap

TB

Jason & Tony got it. I write some of the diagnostics software for OBD-II. Many maufacturer specific codes and SAE or CARB mandated codes. There is a trend right now to replace all manufacturer codes (as well as PIDs) with standardized ones if there exists one already.

As far as the current ones, just stop by Autozone and they'll let you pull the codes for free. No secret.

Aaron

OWN3D
http://www.contour.org/cgi-ubb/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=38&t=007458&p=

I would highly suggest buying a scan tool to read fault codes with. I have one and it's probably one of the best things i've bought for my car. It takes the guesswork out of diagnosing problems and is great for checking a vehicle's operating condition at any time. IMO, if you mod your car at all it's a necessity.