I am confused 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:

Quote:
The computer gives the mechanic a code of numbers or letters that designate the source of a problem. Without the reference material to interpret the code, a mechanic can't fix the car.
Can't they just look up the OBD-II code?

Is there something that I am missing here???

1996 Contour SE Sedan 4D (Royal Blue)
Duratec V6 2.5L 24-valve DOHC
Automatic
75,000 miles
No Mods (unless you call the DMD a mod)
Replaced EGR valve (gunked up), EVR (EGR VR), PCV valve, and evaporative emissions hose (cracked).