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A Guide to Diagnosing

A Guide to Diagnosing Your Vehicle's Trouble Codes

Modern vehicles are equipped with internal computers that monitor their performance and alert you to potential problems by generating trouble codes. But what do these codes mean, and how can you fix the issues they indicate?

To start, it's essential to understand two key concepts:

On-Board Computer Diagnostic System (OBD): This integrated tool monitors your vehicle's essential systems, including the engine, airbags, and antilock brakes. Since 1996, vehicles have been equipped with an OBD-II diagnostic system, which requires an OBD-II diagnostic scanner to communicate with it.

Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC): This code is generated by the OBD system to alert you to a problem. It consists of a series of five letters and numbers, which allows you to identify the system that's not functioning properly.

Reading and Interpreting Trouble Codes

Trouble codes can vary depending on the make and model of your vehicle. For example, a P0420 code may indicate an issue with the catalytic converter or o2 sensors. With hundreds of possible codes, it's essential to have a good understanding of what each code means.

Getting to the Bottom of Your Vehicle's Diagnostics

To diagnose and fix issues with your vehicle, you have two options:

Purchase a code reader: You can buy a code reader to scan your vehicle's OBD system and identify any trouble codes.

Schedule an appointment with a local vehicle repair facility: Let us help you find a reputable mechanic shop in your area. All shops licensed and vetted on their training, equipment, automotive expertise and past customer reviews.

Remember, while trouble codes may not be specific to a particular make or model, the steps required to fix the issue often depend on the type of vehicle you drive.

Common OBD-II Trouble Codes

All

BXXXX

Most common BXXXX OBD-II codes

CXXXX

Most common CXXXX OBD-II codes

PXXXX

Most common PXXXX OBD-II codes

UXXXX

Most common UXXXX OBD-II codes

B

B0001

Driver Frontal Stage 1 Deployment Control

B0020

Left Side Airbag Deployment Control

B0040

Third Row Left Side Airbag Deployment Control

B0060

Driver Seatbelt Tension Sensor

B0099

Roll Over Sensor

C

C0001

TCS Control Channel

C0021

Brake Booster Performance

C0040

Right Front Wheel Speed Sensor Circuit

C0055

Steering Wheel Position Sensor

C0081

ABS Malfunction Indicator

P

P0001

Fuel Volume Regulator Control Circuit/Open

P06A0

Variable A/C Compressor Control Circuit

P0900

Clutch Actuator Circuit/Open

P2181

Cooling System Performance

P3400

Cylinder Deactivation System

U

U0001

High Speed CAN Communication Bus

U0100

Lost Communication With ECM/PCM

U0222

Lost Communication With "Door Window Motor A"

U0300

Internal Control Module Software Incompatibility

U0509

Invalid Data Received From "Seat Control Module A"

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U0011

Medium Speed CAN Communication Bus Performance

U0299

Lost Communication With DC to DC Converter Control Module "B"

P0300

Random/Multiple Cylinder Misfire Detected

P02AD

Cylinder 5 - Injector Leaking

B0099

Roll Over Sensor

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