What reads a check engine light?
What Does a Lit Check Engine Light Mean? At it’s most basic, a lit CEL means that one of your vehicle’s sensors has detected a problem with the vehicle’s engine or powertrain, and stored a trouble code detailing the issue. An OBD-II tool can read diagnostic trouble codes that communicate what is wrong with your car.
Does check engine light have to be on to read codes?
In short, yes; it’s possible to diagnose a problem with a vehicle even if the check engine light does not illuminate. A professional mechanic would start by downloading any error codes store in your 2005 Ford Explorer’s computer.
How can a check engine light fault be read?
The first step is to read the check engine light code provided by the car’s computer system. This is the information that’s been logged by the sensors in your engine. It can be read with OBD II scanners or readers through a connection (OBD port) usually located under the steering column.
How to read and understand check engine light ( OBD )?
You will need an OBD scan tool. The scanner allows you to communicate with the computer and retrieve the trouble codes. Certain scanners may give information on what the revealed code means, but most will just give a five digit number and letter combination. Follow these 4 steps to insert and read the OBD scanner:
What does the you mean on a check engine light?
The letter “U” indicates network codes which are used for problems like module failures and losses of communication. Note: Only professional-grade or dealership scan tools are able to diagnose codes outside of powertrain codes. Step 3: Determine if the codes are Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) codes or manufacturer-specific.
What to do if check engine light is on but no code?
Check the make and model of your reader to see what it is built for and if all else fails, head into a parts store and they should be able to read the issue at no cost to you. No code being generated on the reader does not mean the driver is in the clear.
What do you call a check engine light reader?
It’s also called an OBD reader. An AutoZoner will get it for you and will have some tips for performing the reading. This is a 16-pin connector you’ll plug the reader into.